Good news for fans of the series: Animal Crossing: New Horizons is set to make its debut on the upcoming Switch 2. In addition to this, a new surprise update is rolling out, marking a significant return after four years since the game’s last major patch. However, not all members of the community are thrilled about the changes.
Following the release of the 2.0 update in 2021, significant content updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons came to a standstill. Nintendo had stated at that time this would be the last substantial expansion for the beloved life simulation game. This makes the announcement of the upcoming 3.0 update particularly exciting, especially since it’s paired with the Switch 2 edition, which many fans, including myself, had stopped anticipating long ago.
While many dedicated players are understandably excited by the news, a faction of the community feels somewhat underwhelmed. The introduction of a resort hotel—managed by Kapp’n and his family—sounds entertaining, yet it bears a noticeable resemblance to the established Happy Home Paradise DLC. Players will be tasked with decorating rooms in the resort to assist Kapp’n and ensure guest satisfaction.
As expressed by one disappointed player on Reddit, some fans have voiced concerns about the lack of innovation: “Isn’t this just more Happy Home Paradise?” Other responses support this sentiment, noting, “Yeah, it does share a lot of similarities,” while another fan remarks, “It really is, just without the ability to decorate outside.” However, a different perspective highlights a key distinction: “It means people who can’t afford the DLC can now experience something similar.”
In another thread, a fan lamented, “I miss when AC wasn’t just a decorating simulator.” Accompanying this was a meme that humorously captured the frustration of receiving “more stuff to decorate” instead of a more significant content upgrade—perhaps even a return of tours. One player quipped, “After you finish the tutorial, there’s nothing to do except decorate.” Another chimed in, “You will take your doll house simulator and you will like it!”
Although I understand these frustrations as a fellow fan, I must admit I’m simply happy that an update is on the horizon. The Switch 2 version is also a welcome addition, with both set to release on January 15 of next year.
Meanwhile, some fans are reflecting on their experiences with the game. One devoted player dedicated two years to designing every vacation home included in the DLC, only to feel disappointed when they received nothing in return.