Animal Crossing Winter update: Release date, launch time, events and patch notes NEWS

Animal Crossing New Horizons’ fans are counting down to the release of the big Winter Update on Nintendo Switch.

The new Animal Crossing update has a November 19 release date exclusively for the Nintendo console.

There’s no official launch time, but past updates have been released as early as 2am GMT for UK fans, so fingers crossed for something similar.

Express Online will update the article if and when Nintendo announces the official time. Full patch notes will also be added at launch.

Of course, despite the current absence of patch notes, fans already have a pretty good idea about what to expect from the Winter Update.

Arguably the biggest new addition is the ability to transfer save files and island data between Switch devices.

Save transfers will be available after downloading the free Island Transfer Tool app from the Nintendo eShop. Express Online will post a link once the app goes live.

If you’ve paid off your debt to Tom Nook, there’s also an option to increase your storage capacity.

To apply for a storage increase to 2,400 slots, you’ll need to speak to Tom Nook, where you’ll most likely incur a brand new charge.

Nintendo explains more: “If you’ve expanded your in-game home to its largest size and paid off your debt, you’ll now be able to apply for a home storage expansion by speaking to Tom Nook at Resident Services.

“Congrats on achieving the next level of home ownership. This will expand your home storage to 2400 slots. Think of all the items you can now store and access from the comfort of your island home!”

The Winter Update also lays the foundation for a number of seasonal events based around Christmas and Thanksgiving.

It all begins with the special Turkey Day celebration on November 26, followed by Toy Day on December 24.

“On Turkey Day, which will take place this year on Nov. 26, the first-class chef Franklin will arrive and host a gathering in the plaza,” Nintendo continues.

“You can help Franklin collect ingredients to go in the dishes that will be on display in the plaza. You can even receive a gift from Franklin as a thank you for helping him cook.”

Players can earn another gift on Toy Day, this time by helping Jingle deliver presents to other islanders.

In terms of day-to-day changes, the Winter Update adds snow and festive cheer to your Animal Crossing islands.

This includes decorated trees, which drop Christmas ornaments when players shake them. You can use these to craft furniture recipes.

If all that wasn’t enough, the Winter Update adds nine new reactions and six new hairstyles, not to mention new items and clothing from the shops.

New Year will be celebrated with a big countdown event, and players will be able to choose to visit random islands when dreaming.

Winter is my favourite time in Animal Crossing, so I’m looking forward to checking out all of the changes when the update goes live.

Express Online will post patch notes and other updates as the download goes live, so keep checking back for more information.