How to Update Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 and Patch Notes

Nintendo has released the official Version 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in January 14, 2026. This patch introduces quality-of-life improvements, gameplay adjustments, and system fixes for Nintendo Switch consoles. Existing save data remains unaffected.

For details on the original 3.0 major update, see our previous coverage: ACNH 3.0 Free Update – What's Coming.

How to Update Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Follow these steps to download the Version 3.0 update:

1.Connect your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 console to the Internet.

2.Highlight Animal Crossing: New Horizons from the HOME Menu without launching the game.

3.Press the + or - button to open the options menu.

4.Check the current version number under the game title.

5.Select Software Update, then choose Via the Internet.

If Software Auto-Updates are enabled, the update will download and install automatically. Ensure sufficient system storage space before updating.

Version 3.0 – New Official Patch Notes

General Updates (Nintendo Switch 2 & Nintendo Switch)

Craft up to 10 items at once with enough materials.
Use items in home storage as DIY materials.
DIY Recipes app now tracks hotel DIY requests and items requested by Tom Nook.
Items linked through Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp can always be reordered from Nook Shopping.
Super Mario Bros. items can now be purchased from Nook Shopping without linking a Nintendo Account.
Holding L Button while outdoors allows movement while facing the same direction.
Isabelle suggests recommended melodies when changing the island tune.
Restore the original island flag at Resident Services.
Purchase up to 50 Customization Kits at Nook's Cranny.
Sell more items, including Snowflakes, at the drop-off box.
Receive a Pearl for each scallop given to Pascal.
Leif can remove weeds when 30 or more exist, with reduced service fee.
New tips added to the Island Life 101 app.
Additional Nook Miles tasks introduced.
Catalog order adjustments and various gameplay fixes improve overall stability.

Version 3.0 improves daily gameplay efficiency and smooths out repetitive actions, making island life more flexible and enjoyable for long-term players.

Given that this update has just been released, new discoveries, gameplay adjustments, and 3.0 items may continue to emerge. We will update this article as additional confirmed changes are identified.