Animal Crossing Gets Its Only DLC

Nintendo's big Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct in October announced that two big updates would happen. The first being general updates to the game would bring it to version 2.0. This is to be the final update to the game.

Version 2.0 brings a LOT of things like the fan-demanded Brewster's Roost cafe, island ordnances, a shopping plaza on Harv's Island, and more. The full list is here on IGN. This update to bring the game to an official 2.0 version and Nintendo has added a bunch things. Nintendo stated this would be the final update to Animal Crossing: New Horizons and nothing further would be developed.

“The free update launching on Nov. 5 will be the last major free content update. We hope that players will continue enjoying their island life in real time and throughout the changing seasons.”

Nintendo Statement to Polygon

The second and more interesting item is the one and only DLC. Nintendo is releasing an add-on called Happy Home Paradise on November 5th. This basically lets you design an island other than your own for your villagers and others. The goal is to make it a vacation spot for any Animal Crossing characters to enjoy. In a way, it allows you to start from scratch without the need to reset your own island & start over.

I'm on the fence about this update. Does it allow you to demolish a vacation home and re-do it for a different character once they're "done" with their vacation? Do those characters ever leave? This is all unknown at this time. The Direct left out an important detail though: Pricing. Nintendo revealed the DLC could be obtained in one of two ways: A one-time purchase of $25 or by upgrading one's Nintendo Switch Online to include the "Expansion Pack". The expansion includes N64 and Sega Genesis games. However, this jumps the pricing from $20 a year to $50!

The more than double-price for this pack is frankly absurd. It makes much more sense to buy the DLC outright on the eShop than to subscribe to it. Remember if you stop or downgrade your subscription you lose access to that content. I don't know why Nintendo chose these prices. The other games included are so old and not nearly worth the asking price.

If you're still playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, this DLC looks to be fun and worth a one-time $25 purchase. For me, a person who's cooled on the game, I remain on the fence. I am sure the reviews will be out swiftly post-release to help influence my decision one way or another.