Animal Crossing: New Horizons (update 1.7.0a ... -

The "a" suffix in Nintendo updates typically denotes a or a time-lock activation rather than a separate software download. In this case, version 1.7.0a was the specific version required to unlock the actual Festivale event on February 15th, ensuring players could not time-travel to the event before Nintendo's intended date. Animal Crossing: New Horizons version 3.0 – Free Update

The primary draw of this update was the introduction of new seasonal content and a highly anticipated holiday event:

A football rug and various cheer megaphones. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Update 1.7.0a ...

Chocolate hearts and heart-shaped bouquets. Setsubun: A bean-tossing kit and traditional ogre masks. Groundhog Day: A Resetti model.

While relatively light on systemic changes compared to the later released in January 2026, version 1.7.0 included several smaller improvements: The "a" suffix in Nintendo updates typically denotes

A set of four new Festivale-themed reactions was added, available for purchase at Nook’s Cranny: Feelin' It , Let's Go , Viva , and Confetti .

Beyond the Mermaid Fence, Nintendo addressed issues such as move-out bubbles failing to appear and Celeste not appearing on certain Sundays. Chocolate hearts and heart-shaped bouquets

Any player who downloaded the update received a set of maracas as an in-game gift. Update 1.7.0a