‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ March 2021 free update adds 50 slots to Normal, Pro Custom Design modes

The free update arriving for “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” players this month will be a little more special as the game’s first anniversary also approaches. Aside from new content and villagers, Nintendo is also giving away free slots for Custom Designs of in-game items.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ free update: What to expect

Nintendo unveiled the March 2021 free update notes that noticeably highlight changes focused on improving the Custom Design Portal. The developer appears to be encouraging “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” players to keep design their own in-game items through this gameplay feature.

Nintendo is giving away 50 free slots that can be used for both Normal and Pro Custom Design modes once the update goes live on Thursday, March 18. The developer is also launching the Custom Design Pro Editor+ or the upgraded version of the Custom Design app in players’ NookPhones. But this is not, technically, free as players will need to redeem it with Nook Miles.

It seems worth it, though, especially for fans who enjoy designing in “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” Getting the Custom Design Pro Editor+ will unlock features letting players customize their umbrellas, small flags, uchiwa, and photo stands.

Another free feature included in the “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” March 2021 update will help fans celebrate the game’s first anniversary. Once the game is updated on Thursday, players should check their in-game mailboxes to collect their anniversary cake delivered by Nook Inc.

The March 2021 update will also prepare “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” for the arrival of new amiibo content. As previously reported, a set of new villagers are arriving to game inspired by the Sanrio characters. The Sanrio Collaboration Pack, which comes with six cards, will go on sale for $5.99 on March 26 exclusively on Target stores for fans in the United States.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ first year is marked with record-breaking sales

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” was released in the middle of a pandemic and the situation may have also helped boost the game’s popularity throughout its first year in the market. With many people stuck in their homes to due lockdowns and home quarantine policies, the gaming industry has generally seen significant growth last year.

It is then not that surprising that “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” quickly broke sales records of Nintendo games. According to the company’s latest report, the title is currently the second best-selling Nintendo Switch titles with 31.18 million copies sold as of Dec. 31, 2020. GamesIndustry.biz also reported on Wednesday that the game has become the top-selling Switch game ever in Europe with seven million copies sold.