Animal Crossing: New Horizons Surprise Update Released For Series' 25th Anniversary

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Animal Crossing New Horizons characters and players participating in various activities on the shore.

Published Apr 14, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT

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Today celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Animal Crossing franchise, and to celebrate such an impressive milestone, Nintendo has surprised Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans with an exciting free update. Launching back in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was considered a lifesaver as it arrived just in time for the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Allowing friends to keep in touch whilst also getting to enjoy the latest installment of the beloved Nintendo franchise, New Horizons sold over 47 million copies worldwide, marking itself as the best-selling Animal Crossing title of all time.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Just Got Another Update

 New Horizons

At the start of the year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons welcomed a major 3.0 update, as well as a Nintendo Switch 2 port. With Nintendo criticized for not having released any new content since 2021, it seems as though it is making up for lost time with another big update releasing today. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the life simulation franchise, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has welcomed its Ver. 3.0.2 update.

This update comes alongside a Leaf Ornament which can be found in the in-game mailbox. The ornament showcases the classic Animal Crossing-style leaf which would look perfect showcased in your island gardens or even in your home. Additionally, the update also introduces a new piece of in-game art which celebrates the N64 release of Animal Crossing in Japan. Nintendo's Dream Island and the code for the Nintendo-created artwork can be found by entering the following codes:

  • Dream Island code: MA-6818-1746-6029
  • Design code: MO-4LVP-F8V6-KL0B

Animal Crossing Has Turned 25

A player character looking shocked on the front step of the hotel in Animal Crossing New Horizons

It is hard to believe that the beloved life simulation franchise from Nintendo is celebrating its 25th anniversary. First launching in Japan back in 2001, the series has gone from strength to strength, especially thanks to the help of its most recent entry, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. However, in recent months, following the launch of Pokémon Pokopia, it seems as though Animal Crossing finally has some competition in the genre, with many thinking that it should take inspiration from the brand-new Pokémon entry.

That being said, with Nintendo reluctant to share any information regarding the future of the Animal Crossing franchise, it may be a while until we see that next installment. For now, fans can boot up Animal Crossing: New Horizons and look forward to two new additions to help decorate their islands and help celebrate Nintendo's impressive milestone.

Animal Crossing New Horizons
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