Animal Crossing Anniversary Update: Release Date, New Items, and More

Nintendo is celebrating Animal Crossing: New Horizons‘ 1st anniversary with a very special update that adds celebratory items and few new features to the game.

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost been a year since Animal Crossing: New Horizons came into our lives and became a social phenomenon. While we’re a little removed from that time when it felt like everyone was playing and talking about New Horizons, millions are just waiting for an excuse to get lost in the game yet again.

Will they find that excuse in this upcoming update? Well, it’s certainly not the most extensive update that we’ve seen so far, but it does include some long-awaited features, fancy duds, and what appears to be the unlikely addition of a fart animation. Take a look at everything else this special update has in store:

When Does the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Anniversary Update Release?

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons anniversary update is scheduled to be released on March 18. While Nintendo is jumping the gun a bit there (New Horizons was released on March 20, 2020), we doubt anyone will complain about getting this new content a bit early.

What New Features Are Included in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Anniversary Update?

This upcoming update hardly comes close to addressing all of the requests fans have sent Nintendo over the last year, but it will add these new and updated features and functions to the game and the greater Animal Crossing content ecosystem:

Custom Design Pro Editor +

The highlight of this new Animal Crossing update is undoubtedly Custom Design Pro Editor +.

You can use your Nook Miles at the Nook Stop in Resident Services to unlock the Custom Design Pro Editor + upgrade. This upgraded version of the feature includes 50 (!) additional design slots that will be available in both Normal Custom Design mode and Pro Custom Design mode. Additionally, it will unlock the ability to customize new items such as umbrellas, small flags, uchiwa, and photo stands.

Custom Design Portal

With this upcoming update, you’ll finally be able to access the Custom Design Portal found in the Able Sisters shop to your phone. This is one of those “quality of life” updates that may be few and far between but are almost always welcome when they do hit.

Island Tour Creator

You’ll soon be able to show off your island without having to actually give guided tours of it thanks to the upcoming debut of the Island Tour Creator. This “limited-time web service” will be available starting on March 23rd and will allow you to “use screenshots and footage captured in Animal Crossing: New Horizons to create a poster and trailer for your island.” The extent of that functionality remains unknown, but we’re sure the always-creative Animal Crossing community will find a way to make the most of whatever is available.

What New Seasonal Items are Included in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Anniversary Update?

While we’re still waiting for a full list of items featured in the upcoming Animal Crossing update, here’s a brief rundown of some of the things that you’ll find.

Prom Items

Nintendo has (somewhat strangely) decided to bring proms to your Animal Crossing island throughout the month of April. A series of new prom items will be available for purchase from April 1 to April 30 from the usual vendors. So far, they include balloons, formal wear, a prom night wall, prom night flooring, and a prom stash. Despite being tied to the prom theme, most of these items seem to be useful for just about any kind of party.

April Fools’ Day Items

Between March 26 and April 1, you’ll be able to celebrate April Fools ‘Day in Animal Crossing. So far, the only new item specific to this holiday that Nintendo has revealed is a whoopee cushion that comes in a variety of colors. The good news is that you can trick people into sitting on the whoopie cushion, though, so it’s really just a fun time for all.

1st Anniversary Cake

When you install the latest Animal Crossing update, you’ll receive a special 1st Anniversary Cake via your in-game mailbox. This cake appears to be entirely decorative, but it should be a useful centerpiece for anyone looking to celebrate New Horizons‘ first year.