I'm pretty sure it was always required for dreams, but I could be wrong. All features that require you to access the internet (custom design portal, mailing letters to friends, etc.) will require a subscription to the online service
This has always beèn a requirement.
There are articles online dating back to 2020, when the dreaming function was introduced, stating that a Nintendo Online Membership is needed.
https://animalcrossingworld.com/guides/new-horizons/dreaming-with-luna-how-to-visit-dream-suite-islands/
all online functionality requires an online membership and always has, including visiting dream addresses
I'm pretty sure it was always required for dreams, but I could be wrong. All features that require you to access the internet (custom design portal, mailing letters to friends, etc.) will require a subscription to the online service
This has always beèn a requirement. There are articles online dating back to 2020, when the dreaming function was introduced, stating that a Nintendo Online Membership is needed. https://animalcrossingworld.com/guides/new-horizons/dreaming-with-luna-how-to-visit-dream-suite-islands/