If you haven’t heard yet, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is set to release a 3.0 update in January 2026. The update is available on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. There are many new improvements and features to look forward to, making it the perfect opportunity to start playing or rejoin the Animal Crossing world! Here’s what the 3.0 update has in store:

 

Slumber Islands

Designing just got better! Slumber Islands are for the ultimate creatives, designers, and those who seek to travel to another realm.

• In the 2.0 update, players could crawl into a bed and enter the dream world with Luna.
• In the 3.0 update, Luna will now take players to Slumber Islands.
• Up to three Slumber Islands can be created, and players will have the ability to design these islands. You can invite villagers to live on the Slumber Islands and even invite friends to play multiplayer on these dream islands.

Resort Hotel

Kapp’n is lost no more! In the 3.0 update, he and his family will be in charge of the new hotel on the island.

• The island pier will be extended in the update, which is where the Resort Hotel will be located.
• Players will be tasked with designing different themed hotel rooms.
• Tourist villagers will be invited to stay at the Resort Hotel, and those who check in will be able to roam the island freely.

Quality of Life Improvements

If you’re like me and have been playing ACNH for some time, you know how time-consuming it is to design outdoor areas. In the 3.0 update, that is about to change!

• Storage will now be expanded to different levels, including 7,000 and 9,000 items.
• Bushes, trees, and flowers can be placed in storage, allowing players to use their storage when decorating and designing outdoor areas.
• Terraforming will be a lot smoother, enabling players to move in one direction when designing fences, bridges, etc.

Reset Service

Those pesky flowers will be no more! Mr. Resetti is back and ready to help.

• If you’re looking to clean up an entire area, you can visit Mr. Resetti, who will clear the area for you.
• Items that are cleared will either be placed in storage or disposed of.
• This saves players the time of clearing out areas on their own, giving them more time to design and redesign over and over again!

With all these exciting additions on the horizon, the January 2026 Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update is shaping up to be one of the most refreshing chapters the series has seen in years.

Whether you’re a longtime fan ready to return to your island or someone thinking about starting for the first time, this update offers the perfect reason to dive in. Get ready. There’s a whole new wave of charm, creativity, and cozy island life just around the corner.

Remember to have your switch on auto update so you don’t miss out on the 3.0 update coming January 2026! Learn more about the 3.0 update here.