The highly anticipated Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update has officially debuted—launching a day ahead of schedule—alongside the comprehensive patch notes released by Nintendo. While enthusiasts were already expecting major additions like the dockside hotel, the update introduces several substantial modifications and hidden features that were never disclosed during the promotional campaign.
Following an announcement in late 2025, Nintendo confirmed a dual-path update strategy: the standard Version 3.0 and a specialized Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The hardware-specific version leverages the new console’s capabilities with features like mouse control support, while Version 3.0 delivers a wealth of fresh content, including an island resetting service, a vast catalog of new furniture, and the aforementioned hotel project where players take the lead on interior design.
Since the rollout, players have uncovered numerous quality-of-life enhancements that significantly refine the gameplay loop. The most transformative change affects the crafting system; beyond the previously confirmed batch crafting, players can now pull materials directly from their home storage while at a workbench. This long-requested feature eliminates the need to manually manage inventory for every DIY project. Additionally, the crafting menu now features a dedicated tab for hotel-specific requests, and Nook’s Cranny has increased the purchase limit for customization kits from five to 50 at a single time.
Terraforming and island decoration have also received a significant UX overhaul. A new movement mechanic allows players to hold the left shoulder button to strafe, moving while maintaining their current orientation. Tapping the button also enables precise 90-degree pivots, making the placement of paths and fencing far more efficient than before.
In a move to increase accessibility, two formerly restricted furniture collections are now available via Nook Shopping. The Super Mario-themed set, once tied to Nintendo Account linking, and the Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp items, which required synchronization with the mobile game, can now be ordered by all players without any external requirements.
The comprehensive 3.0 patch notes for Animal Crossing: New Horizons are detailed below.
General Updates (Nintendo Switch 2 & Nintendo Switch)
- Integration of all previously announced features and content additions.
- Batch crafting functionality: Produce up to 10 items simultaneously, provided resources are available.
- Storage integration: DIY materials can now be accessed directly from home storage during crafting.
- Enhanced DIY Recipes app: A new interface category displays hotel-specific requests and Tom Nook’s development requirements.
- Expanded Nook Shopping catalog: Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp items are now permanently available for order.
- Universal Mario items: Super Mario Bros. furniture is now available to all players regardless of Nintendo Account status.
- Strafing movement: Holding the L Button allows for directional movement while maintaining a fixed orientation.
- Resident Services updates: Isabelle now provides melodic suggestions, including the default theme, when changing the island tune.
- Flag restoration: The island flag can now be reverted to its original default design.
- Bulk purchasing: Customization Kits can now be bought in stacks of up to 50 at Nook’s Cranny.
- Expanded drop-off box: Seasonal materials, such as Snowflakes, are now eligible for sale via the Nook’s Cranny bin.
- Pascal rewards: Giving a scallop to Pascal now guarantees a Pearl in return.
- Leif’s maintenance service: If your island has 30 or more weeds, Leif can be hired to clear them during his visits or at Harv’s Island.
- Service fee reduction: The cost of Leif’s weed removal service has been lowered.
- Island Life 101: Fresh gameplay tips have been integrated into the app.
- New Nook Miles goals: Additional milestones associated with the 3.0 features have been added.
- Catalog organization: Collaboration items have been reordered in the photo studio and hotel decorating menus.
- Miscellaneous stability and experience refinements.
Nintendo Switch 2 Specific Updates
- Resolved a bug where the Nook Shopping startup chime on the in-game smartphone failed to trigger correctly.
NookLink (Mobile App) Updates
- Updated the Island Newspaper with new articles and coverage.
- The Catalog feature now fully supports all items introduced in Version 3.0.0.
Beyond the official documentation, the community has discovered several “hidden” details that add depth to the update. Notably, former residents will now remember the player if they encounter them at the hotel. Other highlights include Luna’s customizable Slumber Islands now featuring 100 dedicated design slots and the newfound ability to decorate the hotel’s exterior surroundings. Given the scale of the update, it is likely that more secrets will be unearthed as the player base continues to explore.
Source: Polygon
