This article was originally written for TheNintendoVillage.com, a website I founded and ran from 2018 to 2021.

Details of the first Animal Crossing: New Horizons update of the year have been revealed by Nintendo, with the update available for download from Thursday - 28 January.

The headline addition is the arrival of Pavé and Festivale on the 15 February. Players are encouraged to get involved in the carnival spirit by capturing coloured feathers floating on the breeze, trading them into Pavé in return for a dance.

Even more razmatazz will be added to proceedings in the form of limited-time costumes available from the Able Sisters, and a new reaction pack which can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny. The reactions include Feelin’ It, Let’s Go, Viva and Confetti.

As well as Festivale, more seasonal items including chocolate hearts and heart-shaped bouquets for Valentine’s Day and items related to the Lunar New Year and Big Game Celebration will also be available.

There’s another update planned for March, which will bring Super Mario items (and hopefully other Nintendo-themed goodies) to the game too.

Check out the trailer and screenshots below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to Pavé’s arrival on your island down in the comments!