Get These Free Animal Crossing 2026 Items Before the Major Update Hits
Winter has fully settled onto your island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While the snow piles up, Nintendo has decided to kick off 2026 with a surprise distribution for all players.
You can claim these free rewards immediately. This drop serves as a perfect appetizer before the massive update rumored to hit in just 10 days.
A Crucial Year for ACNH
The holiday season in New Horizons brings plenty of temporary events to shake up your daily island routine. However, this year feels different.
According to reports, the game prepares for a major technical leap. In exactly 10 days, a significant update is expected to roll out, optimizing the title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
To bridge the gap between the New Year celebrations and this historic transition, the publisher released three custom festive designs. These are free for everyone and perfect for keeping the party going.
Happy 2026, everyone! I'm looking forward to another year of helping all my island friends live their best lives. Here's to a fantastic new year! pic.twitter.com/fTLXdaVWMB
— Isabelle (@animalcrossing) January 1, 2026
New Horizons 2026 Codes & Details
Custom designs have always been the heartbeat of the Animal Crossing community. Nintendo knows this and has dropped official codes to help you dress the part for 2026.
To grab them, you need a Nintendo Switch (or the upcoming hardware) connected to the internet and an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Open the “Custom Designs” app on your in-game NookPhone and enter the following Design IDs to download the gear:
- 2026 Knit Cap: MO-4BF9-FR90-X513
- 2026 Hoodie: MO-05W4-BPK8-3R2F
- 2026 Flag: MO-T5KK-WX8Y-VKP0
Kick off the new year with these new #AnimalCrossingNewHorizons custom designs for your island: a flag, hoodie and knit cap! Nintendo Switch Online members can download them in-game from the Custom Design portal. pic.twitter.com/fKs07O4UBF
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 2, 2026
Missed the ACNH Countdown?
If you were busy in the real world and missed the in-game countdown on December 31st, don’t worry. The game’s mechanics offer a simple workaround.
You can modify your console’s date and time settings to “Time Travel” back to New Year’s Eve.
Once you adjust the clock, load up the game. You can experience the fireworks and countdown event exactly as if it were live, all while wearing your new 2026 sweater.
Verdict: Is Animal Crossing Worth a Revisit in 2026?
With a potential next-gen update on the horizon, now is the perfect time to clear the weeds and check on your villagers. These free items are a small but welcome incentive to log back in.
Are you planning to upgrade your island for the Switch 2 version?
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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