How to Update Animal Crossing: New Horizons
In this article, you'll learn how to update Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
On 15 November 2022, a new software update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons became available for download. Please take a moment to download and install this update while your Nintendo Switch console is connected to the internet.
Additional Information:
- Save data will still be available for use after downloading the update.
- If the console is connected to the internet, the update will download and install automatically.
- All players must be using the same version of the software to play together. Please make sure you have the same software version as the person or people you are playing with.
Complete These Steps:
- Connect the Nintendo Switch console to the internet.
- Return to the HOME Menu and launch the game.
- The update will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- Once the update is installed, the newest version number will be displayed on the title screen.
Update history
- Ver. 2.0.6 (Released 15 November 2022)
- Ver. 2.0.5 (Released 16 February 2022)
- Ver. 2.0.4 (Released 16 December 2021)
- Ver. 2.0.3 (Released 24 November 2021)
- Ver. 2.0.2 (Released 19 November 2021)
- Ver. 2.0.1 (Released 12 November 2021)
- Ver. 2.0.0 (Released 5 November 2021)
- Ver. 1.11.1 (Released 10 August 2021)
- Ver. 1.11.0 (Released 29 July 2021)
- Ver. 1.10.0 (Released 28 April 2021)
- Ver. 1.9.0 (Released 18 March 2021)
- Ver. 1.8.0 (Released 25 February 2021)
- Ver. 1.7.0 (Released 28 January 2021)
- Ver. 1.6.0 (Released 19 November 2020)
- Ver. 1.5.1 (Released 9 October 2020)
- Ver. 1.5.0 (Released 30 September 2020)
- Ver. 1.4.2 (Released 21 August 2020)
- Ver. 1.4.1 (Released 6 August 2020)
- Ver. 1.4.0 (Released 30 July 2020)
- Ver. 1.3.1 (Released 10 July 2020)
- Ver. 1.3.0 (Released 3 July 2020)
- Ver. 1.2.1 (Released 22 May 2020)
- Ver. 1.2.0 (Released 23 April 2020)
- Ver. 1.1.4 (Released 6 April 2020)
- Ver. 1.1.3 (Released 3 April 2020)
- Ver. 1.1.2 (Released 2 April 2020)
- Ver. 1.1.1 (Released 26 March 2020)
- Ver. 1.1.0 (Released 20 March 2020)
Ver. 2.0.6 (Released 15 November 2022)
Several issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 2.0.5 (Released 16 February 2022)
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue where the player could not progress through the explanation about Photopia under specific conditions after moving to another island.
- Fixed an issue where the game would not progress after a message was displayed when a conversation had started and a lot of furniture items had been placed on the island.
- Fixed an issue where Luna would repeat the explanation related to the “Search by island name” option over again.
- Fixed an issue where island residents would wear custom designs as a different pattern type than how the custom design was displayed in the tailor shop.
- Fixed an issue where an island resident visiting a player’s home would remain in the player’s home after the player used the Room Sketch app, the Happy Home Network app or the Custom Designs Portal during the visit.
- Fixed an issue where a player would use a door decoration when remodelling the home of an island resident, but the door decoration would sometimes be removed when a new day started.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Fixed issues related to DLC
The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.
- Fixed an issue where the player could not progress past the loading screen when trying to revisit a vacation home if the player previously released an ant or fly in the yard of that vacation home while the conditions for ants or flies to appear were not met.
- Fixed an issue where subsequent events would not progress properly if the player closed the software at a specific point while working on a facility.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 2.0.4 (Released 16 December 2021)
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue where the ladder set-up kit could disappear when the game was saved with the ladder set-up kit placed on the diagonal cliff on the third tier of a cliff formation.
- Fixed an issue where, under ”Seasonal Recipes” in DIY Recipes, the maple-leaf rug and frozen floor tiles were not being displayed under the appropriate seasons.
- Other fixes have also been made for more enjoyable gameplay.
Fixed issues related to DLC
The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.
- Fixed an issue where facility members wearing clothing that uses a custom design appear to not be wearing any clothing.
