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Nintendo Reveals Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update with Playable Retro Games and Lego Furniture
November 1, 2025Animal Crossing: New Horizons just got a huge shot in the arm. A free version 3.0 update is coming that brings everything from official Lego furniture to classic Nintendo consoles, yes, with playable games, plus some big crossovers with The Legend of Zelda and Splatoon.
Here’s what you need to know: This major update lands for all players alongside the Switch 2 Edition on January 15, 2026. Even if you’re sticking with your trusty original Switch, you’ll get all the new content. And it’s clear Nintendo is determined to make the island life feel brand new again.
Pier-Side Hotel, Retro Consoles, and Playable NES & Game Boy Titles
One of the most surprising additions is the pier-side hotel that appears in the game. Head over there and you’ll find a souvenir shop that actually evolves, the better known your hotel gets, the more retro Nintendo products show up for sale.
You can expect to see classic Nintendo toys like the Ultra Hand, Ultra Machine, and Love Tester. But the real nostalgia punch comes from the lineup of legendary consoles on offer: the Famicom, NES, Famicom Disk System, Game Boy, and Super Famicom. These aren’t just for show, either. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can put these machines down in your in-game house and actually play classic games on them, straight out of your Animal Crossing living room.
It’s the kind of deep integration Nintendo fans have waited for. Pop open your switchable NES, and if you’re a Switch Online subscriber, you’re gaming just like it’s 1987, but from the comfort of your digital idyllic getaway.
Lego Collaboration and Amiibo Surprises
This update isn’t just about reliving old Nintendo magic; it’s also about letting your creativity run wild. Thanks to an official Lego collaboration in the Nook Shopping catalogue, you’ll be able to furnish your island with everything from Lego beds and sofas to workbenches, fireplaces, plants, tables, and even Lego-inspired outfits. It’s easy to imagine whole villages going all-in on brick-themed remodels.
The collaborations don’t stop there. Amiibo support is expanding, unlocking content from some of Nintendo’s biggest franchises. The Legend of Zelda fans can tap their collection to bring in a treasure trove of themed items: think the Triforce, Master Sword, Majora’s Mask, Ocarina, and a stack of iconic outfits. Even better, tapping Zelda amiibo also lets you invite two brand-new Zelda-inspired villagers, Tulin and Mineru, to join your island community.
Splatoon is swimming into the mix as well. Scan Splatoon amiibo and you’ll unlock Cece and Viché, two new characters rocking signature Splatoon fashion. Nook Shopping will also sell themed lockers and Inkling headwear. If your aesthetic is part-squid, part-villager, this update has you covered.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons shows no signs of slowing down, even years after launch. The 3.0 update isn’t just a coat of paint; it’s a celebration of Nintendo history and a playground for creativity, all packaged for both new and returning players. If you needed a reason to dust off your island, this is it.
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