Ahead of the 3.0 update, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is offering free gifts to collect and preparing players for a series of highly anticipated new features. After several years without major updates, Nintendo is reviving interest in its flagship title by adding free content as well as, for Nintendo Switch 2 players, a paid update with technical improvements.
Update 3.0 is scheduled to launch on January 15, 2026and it will introduce a series of new features, including a resort hotel, new items as well as gameplay improvements. But even before then, Nintendo is offering players some free gifts to celebrate the event and get everyone in the mood.
A free wallpaper to collect
To celebrate the imminent arrival of update 3.0, Nintendo is offering a free digital wallpaper to download via the My Nintendo service. This visual highlights the new Kapp’n resort hotel, one of the most anticipated additions of the update.
Simply go to My Nintendo, log in to your account and click “download” to get the wallpaper, which is available in several different sizes for PC, smartphone or tablet — and this, without spending a single platinum point.
This gift is simple, but it is widely appreciated by the community. On the networks, several fans have already shared their enthusiastic reactions to the visual.
The key new features of update 3.0
Update 3.0 itself promises to bring significant changes to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. At the head of the bill, we find a new resort hotelwhich works in a similar way to the Happy Home Paradise DLC: players will have to decorate rooms according to guests’ preferences in order to earn rewards.
Many new items will also be introduced — some available at the Nook Shop or obtained by completing missions. Additionally, a brand new island called Slumber Island will appear, offering a unique playground to decorate.
Paid options and enhanced features
In addition to free content, paid update for Nintendo Switch 2 will be available at a reasonable price. This version will bring 4K enhanced graphicsthe possibility of playing online 12 playersas well as social tools like GameChat and a megaphone to find and communicate more easily with friends on the island. Certain features and collaborative objects – notably linked to The Legend of Zelda or Splatoon – will require the use ofamiibo to be unlocked.
Fan reactions and expectations
Fan reactions before the 3.0 update are generally positive, especially around the free wallpaper offered by Nintendo. “Awesome wallpaper,” one user wrote on Twitter/X. “These wallpapers are beautiful,” another person added. These comments show that even a small gift can build community excitement as a big update approaches.