Animal Crossing’s first summer update adds swimming, diving and new characters

Nintendo has announced two summer updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Launching on July 3, the first update introduces the ability to swim in the ocean and dive for creatures like sea stars and eels, which can be donated to your museum.

While swimming you’ll meet new character Pascal, who’ll trade DIY recipes for items including mermaid-themed furniture for scallops you find in the sea.

A pirate version of seagull Gulliver will also wash up on the shore from time to time, offering rewards for a helping hand.

Nintendo says a second free summer update will be released in early August, with details to be announced at a later date.

New Horizons released in late March alongside a special edition version of the flagship Switch console and a new coral coloured Switch Lite.

Nintendo said in May that Animal Crossing: New Horizons sales hit 13.41 million units in its first six weeks of availability, representing the best launch ever for a Nintendo Switch title.

New Horizons has already outsold all previous Animal Crossing instalments, including New Leaf and Wild World, according to the platform holder.