The Best Amiibo to Buy Right Now for Animal Crossing: Which Figures Unlock Splatoon and Zelda Items

Hook: Stop hunting blind — which Amiibo are worth your money for Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0?

If you’re back on your island because of the ACNH 3.0 update and you want the new Splatoon and Zelda items without overpaying for rare figures, you’re in the right place. Scarcity, price swings, and fake listings make buying Amiibo confusing — especially when you only need a few scans to unlock whole furniture lines. This buyer’s guide gives clear, tested picks for Splatoon amiibo and Zelda amiibo, compares price vs benefit, and shows where to snag the best deals in early 2026.

Top-line takeaways (quick answers)

• Best budget Splatoon pick: Inkling Girl (original Splatoon series) — commonly available loose and cheap, unlocks full Splatoon furniture set in ACNH 3.0.
• Best budget Zelda pick: Breath of the Wild Link amiibo — frequent reprints and solid availability; unlocks several BOTW-themed items in-game.
• Best collector pick: Ocarina/Twilight Link amiibo variants — pricier, unlocks unique classic Zelda props and outfits for displays.
• Where to shop: Check Nintendo Store restocks, Amazon + CamelCamelCamel alerts, and GameStop used stock. For bargains, monitor eBay/Marketplace/Mercari for loose figures and use NFC-test proof requests.
• Pro tip: A single compatible amiibo scan usually unlocks an entire themed furniture catalog entry — you don’t need every character in a series.

Why Amiibo matter in ACNH 3.0 (and the 2026 collectibles market)

Nintendo’s free 3.0 content update (released Jan 2026) expanded Animal Crossing: New Horizons with a hotel, guest-room decor, and new Splatoon and Legend of Zelda items that are gated behind Amiibo scans. GameSpot and other outlets covered how these item sets are unlocked only after scanning compatible figures — a mechanic Nintendo has used before in crossover drops like the 1.9 Sanrio content (GameSpot, Jan 16, 2026).

That gating changes the value equation: an amiibo’s worth now depends less on being collectible and more on whether it unlocks a suite of desirable items you can’t otherwise buy. In early 2026 we’re seeing a market trend where formerly niche amiibo see renewed demand — and price movement — because they grant immediate gameplay value in long-running titles like ACNH.

How amiibo unlocking works in ACNH (short and actionable)

1. Open Animal Crossing on your Nintendo Switch and go to the amiibo/scan function in the in-game menu (the game prompts you where to scan).
2. Use the NFC reader on the right Joy-Con or Pro Controller: hold the amiibo to the controller until the game recognizes it.
3. After a successful scan, check Nook shopping or the relevant NPC (the game confirms how the new furniture is delivered — typically by enabling purchases or unlocking items at the appropriate store kiosk).
4. Once unlocked, items are cataloged and can be bought or crafted like any other in-game furniture.

Quick tip: You only need to scan one compatible amiibo from a series to unlock that theme’s items; repeat scans are unnecessary for catalog unlocks.

Recommended Amiibo — price vs benefit breakdown (2026 edition)

Below are specific picks with practical price guidance and why each is valuable for ACNH players. Prices are averages observed in early 2026 across major retailers and secondhand marketplaces.

Splatoon Amiibo

• Inkling Girl (Splatoon series, original)
  • Why buy: Unlocks the core Splatoon furniture/garb in ACNH 3.0 with reliable compatibility.
  • Price range: $10–$25 (loose copies on eBay/Mercari tend toward the low end; sealed from retailers higher).
  • Who should buy: Budget players and completionists who only need one scan.
• Inkling Boy / Inkling Squid (Splatoon series)
  • Why buy: Redundant for pure unlocks (one scan is usually enough), but useful if you want multiple photo-ops in Photopia or extra amiibo interactions.
  • Price range: $12–$30 depending on region and rarity.
  • Who should buy: Photographers and collectors; optional for catalog unlock.
• Splatoon 2 / Splatoon 3 variants
  • Why buy: Some variants are cheaper in 2026 due to larger production runs; they unlock the same or additional Splatoon-themed cosmetics.
  • Price range: $8–$35.
  • Who should buy: Players looking for stylistic variants or hunting specific color palettes.

Zelda Amiibo

• Breath of the Wild Link (BOTW Link)
  • Why buy: Frequent reprints and broad availability make this a go-to for unlocking BOTW items in ACNH; strong overall value.
  • Price range: $12–$30 (sealed); loose often below $20.
  • Who should buy: Any player who wants Zelda themes without collector premiums.
• Ocarina of Time / Twilight Princess Link variants
  • Why buy: Classic aesthetic and usually unlock classic Zelda props and furniture — great for themed rooms.
  • Price range: $25–$80 depending on rarity and condition.
  • Who should buy: Themed decorators and collectors willing to pay a premium for authenticity.
• Zelda (various special editions)
  • Why buy: When available, these unlock Zelda-specific dresses, shields, and display items; sometimes tie into anniversary reprints.
  • Price range: $20–$100+ (collector demand spikes unpredictably).
  • Who should buy: Fans building dedicated Zelda wings on their islands or displays.

Price comparison strategy: get the unlock without overspending

Here’s a simple framework to decide whether to buy, and where:

1. Decide the goal: Are you buying for a one-time catalog unlock, in-game photo fun, or long-term collecting?
2. Check availability: Search Nintendo Store first (they restock popular amiibo) — official restocks are often the best value if you can wait.
3. Compare prices: Use Amazon + CamelCamelCamel for historic price data, and filter eBay sold listings (not just current asking price) to see true market value.
4. Consider condition: Loose = lowest prices, sealed = collector premiums. For ACNH unlocks, a functioning loose amiibo is just as good as sealed.
5. Factor shipping & returns: A $5-10 savings from a distant seller can evaporate with high shipping or restocking fees. Prioritize retailers with easy returns if authenticity is a concern.

