For the 25th anniversary of Animal Crossing, Nintendo offers players Animal Crossing: New Horizons a very targeted nostalgia gift: an official, free personalized design which reproduces the cover of the very first episode released on Nintendo 64.
The series debuted on April 14, 2001 in Japan with Doubutsu no Moriand for this quarter of a century the free update 3.0.2 of New Horizons was deployed in mid-April 2026 on Switch, with the Leaf Statue lamp and this “N64 cover” motif as exclusive gifts for players returning to their island.
Animal Crossing New Horizons: what is this special 25th anniversary free motif?
Concretely, it is a personalized pattern that you can use on paintings, panels, floors or clothing in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It uses the Japanese cover of the first Animal Crossing on Nintendo 64 : bright yellow background, green logo and small screenshots in the corner.
The design remains simplified, but the essential is there: the white spot at the bottom suggests KK Slider with his guitar, and the colors of the N64 logo are clearly visible. Above all, this pattern is completely free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who have updated the game to version 3.0.2.
The same 3.0.2 update also sends the Leaf Statue decoration to your mailbox, a leaf lamp reminiscent of the series logo, and 158 retro tracks for subscribers Nintendo Switch Online.
Animal Crossing New Horizons: how to download the free pattern easily?
To retrieve this birthday design, you need an Internet connection, an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and the Fairy Finger Sisters store open on your island. The first method is to visit the official dream island of NintendoNinten.
Lie in bed, talk to Serena, choose “Visit a dream” then enter the address DA-6382-1459-4417. On Ninten Island, save the “N64 cover” design at the Design Stand and it will then appear in the Custom Designs app on your NookPhone.
If you prefer to get straight to the point, stop by the personalized pattern portal kiosk at the back of the Fairy Finger Sisters boutique. Choose search by pattern ID and enter the code MO-4LVP-F8V6-KL0Bor the creator ID MA-6818-1746-6029 to display all official creations related to this anniversary.
Animal Crossing New Horizons: do you need to hurry for this free download?
Nintendo has not yet announced any end date for this “N64 cover” design, and the codes work in Europe as well as in Japan. But the firm has already withdrawn limited distributions in the past, so it is better to secure the design now rather than relying on permanent availability.
Once downloaded, you can transform the entrance to your island into a tribute to the N64, create a museum corner dedicated to the history of Animal Crossing or simply display this cult cover in your home.