Animal Crossing: New Horizons has enjoyed an astonishing run since its launch more than six years ago. While many fans believed official support had wound down, Nintendo surprised everyone by announcing not only a substantial, free 3.0 content update for all players, but also a separate, enhanced Switch 2 version. Both updates were pegged for a January 15 release, but Nintendo decided to give players a massive head start—the free 3.0 content update is officially live early.
We can confirm that this surprise rollout isn’t region-locked; the update is available worldwide. For most players, the download should initiate automatically simply by starting the game or waking the console. If not, you can easily force the download: just navigate to the *ACNH* application on your Home Screen, press the Plus button, select “Software Update,” and then choose “Via the Internet.”
It is important to note that only the free 3.0 content drop is live. The separate, paid Switch 2 performance upgrade, which provides better visuals, increased online capacity, and new console integrations (like mouse controls and GameChat), remains scheduled for tomorrow. That upgrade requires a $4.99 purchase.
Nonetheless, the 3.0 content is the main attraction right now. Players can dive into the new features, including the addition of a major hotel on Kapp’n’s pier, the mysterious Slumber Islands, and a collection of brand-new crossover furniture items. Get ready to return to your island paradise sooner than expected!