Get Ready to Renovate with Retro in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
Hold onto those pixelated hats! The upcoming free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is about to turn gameplay into a nostalgic time capsule, with Lego-style bricks and games that’ll make players say, “Oh, I remember this,” while simultaneously wondering how “adulting” got so boring.
In a shocking twist of events, Nintendo has dropped the news that a brand-spanking-new Switch 2 Edition of the game is slated for January 15, 2026. But hey, for those who are still enjoying life on the original Switch, there’s also a free update on the way. Because who doesn’t love free stuff, right?
Level Up with a New Look!
This dazzling update, taking the game to an impressive level 3.0 (like an elevated status on a dating app, but for villagers), will toss in more features than a Swiss army knife. One of the highlights? A snazzy pier-side hotel! Complete with a souvenir shop that will be selling retro Nintendo merchandise faster than a kid at a candy store.
Imagine strolling into the hotel, perusing the souvenir section, and casually throwing down the names of beloved old-school Nintendo toys like the Ultra Hand, Ultra Machine, and the ever-so-romantic Love Tester. And for those who consider themselves masters of the game, there’ll even be memorabilia like the Famicom, NES, Famicom Disk System, Game Boy, and Super Famicom. Yes, it’s like a museum, but in your living room!
And just when players thought they couldn’t buy more pixelated dreams, it turns out they can snag these consoles to display in their virtual homes! Bonus fun: if the lucky player has an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, they can play these fantastic games. Because nothing says “living your best life” like replaying Mario for the 5,000th time.
Collaboration Extravaganza!
But wait, the excitement train hasn’t stopped yet! The update will also roll in collaboration items via Nook Shopping. Yes, there’ll be an official Lego product lineup that even the most pious Lego-enthusiast could love. Expect to see Lego beds, workbenches, fireplaces, plants, sofas, tables, and perhaps a Lego critter that can’t break its own leg when stepped on!
Tap Dancing into Nostalgia
In a dazzling yet somehow expected display of amiibo magic, players will be able to unlock characters and items from other beloved Nintendo franchises. Yes, get excited! By tapping various Zelda amiibo, players will gain access to an assortment of outfits, including the legendary Master Sword and the Ocarina. Because everyone needs an Ocarina in their life but only after brushing up on those sweet tunes.
And it wouldn’t be a Zelda-themed celebration without inviting two new guests: Tulin and Mineru, who can take up residency on the player’s island! What could be better than having additional animated oddballs in an idyllic virtual paradise?
But wait, there’s more! Tapping a Splatoon amiibo will introduce two fresh faces, Cece and Viché, both decked out in Splatoon fashion. Splatoon-themed items will also appear in Nook Shopping, allowing players to deck out their islands with splashes of pastel and a full fit of Inkling headwear. Talk about a fashion statement that could give runway models a run for their money!
So buckle up and prepare for an exhilarating journey into nostalgia, because this Animal Crossing update is a delightful mishmash of everything that’s loved about video games, sprinkled with a twist of Lego flair and pop culture cheer.
