#Free Animal Crossing Update Celebrates First Anniversary on March 18

It’s been a WEIRD YEAR, to say the least, and it’s a mixed blessing that the saving grace known as Animal Crossing: New Horizons just so happened to launch right as the Bad Times began. Yep, it’s been almost a year since the March 20 launch of New Horizons on Switch, and Nintendo is preparing to celebrate with a free update on March 18.

Some of the updates include the addition of 50 more custom design slots to both the Normal and Pro Custom Design Modes, as well as seasonal spring items, the ability to add a Custom Design Portal to your in-game NookPhone app, and more. Nook Inc. also made a 1st Anniversary cake for the occasion, which will show up in your virtual mailbox once the update has been installed. 

This update paves the way for the upcoming Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack, as well. The $5.99 set of amiibo cards will be available at Target stores across the U.S. starting on March 26. 

More details from the press release:

• 1^st Anniversary Cake – Nook Inc. made a 1^st Anniversary Cake to commemorate the occasion. It will be sent to your in-game mailbox after the update is installed.
• Sanrio Sweetness – Add some Sanrio sweetness to your island. Starting March 26, the Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack will be available for purchase at Target stores across the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $5.99. You’ll be able use these six vibrantly designed amiibo cards to invite cute and colorful Animal Crossing residents inspired by popular Sanrio characters to your island, including Rita, Chai and Toby. These amiibo cards let you exchange bells for special Sanrio-themed furniture and fashion items in-game, too. You can even invite these characters to Harv’s Island for a fun photo session in Photopia.
• Custom Design Pro Editor + – The Custom Design app on your NookPhone is getting an upgrade!* Use your Nook Miles at the Nook Stop in Resident Services to unlock the feature. It’ll provide a more robust set of features, allowing for the customization of umbrellas, small flags, uchiwa and photo stands. And with a new expansion of 50 slots added to both the Normal Custom Design mode and Pro Custom Design mode, you can truly let your imagination run wild!
• Custom Design Portal – You can now add the Custom Design Portal found in the Able Sisters store directly to your in-game NookPhone app. You’ll be able to use it any time inspiration strikes.**
• Seasonal Items – Spring is in the air, and with the changing of the seasons comes a range of new seasonal items! Just in time for April Fool’s Day, a variety of colors of whoopee cushions can be ordered between March 26 and April 1 from the in-game Nook Shopping service. For something a little more elegant, you can prep for prom season with themed fashion items at the Able Sisters shop from April 1 to April 30. You can also order prom-themed items from Nook Shopping during this period, such as a prom night wall, prom night flooring and a prom stash. Never miss a chance to dance!

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Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his brand new comic, MONSTER FLIGHT, at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.