Even though Nintendo once declared ACNH “finished” with the 2.0 update, the surprise arrival of Update 3.0 proves that the door to new content is not fully closed. Several pieces of cut or unreleased content were found in the game’s files by dataminers over the years—meaning these features were, at some point, planned or prototyped. Here are the major unreleased updates that still could appear in future patches:

1. A Third Nook’s Cranny Upgrade (Biggest Possibility)

Dataminer Ninji found data in 2020 suggesting a third version of Nook’s Cranny was planned. No requirements or details were included—just references to a third state. Past Animal Crossing games always had multiple shop upgrades. A third upgrade could have introduced:

• Larger store interior

• New furniture rotations

• Return of Gracie (premium boutique items)

• A late-game progression goal for veteran players

3.0 would’ve been the perfect time, but since Nintendo didn’t do it, the chance is lower. Still possible, because Nintendo did revisit core systems in 3.0. Most likely of all unreleased content.

2. Returning Collaboration Villagers (Wolf Link, Epona, Medley, Ganon, etc.)

The 3.0 update is bringing back some amiibo collaborations, just like New Leaf’s Welcome Amiibo update. However, certain iconic villagers are still missing:

• Wolf Link

• Epona

• Medley

• Ganon

• Felyne (Monster Hunter)

• Others

Dataminers found:

Villager entries reserved for them (e.g., “Bird 19” for Medley). Empty catchphrases and placeholders. This proves the game once intended to support them. 3.0 did NOT bring them back, so future support is unlikely. Would require licensing + amiibo updates Nintendo doesn’t seem interested in doing. Unlikely, but technically possible.

3. Hidden / Missing Reactions

There are multiple fully functional reactions in the game that players cannot unlock, including:

• Several returning reactions from New Leaf

• Environmental or “hot/cold” reactions

• Animation-based reactions that are fully coded

These were shown off by modders and dataminers, but never released. Why were they cut? Possibly too similar to existing reactions. The reaction UI already has two completely full pages.

Likelihood:

Very low, because the UI appears “finalized”.Would require expanding the reaction pages.

4. Cut Features That Still Could Come One Day

These are smaller, but still technically possible:

1. Additional museum expansions

Unlikely, but internal placeholders existed at launch.

2. Quality-of-life features

(e.g., additional storage tiers, new construction options)
3.0 proves QoL updates are still on the table.

3. New furniture waves from old series

3.0 reintroduced collaboration ACNH ITEMS. Nintendo could add more old furniture families without major system changes.

5. New Events or Revamped Existing Events

Dataminers previously found unused event scripting. Seasonal events haven’t been touched since 2021. 3.0’s existence means Nintendo may revisit event schedules.