By Brittany Spurlin | Source bioniklabs.com
3/16/2021

Animal Crossing: New Horizons hits its first anniversary on March 20 and Nintendo is celebrating with new content for residents of Tom Nook’s island paradise.

The update, landing March 18, will bring 50 additional custom design slots to the normal and pro custom design modes. According to the release, players have uploaded over 12 million cumulated custom designs to the game in the past year. The custom design app on NookPhones is also getting an upgrade, allowing players to unlock Pro Editor+, which brings a more robust set of features. Players can now customize umbrellas, small flags, uchiwa and photo stands. The custom design portal can now be stored directly in the NookPhone as well, saving players a trip to the Able Sisters store.

Fashions in Animal Crossing are changing with the season, bringing a range of items celebrating spring and April Fool’s Day. Whoopee cushions, available in multiple colors, can be ordered between March 26 and April 1, and players with more mature sensibilities can prepare for prom with themed fashion items at the Able Sisters shop from April 1 to April 30.

Nook Inc. baked a first anniversary cake to celebrate the game’s birthday, which will be sent directly to player’s in-game mailboxes after the update has installed.

A new collaboration pack called Sanrio Sweetness is headed to Animal Crossing. Six brightly-colored amiibo cards bring Sanrio characters Rita, Chai and Toby to a player’s island. The cards also allow players to trade bells for Sanrio themed furniture and in-game fashion items. The Sanrio pack is available at Target and retails for $5.99.

In addition to the one-year update, Nintendo has several other celebrations of the game planned. On March 23, a limited-time Island Tour Creator launches. The web service allows players to create a poster and trailer for their island. Players can also order in-game clothing themed after Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Wario to celebrate the Super Mario Bros 25th anniversary. The super mushroom and ? blocks can also be purchased as in-game furniture.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is launching an Animal Crossing: New Horizons collection. There is no confirmed date for this collaboration, but more details are coming soon.

Photo courtesy of Nintendo

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