Remember six years ago when *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* first became a global phenomenon? While many thought Nintendo had wrapped up post-launch support, the company recently shocked players by announcing both a major, completely free content update (3.0) and a separate performance-enhanced version for the new Switch 2 console. Both were scheduled to land tomorrow, January 15th, but in a delightful surprise for eager island residents, the 3.0 content patch has dropped ahead of schedule and is available to download right now.
We have confirmed that this early rollout is live across regions and not isolated to specific territories. If the update hasn’t automatically started downloading for you, forcing the download is simple: navigate to the *ACNH* icon on your Switch Home screen, press the Plus button, select “Software Update,” and then choose “Via the Internet.” This immediate access means you can already dive into the bulk of the new gameplay features.
While the massive 3.0 content update—which brings fan-favorite features like the hotel on Kapp’n’s pier, the new Slumber Islands, and fresh crossover furniture—is ready, the dedicated Switch 2 performance upgrade remains set for its original January 15th launch date. That separate $4.99 purchase, offering enhanced performance and Switch 2-specific integrations like GameChat, will require a bit more patience. Fortunately, the core new gameplay loop is ready to enjoy right away.