Animal Crossing New Horizons updates, marking 25th anniversary for game

Animal Crossing New Horizons receives 25th anniversary update, adding Leaf Statue gift and multiple bug fixes

Nintendo has released a new update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons to mark the franchise’s 25th anniversary, alongside a series of bug fixes across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions.

The update, Ver. 3.0.2 includes a commemorative gift item called the Leaf Statue, which is delivered to players via their in-game mailbox along with a message from Nintendo.

The item is a large, illuminated version of the series’ iconic leaf symbol, designed as a decorative object for player homes and islands.

The accompanying letter references the series’ origins, stating: “Dear friends, It’s been 25 years since 4/14/01. It was said, ‘Better than one is two, better than two is four, and better than four is... many.’ And there are so many of you now! Thank you. Enjoy your islands, your way. Sincerely, Nintendo”

The letter is stamped with a Nintendo 64 logo, referencing the platform on which the first Animal Crossing game, Dōbutsu no Mori, launched in Japan on April 14, 2001.

The franchise later expanded to Nintendo GameCube, where it was released internationally as Animal Crossing in 2002.

Alongside the anniversary content, the update addresses multiple gameplay issues. Fixes include resolving problems in hotel guest rooms that could block exits, correcting crafting inconsistencies when using certain DIY recipes, and addressing bugs involving environmental interactions such as snowball creatures and rock item drops.

Additional fixes improve custom design behaviour on Slumber Islands, lighting visibility when returning from other islands, and villager behaviour inside player homes.

The Happy Home Paradise DLC also receives adjustments, fixing an issue where vacation home requests could stop appearing on beaches.