ACNH 3.0 Update Release Date, New Items, Villagers, Features and Preparation

The next major update for Animal Crossing New Horizons - 3.0 Version, has been confirmed to launch in early 2026. This article will cover everything you should know about the ACNH 3.0 Update, including the release date, new items, villagers, features, content, and preparation. 

ACNH 3.0 Update Release Date

The highly anticipated version 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is scheduled to launch on January 15, 2026. This update coincides with the release of the ACNH Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. It marks the first significant content expansion since version 2.0, which was released over four years earlier in November 2021 and was previously announced as the final planned update for the game. The 3.0 update introduces exciting new villagers, returning favorites, crossover items, gameplay features, and various quality-of-life improvements.

ACNH 3.0 New Villagers

1. Mineru
Mineru is a snooty deer villager inspired by the character from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As part of the collaboration with the Zelda series, Mineru brings an elegant and somewhat sophisticated personality to the island. Players can invite Mineru by scanning compatible amiibo from The Legend of Zelda series, adding a touch of royal charm and mystery to their community.

2. Tulin
Tulin is a jock bird villager, also introduced through the Legend of Zelda collaboration. Based on a character from Tears of the Kingdom, Tulin is energetic and enthusiastic, embodying the friendly and competitive spirit typical of jock villagers. Players can bring Tulin to their town by scanning the relevant Zelda amiibo, enriching their island with new energy and vigor.

ACNH 3.0 Returning Villagers

1. Cece
Cece is a peppy squirrel who returns from Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo. Originally part of the Splatoon crossover, Cece’s design has been updated to reflect her appearance from Splatoon 3, replacing the previous inspiration from Callie and Marie. She maintains her cheerful and lively personality, bringing a fresh yet familiar vibe to players who have enjoyed her character in past games.

2. Viché
Viché, a normal squirrel villager, also makes a comeback from the Splatoon collaboration originally seen in New Leaf. Like Cece, Viché’s look has been refreshed, now modeled after the characters Shiver and Frye from Splatoon 3. His calm and approachable nature makes him a delightful addition for players welcoming returning faces with updated styles.

New ACNH 3.0 Zelda Items

The ACNH 3.0 update will bring a variety of Zelda-themed items, unlockable mainly via scanning compatible Zelda amiibo figures. What to note is that the official names of these items need to be confirmed near or after launch.

Triforce

Rupee

Silent Princess Flower

Heart Container

Goddess Statue

Master Sword 

Decayed Guardian

Ocarina (distinct from the existing Ocarina DIY recipe; possibly with new customization)

Bottled Fairy

Tri 

Sword and Shield (replacing a rucksack)

Hero’s Tunic

Tulin Tunic

Mineru Tunic or Dress

Majora’s Mask

Tri Rod Wand (from Echoes of Wisdom)

Champions Wig, Tunic, Boots, and Pants

Ancient Princess Wig, Dress, and Sandals

Tulin’s Crown and Mineru’s Headpiece (uncertain)

How to Get These Items

• Use compatible Legend of Zelda amiibo (likely including the Tulin amiibo released earlier and the unreleased Mineru Construct amiibo).

• After scanning the amiibo, the related Zelda items unlock in the Promotional Tab at the Nook Stop.

• Items can be ordered from the Nook Stop but are subject to the daily purchase limit (5 per day) and delivered via mail.

• These items are similar to Sanrio furniture in that they may not be cataloged by other players unless they scan the amiibo themselves.

New ACNH 3.0 Splatoon Items

The update is also going to introduce a ton of Splatoon-themed items, which can be unlocked by scanning Splatoon amiibo (including new villagers Cece and Viche). After scanning amiibo, the items become available for purchase at the Nook Stop promotional tab, limited to 5 items ordered per day. Items can be gifted, but won’t appear in other players’ catalogs unless they scan the amiibo themselves. Below is a list of confirmed ACNH Splatoon items shown in the trailer.

Korok Forest Flooring

Korok Forest Wall

Big Man Bench

Crab Tank 

Golden Egg

Splatfest Sign Center Panel 

Splatfest Sign Left Panel

Splatfest Sign Right Panel

Splatoon Locker

Splattershot 

Squid Bumper

Squid Jukebox

Super Sea Snail 

Smallfry Headband

Inkling Head

Octoling Head

Frye Top

Hero Suit Replica

Shiver Top

Takoroka Nylon Vintage

Tri-Shred Tee

ACNH 3.0 New Features & Content

1. Resort Hotel
A brand-new Resort Hotel has been added near an extended pier on the island, run by Kapp'n and his family—Leilani, Leila, and Grams. Players can take on the role of interior designers, creating themed rooms for visiting tourists using a design system similar to the one found in Happy Home Paradise. Visitors can roam the island freely after checking in, and players can even invite specific characters via amiibo scans. Completing hotel projects rewards players with Hotel Tickets, which can be exchanged for unique souvenirs and items, while fulfilling delivery requests helps promote the hotel’s international reputation.

