Whether it’s players who recently picked up Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch over the holidays, or long-time island residents, we hope this free update fires up islands by introducing carnival spirit, new seasonal items and more.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons periodically receives updates that deliver events and features to the game, and this new update includes a colourful and feather-filled Festivale event*, some heartfelt additions to seasonal items, new Reactions and items to purchase, which you can check out in the new Get ready for Festivale! – Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch) trailer.


Beginning 28th January, the new update will add the following features to the game:
- Festivale Event – Feel the heat with the colourful Festivale event! On 15th February, Dancer Pavé will arrive to the island’s plaza** to usher in some confetti and carnival spirit.

Only on this day, players can capture colourful feathers floating on the island with their net and trade them to Pavé to receive a passionate dance number in return. Rainbow feathers seem to be an especially rare sight, so it’s best to catch them and trade them with Pavé. Players can invite friends over to their island or go visit to partake in the festivities together.***

- New Reactions – To express excitement for the Festivale, the Viva Festivale Reaction Set can be purchased for in-game bells from the shelf at Nook’s Cranny for a limited time and includes the reactions Feelin’ It, Let’s Go, Viva and Confetti.

- New costumes – Starting 1st February, Festivale costumes will be available at Able Sisters for a limited time, so that players can get their groove on in style.

- Seasonal items – New seasonal items will be available at Nook Shopping. Players can celebrate the sentimental season with chocolate hearts and heart-shaped bouquets, which will be available for purchase beginning 1st February and running through 14th February. There will also be other items related to Lunar New Year and Big Game Celebration for certain periods during January and February.

Also, starting 26th March, the Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack will be available for purchase at select retailers and online across Australia and New Zealand. The Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack contains all six amiibo cards from this unique Sanrio Collaboration Series. These vibrantly designed amiibo cards can be used in compatible games. Further details will be revealed in future.

Additionally, another update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons is planned for March, so please stay tuned for further details to come.

A new update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons coming to Nintendo Switch on 28th January features a colourful Festivale event, new reactions, costumes and seasonal items. Additionally, starting 26th March, the Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack will be available for purchase at select retailers and online across Australia and New Zealand. Another update for the game is planned for March.