"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is turning one year old, and it will come with a very special anniversary update that adds new and surprising features to the game!

The Nintendo Switch exclusive game, which was released right at the beginning of the infamous COVID-19 pandemic, has sold more than 5 million digital copies globally.

This unimaginable success cements New Horizons among the top three highest-grossing games in 2020 after it shattered sales records in just a single month, according to a report from Essentially Sports.

Also Read: 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' March Update: Events, Items, Sea Creatures, and Festivals Coming in March 

Release Date, New Updates, and Surprising Collaborations

Nintendo announced that the special anniversary update will be available for download on March 18, 2021, and will add the following features to the game:

1st Anniversary Cake

Everyone knows that a celebration will never be complete without a cake, which is why Nook Inc. will be sending one to players' in-game mailbox once the update is installed.

Sanrio Sweetness

The Animal Crossing Sanrio Collaboration Pack will be available for purchase starting March 26. For $5.99, players may invite cute and colorful Animal Crossing residents based on popular Sanrio characters such as including Chai, Rita, and Toby.

Seasonal Items

The changing of seasons and April Fool's come with a range of new seasonal items, that players can get between March 26 and April 1. It includes prom-themed items and a variety of colors of whoopee cushions.

Island Tour Creator

Launching on March 23, the new Island Tour Creator lets players use screenshots and footage captured in Animal Crossing: New Horizons to make a poster and trailer for your island. The limited-time web service will be available until the end of 2021.

Custom Design Pro Editor +

This is undoubtedly the highlight of the new Animal Crossing update, as it will provide a robust set of features making customization much more exciting! Players will also get 50 additional slots to both the Normal Custom Design mode and Pro Custom Design mode.

Custom Design Portal

Players can now add the Custom Design Portal found in the Able Sisters shop - a minor update that adds a bit of spice to your virtual life.

Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary-Themed Items

Players will be able to able to order Super Mario Bros.-themed clothing featuring familiar faces such as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Wario. The Super Mushroom and the ? Block will also be available for ordering in-game as furniture items.

Build-A-Bear Collaboration

Build-A-Bear Workshop is brewing an exclusive Animal Crossing^TM: New Horizons collection that can be ordered online at buildabear.com.

Record-Breaking Success

The latest earnings report posted by the Japanese video game company on February 1, 2021, showed that the Nintendo Switch had sold nearly 80 million units across the globe.

The biggest surprise comes as "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" had surpassed 31 million sales by the end of 2020.

What the game achieved in ten months dwarves that of "Pokemon Red/Green/Blue's" 31.38 million lifetime sales on GameBoy and 30.8 million lifetime sales of Nintendo DS's "New Super Mario Bros."

Related Article: 'Animal Crossing' Starting an Island Guide: How to Redesign Without Deleting Your Progress 

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Written by Lee Mercado