Nintendo x Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3

Nintendo x Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3

Animal Crossing: New Horizons version 3.0 adds Nintendo crossover items, including Game Boy, NES, and Famicom, for Switch and Switch 2 players.

Eliza Crichton-Stuart

Eliza Crichton-Stuart

Updated Feb 7, 2026

Nintendo x Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3

Nintendo has released version 3.0 for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, introducing a crossover that brings classic Nintendo items into the game. Available for both the Nintendo Switch system and the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, the update adds new ways for players to decorate and interact with their islands. The collaboration includes retro hardware, toys, and consoles, tying nostalgia into the broader island management and customization gameplay that Animal Crossing is known for.

Resort Hotel Adds Progression and Rewards

The update introduces a new resort hotel area where players can take on tasks to help improve guest experiences. Completing these tasks gradually increases the island’s brand recognition. As the resort becomes more popular, the in-game souvenir shop begins to stock a variety of Nintendo-themed items. This system adds a progression element to the update, encouraging players to engage with the resort while gradually unlocking the new crossover content. Unlike a simple unlock system, the resort provides a structured way to earn Nintendo items while integrating with the game’s existing island development mechanics.

Classic Nintendo Items Now in Animal Crossing

The crossover focuses on bringing a variety of retro Nintendo items into Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Players can decorate their islands with these nostalgic products, which include furniture, interactive systems, and decorative toys. Among the items featured are the Game Boy, NES, Famicom, Ultra Hand, and Love Tester. These items can be displayed around the island or incorporated into themed rooms, allowing for creative combinations that merge Nintendo nostalgia with the game’s design mechanics. The items maintain the series’ playful aesthetic while providing interactive elements for players to enjoy.

Playable Nintendo Games with Switch Online

Players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account can also access select classic Nintendo games through the new items in-game. This feature allows retro gameplay to be experienced within Animal Crossing, adding a layer of interactivity beyond decoration. Internet access is required for this functionality, and the membership is sold separately. Availability of online features may vary by region, and the subscription automatically renews unless canceled.

Compatibility and Pricing for Switch and Switch 2

The version 3.0 update is compatible with both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2. Players on the new system can access the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which is priced at $64.99. Those who already own the base game on Switch 2 can purchase the upgrade pack for $4.99. The original Nintendo Switch version remains available for $59.99. This ensures that the new Nintendo crossover content is accessible to both legacy and next-generation players.

Expanding Island Customization Options

The update enhances the core customization and decoration aspects of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. By introducing classic Nintendo hardware as furniture and interactive objects, players have more options to design themed rooms and create retro gaming-inspired islands. The items integrate naturally into the existing decoration system, allowing players to blend Nintendo nostalgia with personal island aesthetics.

Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:

Top Anticipated Games of 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 new content does version 3.0 add to Animal Crossing?
Version 3.0 adds a Nintendo crossover with classic items such as the Game Boy, NES, Famicom, Ultra Hand, and Love Tester, along with a new resort hotel feature.

Which platforms support the update?
The update is available for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to use the new items?
A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play select classic Nintendo games in-game. It is sold separately, and internet access is needed.

How do I unlock the Nintendo-themed items?
Players unlock the items by completing tasks at the new resort hotel and increasing its island brand recognition. The souvenir shop then begins stocking the Nintendo items.

Can I use the items to decorate my island?
Yes, all Nintendo crossover items can be used as furniture or interactive objects for island decoration and themed rooms.

Are all Nintendo items available immediately?
No, items are unlocked progressively as players engage with the resort hotel and improve its brand recognition.

Game Updates

updated

February 7th 2026

posted

February 7th 2026