Nintendo has released a set of free custom designs for Animal Crossing: New Horizons players to celebrate the new year. This release coincides with the anticipation of a major 3.0 update for the game. The free items are available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members and can be accessed through the in-game Custom Design Kiosk. The 3.0 update, which introduces significant new content and native support for the Nintendo Switch 2, was released ahead of its previously scheduled date of January 15, 2026.
Free New Year 2026 Custom Designs
To mark the start of 2026, Nintendo has distributed three specific custom designs featuring the year and firework-like patterns. These designs allow players to customize their in-game avatar and island with a festive theme.
The available items include: * 2026 Knit Cap – Design ID: MO-4BF9-FR90-X513 * 2026 Hoodie – Design ID: MO-05W4-BPK8-3R2F * 2026 Flag – Design ID: MO-T5KK-WX8Y-VKP0
All three items share a color scheme of navy with shades of purple and display the "2026" logo prominently. These designs are intended to allow players to celebrate the new year on their islands.
Eligibility and Requirements
Accessing these free designs requires meeting specific pre-requisites within the game and the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
- Nintendo Switch Online Membership: An active membership is mandatory to access the Custom Design Kiosk and download designs.
- Game Progress: Players must have unlocked the Able Sisters shop. This shop becomes available after meeting specific criteria involving Mabel's visits to the player's island.
- Access to the Custom Design Kiosk: The kiosk is located inside the Able Sisters shop.
How to Claim the Designs
Players who meet the eligibility requirements can follow these steps to download the free designs:
- Locate the Kiosk: Visit the Able Sisters shop and interact with the Custom Design Kiosk at the back of the store.
- Search for Designs: Select the option to search for Pro Designs using either a Creator ID or a Design ID.
- Input Codes: Enter the individual Design IDs listed above to find specific items. Alternatively, players can search for the Creator ID MA-6818-1746-6029 to view all designs created by Nintendo (referred to in some sources as the "Nina / Nintendo" creator).
- Save and Download: Once the desired designs are located, select "Save" to download them.
- Apply Designs: The downloaded items will be added to the Custom Designs app on the player's Nook Phone, where they can be equipped or placed.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 Update
The release of the 2026 freebies precedes the rollout of the Version 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This update is significant as it introduces new gameplay mechanics and native support for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Release Timing
While initially announced for a January 15, 2026 release, the 3.0 update actually launched ahead of schedule. It is currently available for both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2.
New Content and Features
The free 3.0 update adds a variety of new content and quality-of-life improvements:
- Kapp'n's Family Hotel: A new resort hotel feature where visitors to the island can stay.
- Luna's New Dream World: An expansion of the dream functionality.
- Resetti Reset Service: A service to assist players in tidying up their island.
- Slumber Islands: These act as alternative, smaller islands that players can decorate.
- Improved Storage Space: An increase in the capacity for item storage.
- Island Reset Function: A feature allowing players to reset their island.
Nintendo Switch 2 Support
The update provides native support for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering enhanced features for players who upgrade to the new console. These features include: * Increased resolution and graphical quality. * Mouse control support. * Increased multiplayer island player counts.
Conclusion
Nintendo has provided Animal Crossing: New Horizons players with a timely set of free custom designs to celebrate 2026. These items are available immediately to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who have unlocked the Able Sisters shop. The distribution of these freebies aligns with the release of the substantial 3.0 update, which adds significant new gameplay features, including Kapp'n's Family Hotel and Luna's New Dream World, alongside native support for the Nintendo Switch 2. The update is currently available for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms.