Animal Crossing: New Horizons icons land on NSO – dates and access

Table of Content

Nintendo has rolled out a new set of user icon elements inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons for a limited time. The set is part of the Missions & Rewards program accessible via the Nintendo Switch Online app. According to the official notice, players can redeem My Nintendo Platinum Points for these avatar pieces. The current window is positioned as a December wave and will be followed by additional rotations.

When it’s available

The Animal Crossing: New Horizons icon elements are listed for a single timed drop during the holidays. The dates are precise, with a clear end time, so plan ahead – once the wave closes, the lineup changes.

• December wave: 12/1 at 5:00 p.m. PT – 1/5 at 4:59 p.m. PT

How access works

The icon elements are delivered through the Nintendo Switch Online app on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. Redemption requires a Nintendo Account and Platinum Points. Nintendo notes that icon elements refresh monthly, so the selection is expected to change after the current period.

About Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Nintendo’s life-sim places players on a deserted island where they can explore, craft, decorate, and customize their surroundings. Activities range from gathering resources to build tools and furniture to bug catching, fishing, and island design. The game’s flexible structure supports short sessions or long-term projects – morning hunts, daytime decorating, or evening ocean fishing are all part of the loop.

Key facts at a glance

• Theme: Animal Crossing: New Horizons–inspired icon elements
• Program: Missions & Rewards via Nintendo Switch Online
• Redemption: My Nintendo Platinum Points
• Availability: 12/1 at 5:00 p.m. PT – 1/5 at 4:59 p.m. PT
• Rotation: New icon elements refresh each month

Read also our article: Limited Genshin Impact DualSense revealed as Luna III looms on PS5

Access notes

Online features require a Nintendo Account, and certain functionality requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Availability can vary by region, and internet access is needed for online features.

Why this drop matters

Seasonal icon waves give players a low-friction way to personalize profiles around one of Nintendo’s most enduring life-sims. If you want your user icon to reflect your island life, this December window delivers a focused, time-bound chance – and monthly refreshes mean there’s more variety on the way.