Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Update history/1.9.0

The Free Update (version 1.9.0) is an upcoming update for set to be released on March 18, 2021. It adds six Sanrio-themed villagers as well as various Sanrio-themed items based on the Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Little Twin Stars, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, and Keroppi franchises. The update was announced on February 25, 2021, and more information was released on March 16, 2021.

New features

 * Six Sanrio-themed villagers—Chai, Chelsea, Étoile, Marty, Toby, and Rilla—return after previously appearing in and . They can move to the player's island after their respective amiibo card is scanned.
 * Various Sanrio-themed items are added, many of which return from and . They are available for purchase after their respective character's amiibo card is scanned.
 * The, which can be purchased for Nook Miles 2000, allows the player to apply custom designs to umbrellas, uchiwa fans, flags, and standees.
 * In addition, the  can be bought for Nook Miles 300 and can be used outside Able Sisters via the player's NookPhone.
 * 50 additional slots were also added for both normal designs and Pro designs.
 * Bunny Day-themed items appear in the seasonal spot at Nook's Cranny during the event.
 * Four new Nook Shopping seasonal events are added:
 * April Fools' Day is celebrated from March 26 to April 1 with the.
 * Planting Day is celebrated from April 1 to April 10
 * Prom is celebrated from April 1 to April 30.
 * In addition, clothing is available at the Able Sisters.
 * Earth Day is celebrated from April 15 to April 22

Related updates

 * The NookLink app will receive an update in late March 2021 that allows users to receive Nook Points, which can be used to redeem prizes, each day.
 * The Island Tour Creator, an app where the player can make posters and tour videos of their island to share with others, will launch on March 23, 2021.