Where to buy — retailers, marketplaces, and restock hacks

Here’s a prioritized shopping list with practical tips:

• Nintendo Store — Best for MSRP if restocked. Set alerts; Nintendo tends to drip restocks after Directs and during seasonal sales.
• Major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart) — Watch for lightning deals and price-matching. Use price trackers and wishlists.
• GameStop — Good for used/loose prices and trade-in credit. Check daily for new stock in-store.
• eBay / Mercari / Facebook Marketplace — Lowest prices possible but vet sellers. Ask for a short NFC scan video (show the Switch recognizing the amiibo) if buying loose online.
• Local game stores and collectors’ forums — Great for no-shipping pickups and negotiating bundles.

Authenticity & returns: avoid the fake amiibo trap

Counterfeit amiibo circulate on marketplaces. To protect yourself:

• Ask sellers for a short video of the amiibo being scanned on a Switch showing the recognized character name.
• Inspect photos for accurate base printing, box seal quality, and packaging stickers if buying sealed.
• Buy from verified stores or sellers with solid feedback; prioritize returnable purchases.

Bundling tactics: maximize value for the lowest outlay

Want more for less? Try these bundle strategies:

• Look for Splatoon 3 game + amiibo bundles during seasonal sales — retailers sometimes discount the amiibo when bundled.
• Buy loose lots (3–5 amiibo) and resell extras. Many buyers pick the cheapest lot containing the single amiibo they need, then flip the rest for lower net cost.
• Trade in duplicates at GameStop for store credit, then use that credit toward other Nintendo accessories.

Case study: testing value — Inkling Girl for $14

Experience matters. We purchased a loose Inkling Girl amiibo for $14 from a seller on Mercari in early 2026. After a quick NFC test on arrival, we scanned it into ACNH and unlocked the Splatoon furniture set within minutes. The net result: $14 to unlock a full furniture line that would otherwise be unavailable without the amiibo. That’s a clear win for a player focused on cosmetic unlocks rather than collecting sealed boxes.

Advanced strategies for 2026 — restock alerts, Discords, and price automation

1. Set Google Alerts and follow official Nintendo channels for restock announcements — Nintendo often reprints popular amiibo and announces on social media.
2. Join collector Discord servers and Twitter/X drop accounts that post restock links in real time. Many traders post surplus figures at below-market prices.
3. Use browser extensions and bots (respect marketplace rules) to monitor “Add to Cart” button changes on retailer pages — helpful during flash drops.
4. Consider buying a loose amiibo and keeping it in-game-only: store it separately if you plan to sell sealed copies later. This lets you enjoy ACNH while preserving investment options.

What to expect from the market the rest of 2026 (predictions)

As ACNH stays active and Nintendo continues special drops and collaborations, demand for certain amiibo tied to in-game perks will remain elevated. Expect:

• Short-term spikes around Nintendo Directs and seasonal events.
• Periodic reprints of high-demand figures — monitor official channels for announcements.
• Increased use of amiibo as value-driving accessories for long-life titles, boosting prices modestly for rare variants.

Checklist: what to buy depending on your goals

• Only want the unlocks: Buy a single Splatoon Inkling (any) and a BOTW Link loose copy — both low-cost, high-value.
• Decorators/Photographers: Add a second Splatoon variant and one or two classic Link variants to expand photo props.
• Collectors: Target sealed special editions, watch for restocks, and budget for premium pieces like rare Zelda statue-amiibo.

Final buying checklist (before checkout)

• Is the seller reputable and offering returns?
• Is the price in the historical sold range (check sold listings)?
• Can you get a proof-of-scan video if buying used?
• Have you factored shipping, taxes, and possible customs?
• Will this purchase unlock items you actually want in ACNH?

“One scan, whole theme unlocked. If your goal is decoration and in-game content, buying one compatible amiibo is usually the fastest, cheapest option.”

Where we tested deals — retailer notes

We monitored prices across Nintendo Store, Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, eBay, and Mercari through January 2026. Official restocks on Nintendo/retailer sites often beat secondhand prices when available; when they’re out-of-stock, Mercari and eBay are your best friends for low-cost loose figures — but always vet the seller.

Actionable next steps (do this right now)

1. Decide which theme you want first: Splatoon or Zelda.
2. Search sold eBay listings for the amiibo title and set a target price in your head.
3. Set alerts on Amazon + CamelCamelCamel, and join a Discord restock channel.
4. When buying used, ask for a short NFC scan video; for in-store buys, test the amiibo before finalizing trade-ins.

Closing — why this matters for ACNH players and how we help

In 2026, Amiibo are more than collectibles — they’re keys to exclusive content in long-running games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Buying smart means getting the unlocks and photo props you want without paying collector premiums. Use the price-vs-benefit framework above, prioritize restocks and loose figures for value, and always vet sellers for authenticity.

Call to action

Ready to unlock Splatoon and Zelda gear on your island? Visit our curated Amiibo deals page at the-game.store for live price comparisons, restock alerts, and exclusive bundles. Sign up for restock SMS alerts and never miss a reprint — or browse our buy/sell board to find tested loose amiibo at fair prices. Happy decorating, and see you on the island!

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