- Fixed an issue in ”Showroom” where uploading the player’s facilities after visiting another player’s facilities resulted in members of the player’s facilities appearing as island residents that visited the facilities.
- Other fixes have also been made for more enjoyable gameplay.
Ver. 2.0.3 (Released 24 November 2021)
Fixed issues related to DLC
The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.
- Fixed an issue where items could be duplicated through a specific method.
- Fixed an issue where the same character could appear twice on the island where Paradise Planning is located.
Ver. 2.0.2 (Released 19 November 2021)
Fixed issues
The following issues have been fixed.
- During one of Kapp'n’s boat tours, Brewster could overlap with the player and prevent the player from moving.
- Kapp'n’s song could stop playing and prevent the game from proceeding.
- Selecting the “How does this work?” option when starting a group-stretching session during a multiplayer session could prevent the game from proceeding.
- The poster for Orville would be available via Nook Shopping after inviting Wilbur to Photopia.
- The poster for Wilbur would be available via Nook Shopping after inviting Orville to Photopia.
- Placing certain furniture items on the pier could prevent the player from being able to speak with Kapp'n.
- The warp function of the pipe item would stop working after the player discussed buying furniture from a resident inside the resident’s home.
- The music for group stretching sometimes wouldn’t play if an audio device close to the plaza was playing music.
- The Nook Miles+ activity “Visit the Roost for a Coffee Break” could appear multiple times in the same day.
Fixed issues related to DLC
The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.
- The software would close when the player tried to lead Leif to the school and the placement of the furniture items in the school met certain requirements.
- Using amiibo multiple times to change the members used in a facility could cause the software to close.
- The software could close when the player repeatedly used amiibo at a finished vacation home to add or remove guests.
- The Y Button could stop removing guests when the player repeatedly used amiibo to add a guest and then removed the guest using the Y Button.
- While working, a design portfolio photo could continue to display in the upper-left of the screen after speaking to a client on the north beach.
- Bells would be spent in addition to Poki when the player ordered a present for another resident through Wardell.
- The message card regarding refunding miles for the Pro Decorating License could be sent multiple times.
- Roommates would not appear in a follow-up scene if their shared vacation home situation was ended while in the yard of their vacation home.
Ver. 2.0.1 (Released 12 November 2021)
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue that could occur if a player asked to remodel a resident’s home while the airport gate was open.
- Fixed an issue where the Kiki & Lala wand item was mistakenly appearing in Nook Shopping as “Not for sale”.
- Fixed an issue where the coconut juice and frozen-treat set items would not appear under the Miscellaneous tab in DIY Recipes.
- Fixed an issue where the flowing-river flooring item would not display properly in Photopia or expanded player homes when placed horizontally.
- Fixed an issue where some residents would try to cook using something other than a kitchen item in their home.
- Fixed an issue where residents visiting a player’s home would talk as if they were in the café.
Fixed issues related to DLC
The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.
- Fixed an issue that would allow players to proceed with the game without designing the school when normally the school would need to be designed. If you have save data where you proceeded without designing the school, you can use the following methods to restore your save data to the proper conditions.
- For players who have not remodelled the school: After completing one or two other jobs, if no other events trigger at that time, the event to design the school will trigger.
- For players who have remodelled the school: The event for designing the school will not trigger, but the features that normally unlock from the event to design the school (such as furniture items and room size) will become usable when you start your next job.
- Fixed an issue causing an error to occur when using amiibo to change members at a facility.
- Fixed an issue where you could obtain turnips countless times from Joan in the hospital.
- Fixed an issue where the ripe sugarcane plant item would unlock by obtaining tomatoes.
Ver. 2.0.0 (Released 5 November 2021)
The software has been updated if you see "Ver. 2.0.0" in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- Brewster can now open a café in the museum.
- Kapp'n can now offer boat tours.
- Gyroids can now be unearthed.
- Harv's Island can now be upgraded with an open-air market.
- Cooking has been added to the game.
- Group-stretching sessions can be started in the plaza.
- The Resident Representative can now establish ordinances to further customise the island.
- Seasonal events can now occur every year.
- The limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping will continue to be available every year as well.