2. Reset Service
Mr. Resetti returns with a new service that allows players to designate areas on their island for cleanup. Whether it’s the entire beach, the whole island, or a specific zone, Resetti can clear clutter, dispose of unwanted items, or move them into storage. Additionally, he can remove planted flowers and custom designs, making island maintenance easier and more customizable.

3. Slumber Islands
Players gain access to a dream world where Luna transports them to customizable Slumber Islands. Each player can create up to three such islands, choosing from various layouts and sizes. These islands can be fully terraformed and decorated with catalog items, with the added ability to control weather and time of day. Lloid helps build bridges and slopes on demand, and players can invite villagers or friends for cooperative island editing.

4. Quality-of-Life Improvements
Significant enhancements include the ability to store trees, bushes, and flowers, freeing up valuable space. Storage capacity has been increased to a maximum of 9,000 items through two new upgrade levels. Crafting has been streamlined, enabling players to produce multiple items simultaneously and use materials stored directly in storage instead of carrying them in pockets. Terraforming now allows quicker, more precise adjustments by stepping in a single direction, simplifying fence, path, cliff, and river modifications.

5. Collaborations and Rare Items
By supporting the Resort Hotel and raising its profile, players unlock access to rare furniture themed around classic Nintendo consoles and retro toys. Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online can interact with these furniture pieces to play selected games from six classic systems, such as Clu Clu Land (Famicom) and Dr. Mario (Game Boy). Additionally, LEGO-themed furniture has been added to Nook Shopping, and new Zelda and Splatoon items are available through their respective amiibo.

6. Other ACNH 3.0 Changes

With the update, The Roost café has been modified to better accommodate multiplayer sessions on the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by adding two extra stools to each table, allowing up to 12 players to gather comfortably. Kapp'n and his family members, who were introduced in version 2.0, have received updated character designs that are more modern and polished compared to their previous appearances in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. 

How to Prepare for Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0 Update?

1. Clear Your Dock Area

The update introduces a large new hotel area on your island’s dock, which will likely require open space. It’s a good idea to remove all furniture, decorations, and items currently placed on your dock to avoid losing them or having them block access to the new hotel. Nintendo might automatically clear these items and send them to your lost and found, but clearing them yourself ensures nothing important is lost and gives you a clean slate to experiment with new dock designs once the update arrives.

2. Stockpile Bells

With many new collaboration items coming in the update that require Animal Crossing bells to purchase, it’s important to start saving money now. Engaging in activities like the stalk market, diving for sea creatures, and selling valuable resources will help you accumulate a large bell reserve. Having a substantial amount of bells ready means you can quickly buy new items as soon as they become available, allowing you to enjoy the update’s fresh content without delay.

3. Gather Nook Miles

Although it’s not confirmed if Nook Miles will be used in the 3.0 update, stockpiling them is a smart precaution. Nintendo often introduces new features or upgrades that require Nook Miles, such as custom design expansions or new services at resident services. By accumulating a healthy balance of Nook Miles ahead of time, you’ll be well-prepared for any unexpected uses they might have in the update.

4. Improve Island Rating (Aim for 3 Stars)

Many of the exciting new features, including the hotel, are expected to require your island to have at least a three-star rating. Achieving this rating involves beautifying your island, adding infrastructure, and progressing through the game’s milestones, such as hosting KK Slider’s concert. Reaching three stars before the update ensures you won’t be locked out of new content and can access everything as soon as the update is released.

5. Expand Your Catalog

The update introduces Dream Slumber Islands, allowing you and your friends to create and decorate new islands using items registered in your catalog. Since items will spawn from thin air on these islands, you won’t need to keep them physically stored, but you must have them registered. To prepare, visit other players’ islands, purchase items from shops, and complete Happy Home Paradise tasks to register as many items as possible, giving you a wide variety of options for designing your slumber islands.

6. Get Zelda Amiibo (and Other Collaboration Amiibo)

New villagers and items tied to collaborations, such as the Zelda and Splatoon series, will require specific amiibo to unlock them. For example, to invite the new villager Tulin, you’ll need the Tulin amiibo, and certain items will be unlocked by scanning any Zelda or Splatoon amiibo. If physical amiibo are difficult to obtain, NFC chips can be used as an alternative to access the content. Having these amiibo ready will help you quickly add new characters and collectibles when the update goes live.

7. Upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (Optional)

Nintendo offers an optional $5 upgrade pack on the eShop for the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game, which includes graphical improvements, mouse controls, and exclusive items like a new megaphone. While this upgrade is not necessary to enjoy the update’s core content, it enhances the gameplay experience for those interested. If you want the best visual and control enhancements, consider pre-ordering this upgrade ahead of time.