My Nintendo has kicked off 2026 with a series of new rewards and promotions, highlighting the recent launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The free rewards program offers fans multiple ways to earn Platinum Points, which can be redeemed for physical items, digital content, sweepstakes entries, and Nintendo Switch Online missions. Players can participate using a Nintendo Account and enjoy both digital and real-world engagement with Nintendo’s franchises.
New Animal Crossing Rewards for the Year
This month’s rewards include a range of Animal Crossing-themed items. The Animal Crossing Colorful Bandana is now available for redemption, providing fans with a wearable item featuring familiar motifs from the game. Alongside this, players can redeem a printable 2026 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Birthday Calendar. The calendar marks the birthdays of in-game residents across all twelve months, allowing fans to keep track of important in-game events and celebrations throughout the year.
For those looking to customize their devices, the Animal Crossing Village Green Wallpaper offers a calming, cozy scene from the game. This digital reward is redeemable for a small number of Platinum Points and can be used on computers, tablets, or mobile devices to add a touch of Animal Crossing charm.
LEGO Animal Crossing Creative New Year Sweepstakes
My Nintendo is also hosting the LEGO Animal Crossing Creative New Year Sweepstakes, giving players a chance to win an assortment of LEGO Animal Crossing sets. Eligible participants can redeem Platinum Points to enter for a chance to win sets including Goldie’s Cozy House, Blathers’s Museum Collection, and the Creative Houses: Seasons of Fun. The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 13 and older. Entries run from January 15 to April 30, 2026, and require a Nintendo Account along with 10 Platinum Points per entry. Winners will each receive one of every set, allowing them to build and customize their own Animal Crossing-inspired environments.
Touring the Animal Crossing Aquarium in 2026
Starting February 13, the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour will visit new and select returning locations across the United States. Each aquarium will feature themed displays, photo opportunities, and character standees. On select dates, attendees may also meet popular characters such as Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider. Visitors who check in at the event will receive 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points, blending physical experiences with the digital rewards system and providing an interactive way for fans to engage with the franchise.
Kirby Tough Puff Sweepstakes Continues
Alongside Animal Crossing, the Kirby Tough Puff Sweepstakes remains available. Players can redeem Platinum Points for a chance to win a collection of Kirby-themed accessories for Nintendo Switch 2. Prizes include a Kirby Mouthful Advantage Wireless Controller, a Kirby statue, and a Kirby-themed slim case. The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) aged 13 and older, with entries accepted through February 17, 2026.
Nintendo Switch Online Missions and Rewards
My Nintendo continues to integrate with Nintendo Switch Online, offering Platinum Points for completing missions. Points earned through these missions can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including physical merchandise, digital content, and user icon customizations on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. Regular updates to missions and rewards ensure ongoing engagement for members, and new items are added frequently on the My Nintendo website.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
The release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a major highlight this month. Players can purchase the full game, access the Upgrade Pack for existing owners, or continue with the original Nintendo Switch edition. This ensures compatibility across both Nintendo Switch platforms while maintaining the continuity of gameplay for longtime fans.
About My Nintendo
My Nintendo is a free rewards program that allows users to earn points through account activities and Nintendo Switch Online missions. Points can be redeemed for physical and digital rewards, sweepstakes entries, and customization options. A Nintendo Account is required to participate, and new rewards are introduced regularly, encouraging players to check back frequently. The program operates with a focus on accessibility and consistency, offering a traditional point-based loyalty system rather than web3-style blockchain incentives.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is My Nintendo?
My Nintendo is Nintendo’s free rewards program, allowing users to earn Platinum Points and Gold Points for completing missions and making purchases. Points can be redeemed for digital content, physical items, and sweepstakes entries.
How do I earn Platinum Points?
Platinum Points can be earned by completing Nintendo Switch Online missions, signing in to a Nintendo Account, and participating in promotions like sweepstakes.
What rewards are available in January 2026?
January rewards include the Animal Crossing Colorful Bandana, a printable 2026 Birthday Calendar, the Village Green Wallpaper, and entries for LEGO Animal Crossing and Kirby Tough Puff sweepstakes.
Do I need a Nintendo Account to participate?
Yes, a Nintendo Account is required to earn and redeem points, as well as to enter sweepstakes.
What is the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour?
The tour is a real-world event visiting aquariums in the U.S. with themed displays, character standees, and photo opportunities. Some locations also allow meet-and-greets with characters. Visitors receive Platinum Points for attending.
Can I redeem points on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, My Nintendo rewards and online missions support both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
Are there any restrictions on sweepstakes entries?
Yes, eligibility varies by sweepstakes but generally requires participants to be at least 13 years old and legal residents of the U.S., D.C., or Canada (excluding Quebec). Terms and conditions apply.