- The software now supports Animal Crossing amiibo cards from Series 5.
- It’s now possible to use all of the Animal Crossing series amiibo to invite characters to Photopia.
- The maximum number of designs that can be uploaded to the Custom Designs Portal has been increased to 200.
- When dreaming, it’s now possible to search for a destination by island name.
- It’s now possible to store recipe cards in your home storage.
- When using the catalog at Photopia, it’s now possible to select different variations of an item by using the X Button if you have obtained different variations of the same item.
- A new feature has been added to make it easier to search for stored items when using “Sort: Type” in Decorating Mode while in your home or other locations.
- As part of this change, adjustments have also been made to the order in which items are sorted.
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional items are available for purchase from various retailers like Nook’s Cranny and the Able Sisters.
- Additional redemption items are available as part of the Nook Mileage Program.
- Additional limited-time seasonal items will be available from Nook Shopping.
- K.K. Slider has more music tracks to share.
- New hairstyles and Reactions have been added.
- New message-card options have been added.
- New activities have been added to the Nook Mileage Program and Nook Miles+.
- Home storage can be expanded.
Support for downloadable content (DLC)
- This update adds support for the paid downloadable content Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.
Please note that the following conditions must be met in order to play content from Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise:
- The building for Resident Services must be built.
- You must have your own house.
- You must have finished the DIY workshop.
Adjustments and fixed issues
- Some item names have been changed.
- An issue where only trash or stones could be obtained from created water features with a certain shape has been fixed.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.11.1 (Released 10 August 2021)
The software has been updated if you see "Ver. 1.11.1" in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
Fixed issues
- The following issues occurring in Ver. 1.11.0 have been fixed.
- Fixed an issue in the DIY Recipes app where sorting by order obtained would not display recipes in the correct order.
- Fixed an issue where colour variations of certain items would not appear in the Photopia item catalog.
- Fixed an issue where the closing time music in Nook’s Cranny would not play as intended.
- Fixed an issue where certain seasonal clouds would not appear as intended.
Ver. 1.11.0 (Released 29 July 2021)
The software has been updated if you see "Ver. 1.11.0" in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- Seasonal events have been updated.
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
Fixed issues
- Adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.10.0 (Released 28 April 2021)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.10.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- The May Day, International Museum Day and Wedding Season seasonal events have been updated.
- It’s now possible to wake up from a dream by using the – Button.
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue where the player could build a fence on the pier when standing on top of a custom design placed on the ground.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.9.0 (Released 18 March 2021)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.9.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- The Bunny Day seasonal event has been updated.
- Additional support for the Sanrio® Collaboration amiibo cards has been added.
- New miles redemption options have been added to the Nook Stop.
- Custom Design Pro Editor+
- Adds additional custom design slots and new pattern options.
- Custom Designs Portal*
- Adds access to the Custom Designs Portal from the Custom Designs app.
- Custom Design Pro Editor+
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
- Nintendo Switch Online membership items.*
*A paid Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to use the Custom Designs Portal and obtain Nintendo Switch Online membership items.
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue from Ver. 1.4.0 where, if a player used a wand to transform, then swapped their wand for another item while their pockets were full, the player would no longer be able to remove the transformation outfit.
- Fixed an issue from Ver. 1.7.0 involving kits where a player could dig where they normally shouldn’t be able to if they changed their mind after using the “Let me imagine it...” option.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.8.0 (Released 25 February 2021)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.8.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- Collaboration items have been added as part of the Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary. These items can be ordered from Nook Shopping starting 01/03/2021.
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue from Ver. 1.7.0 where, if a user selected their own user icon from the HOME Menu, followed by “Search for Users You've Played With” in the Add Friend menu after an online or local wireless multiplayer session, the name of the other player's user would be displayed under “In-game name” when that player was selected from “List of Users You've Played With”.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.7.0 (Released 28 January 2021)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.7.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- A seasonal event, Festivale, has been added.
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
Fixed issues
- Fixed an issue preventing players from receiving the mermaid fence recipe from Pascal.
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.6.0 (Released 19 November 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.6.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- Two seasonal events, Turkey Day and Toy Day, have been added.
