Animal Crossing Drops Free Reward Ahead of New-Gen Update Next Month

There are just a few weeks to go until a brand-new Animal Crossing: New Horizons update drops, and to celebrate, you can nab yourself some beautiful free downloads.

Set to launch on 15 January 2026, there is not long to go until Version 3.0 of Animal Crossing: New Horizons drops and with the life simulation game being widely appreciated for saving us all during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no doubt that millions of players will be flocking back to their beloved islands.

With Version 3.0 launching alongside a free resort hotel, expanded home storage, a ‘Reset Service’, LEGO and The Legend of Zelda collaborations, and the ‘Slumber Island’ feature, the free update will offer hours of new and exciting content.

Now with the update just around the corner, Nintendo is offering fans of Animal Crossing the chance to celebrate by customising their Nintendo Switch profiles with some of their favourite animal companions.

Available for a limited time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ owners can head to their Nintendo Switch Online profile, scroll down to the ‘Missions & Rewards’ tab and check out a brand-new Animal Crossing-related mission.

By booting up Animal Crossing: New Horizons just once, you will be able to redeem points for rewards and the rewards in question are icons for your Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 profiles.

Nintendo

How to Download

Available until 00:59 GMT / 01:59 CET on 6 January, this event will see you be able to celebrate some of your favourite Animal Crossing: New Horizons characters in icon form including Goldie, Skye, Ruby, and more.

Each icon usually costs around 5/10 Platinum Coins but as mentioned, you will be able to earn these simply by booting up Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The virtual currency is easily accumulated simply by purchasing and playing games on your Nintendo Switch and so there is no doubt that you have some stacked away to purchase icons to your heart’s content.

With your new profile image equipped, all that is left to do is wait for Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 which launches not long after the Christmas period.

Available on both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, Animal Crossing: New Horizons may just be about to receive a resurgence for the first time since Nintendo claimed it would no longer be receiving updates back in 2021.