Animal Crossing: New Horizons Free Goodies Ahead of 3.0 Update

Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ long-awaited return is almost upon us.

It was several years ago that the beloved title dropped its “final” update, so it’s a joy to see that the decision to leave the game to rot has now been reversed.

I am assuming that means we’re quite a way off receiving a brand new entry in the franchise, but I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

On 15 January, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will welcome both its free Update 3.0 as well as the paid Nintendo Switch 2 new-gen update; the latter is very reasonable, setting players back £4.19 / $4.99.

Update 3.0 Introduces New Items, a Resort Hotel, and Quality-of-Life Updates

That's decent value for money for everything you get though! There’s so much to look forward to in the free Update 3.0, with Kapp’n’s new resort hotel being the obvious headliner.

It’ll work similarly to the Happy Home Paradise DLC where players will have to decorate rooms in a way that appeals to the wants and needs of hotel guests.

The resort hotel will also introduce a ton of new items which players can purchase using hotel tickets; Tom Nook will reward you with hotel tickets for crafting him certain things.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Update, Credit / Nintendo

Outside of the hotel, there are additional new items now available from Nook’s Cranny and Nook Shopping.

These include Nintendo-themed gaming consoles and collaborations with LEGO, The Legend of Zelda, and Splatoon. Unfortunately, you will need certain amiibo in order to unlock the Zelda and Splatoon items.

The update also introduces Slumber Island, a new dream island for players to decorate, and Resetti’s Reset Service.

How To Get Free Animal Crossing: New Horizon Gift

Ahead of the update, you can bag yourself a couple of related freebies to celebrate the occasion.

My Nintendo has released a free digital wallpaper reflecting 3.0’s addition of Kapp’n’s new resort hotel.

There’s only one design available, but it does come in several different sizes so you can adorn your PC, smartphone, or tablet with this free offering.

To claim it, simply head to My Nintendo, sign in, and hit download. You don’t even need any Platinum Points for this one. As I said, it’s completely free.

It’s hardly the most exciting offering but Animal Crossing gamers appear to be grateful nonetheless.

“Amazing wallpaper,” wrote one Twitter/X user.

“These wallpapers look so good,” added another.

“Kapp’n’s got style and grace,” said one fan, and that I can agree with. Think I'll be rocking this for the rest of my work day!

As For The Paid New-Gen Version …

If you choose to purchase the new-gen update, you’ll benefit from upgraded 4K visuals, plus you’ll be able to enjoy 12-player online play.

To communicate with your pals, Switch 2 users will be able to make use of the console’s GameChat, plus a Megaphone will be purchasable in-game, allowing you to call out and find your friends on your island.

All in all, there’s plenty on the way to keep Animal Crossing gamers busy. I, for one, cannot wait.