- Residents can visit Resident Services to put in a request to increase the capacity of their home storage.
- Luna can now offer random dream destinations by selecting the “Surprise me” option.
- A new feature for transferring save data between different consoles has been added.
- This feature only transfers save data for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. When necessary, please use the Nintendo Switch “Transfer Your User” feature as well. Learn more about save data transfer here.
- The following content has also been added:
- Additional Nook Miles redemption items.
- Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
- Additional DIY recipes that use seasonal materials.
- Additional Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp collaboration item.
Fixed issues
- Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.5.1 (Released 9 October 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.5.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
The following issues occurring in Ver. 1.5.0 have been fixed:
- Fixed an issue where some title keywords obtained via Nook Miles would not appear within the Passport.
- Fixed an issue where certain messages would display in English for users playing in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, or Russian.
- Fixed an issue where animal residents would talk about pumpkins when given a bamboo shoot.
- Fixed an issue where it was no longer possible to jump over a river based on the location of certain furniture.
Ver. 1.5.0 (Released 30 September 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.5.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- A new seasonal event, Halloween, has been added.
- Pumpkins (produce item) and DIY projects that use pumpkins have been added.
- Added new features for visiting dream islands with Luna: the ability to choose your destination from a list of previously visited dream islands and the ability to favorite previously visited dream islands.
- It is now possible to hide items that are not for sale by pressing the Y Button when viewing the catalog via Nook Shopping.
Fixed issues
- Update (02/10/2020): In Nook Shopping, fixed a bug where posters could be ordered of animals other than those who had been invited to Photopia.
- Other adjustments were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.4.2 (Released 21 August 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.4.2” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
The following issues have been addressed:
- From Ver. 1.4.1:
- Fixed issue where the “sumo ring” would not display properly.
- From Ver. 1.4.0:
- Fixed issue where the game would shut down under certain conditions when dreaming.
- Fixed issue where shining soil would improperly appear behind buildings and other places.
- Fixed issue where specific message cards sent from animal residents the player is close friends with would not arrive in the player’s mailbox as intended.
- From Ver. 1.3.0:
- Changed the MTU when playing with others from 1364 to 1240 in order to investigate an issue where players cannot play with others in certain network environments.
Ver. 1.4.1 (Released 6 August 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.4.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
The following issues that occurred in Ver. 1.4.0 have been fixed:
- Fixed an issue where trees could mature and contain things other than the normal fruit, etc.
- Fixed an issue where shining soil disappears after returning to your own island after a dream and buried Bells appear in that location instead.
- Fixed an issue where the player swings their shovel through the air when attempting to hit a rock placed at a certain location.
Ver. 1.4.0 (Released 30 July 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.4.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General updates
- New seasonal events, fireworks shows, have been added.
- New limited-time seasonal items have been added to Nook Shopping.
- A new feature was added to the NookPhone Camera app, allowing you to turn off the guide information by pressing the Right Stick.
- The “funny glasses” item now matches up with player skin colour variations.
- Online connectivity features
- A new feature allows you to sleep in a bed and meet Luna. You can upload a dream of your island via the internet or visit other uploaded dream islands.
- New features have been added to the Custom Designs Portal. You can now search by design name or type. You can also create a list of favourite creators.
- A new feature has been added for backing up save data to Nintendo’s servers via the internet. You can use backed-up save data with the island backup service if your Nintendo Switch console is lost or damaged.
- You must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and enable island backup within Animal Crossing: New Horizons to use this new feature.
- Save data cannot be restored at a customer’s discretion. If your console is damaged, you must contact Nintendo Support to start a repair request. If you have lost your console, you must contact Nintendo Support.
- This feature does not allow save data to be transferred to a different console (unless your console is lost or damaged, as explained above). We currently plan on adding a save data transfer feature within 2020. Information on the feature and timing will be announced on a later date.
- Learn more about the island backup service.
- Fixed issues
- Other adjustments were made to improve the gameplay experience.
Ver. 1.3.1 (Released 10 July 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.3.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- Fixed the following issues:
- Addressed issue where players could not properly use a zen bridge or red zen bridge placed on top of a cliff (third tier).
