On May 19, 2025,Animal Crossing: New Horizonslaunched for the Nintendo Switch. The game came just as the COVID-19 pandemic got its hold on the world, and it quickly became a popular form of escapism for those stuck at home. Nintendo has continued to release new content forAnimal Crossing: New Horizonssince its launch through free updates, and now it has confirmed when fans can expect the next big free update for the game.
To celebrateAnimal Crossing: New Horizons' 1 year anniversary, Nintendo is releasing another free update later this week on March 18. The update will give players an additional 50 custom design slots to play with, in addition to a 1st Anniversary Cake that will be mailed to players byTom Nook. The update will also be adding a number of seasonal items for players to collect, and as usual, they will only be available in the game for a limited time.
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From March 26 to April 1,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsplayers can use the Nook Shopping service to purchase whoopee cushions, added as a way to celebrate April Fool’s Day. Players will also be able to collect prom-themed items from theAble Sisters shopfrom April 1 to April 30, with other decorations available through Nook Shopping.
TheAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsanniversary update will also feature a NookPhone upgrade. UsingNook Miles,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsplayers can upgrade their Custom Design app to Custom Design Pro, which will allow players to further customize their experience. This will include the ability to customize umbrellas, small flags, uchiwa, and photo stands. The 50 additional custom design slots should come in handy while players are creating their new designs.
Speaking of customs designs, theAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsplayers will now be able to upload their designs in a more convenient fashion. After downloading the update, players will be able to upload designs directly to the Custom Design Portal through theirNookPhone, which should save them a trip to the Able Sisters shop.
And finally,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsplayers will soon be able to get their handsy on the Sanrio Collaboration Pack. Finally making its way stateside, theAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsSanrio Collaboration Packcan be purchased at Target for $5.99 starting March 26, giving players access to amiibo cards that allows players to invite Sanrio-themed characters to their islands. The Sanrio Collaboration Pack marks the first paid post-launch content forAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, and so it will be interesting to see if Nintendo experiments with more down the road.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis out now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