- Addressed issue where a wet suit would not be available for sale within Nook’s Cranny.
- Addressed issue where hermit crabs would appear in places other than the beach.
- Addressed issue where a dialogue bubble would improperly appear after speaking with island residents.
Ver. 1.3.0 (Released 3 July 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.3.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General Updates
- Players can now wear a wet suit and go diving in the ocean.
- Players can now catch sea creatures while diving, which they can then donate to the museum.
- Players can now encounter new visiting characters somewhere on the island.
- Nook Miles can now be traded for new items.
- New seasonal items have been added to the Nook Shopping catalog, available for limited time only.
- Fixed the following issues:
- The names of several fish have been fixed in Korean and Simplified Chinese.
- Addressed issues to further ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.
Ver. 1.2.1 (Released 22 May 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.2.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
General updates
- Addressed issues to further ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.
Ver. 1.2.0 (Released 23 April 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.2.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General updates
- The following visiting merchants can now visit the island:
- Leif (gardening shop)
- Redd (Jolly Redd’s Treasure Trawler)
- Added seasonal events.
- Other adjustments were made to improve the gameplay experience.
- The following visiting merchants can now visit the island:
Ver. 1.1.4 (Released 6 April 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.4” or “Ver. 1.1.4a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General updates
- Fixed an issue where, when Flick is on your island, if you give him the number of scarab beetles required for a model, the model you receive is of a different insect.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.4, if you give Flick the required number of scarab beetles again, you will receive the correct model.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
- Adjusted the appearance rate of some Bunny Day eggs through 11/04/2020.
- Note: Eggs will be easier to find on Bunny Day itself, which takes place on 12/04/2020.
- Fixed an issue where, when Flick is on your island, if you give him the number of scarab beetles required for a model, the model you receive is of a different insect.
Ver. 1.1.3 (Released 3 April 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.3” or “Ver. 1.1.3a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General updates
- Fixed an issue where balloons stop showing up.
Ver. 1.1.2 (Released 2 April 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.2” or “Ver. 1.1.2a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General updates
- Fixed an issue where an animal you’ve invited to move from another island doesn’t actually move, leaving the plot of land allocated for them to move to sold and unoccupied.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.2, the sold plot of land will revert to being available, and a new animal will become able to move there again. - Note: Unfortunately, the animal that was originally invited to move to your island when the issue occurred will not return to their original island, nor will their plan to move to your island be carried out.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
- Fixed an issue where a request from Tom Nook for the Resident Representative to find a plot of land for new residents disappears.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.2, if the island is developed to a certain point (Nook’s Cranny is either under construction or completed), the next time the Resident Representative plays the game, a special event will trigger during the island-wide broadcast and the story will move forward.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
- Fixed an issue where, after deleting a resident, it becomes impossible to move their house and/or other structures.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.2, it will once more become possible to request that these structures be moved.
- How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
- Fixed an issue where both Nook Miles and Bells are subtracted when you use Nook Miles Tickets to go on a Mystery Tour and purchase an item from Wilbur.
- Other adjustments were made to improve the gameplay experience.
- Fixed an issue where an animal you’ve invited to move from another island doesn’t actually move, leaving the plot of land allocated for them to move to sold and unoccupied.
Ver. 1.1.1 (Released 26 March 2020)
The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.1” or “Ver. 1.1.1a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.
- General updates
- Fixed a serious issue that affected game balance.
- In order to experience an upcoming seasonal event, after downloading Ver. 1.1.1 and once the event starts (real-world time), you will need to launch the software while connected to the internet to update to Ver. 1.1.1a.
- Please note that a user with a linked Nintendo Account must launch the software to update to Ver. 1.1.1a.
Ver. 1.1.0 (Released 20 March 2020)
- Online connectivity features
- It's now possible to visit other islands through online play via the internet.
- Added features related to NookLink, a game-specific service in the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app.
- Added functionality for Best Friends.
- Message cards can now be sent to friends or received from friends.
- General updates
- Added a seasonal event.
- Other adjustments were made to improve the gameplay experience.