Animal Crossing 3.0: How to Unlock Every Amiibo-Exclusive Item (Splatoon, Zelda and More)

Unlocking Amiibo Goods in Animal Crossing 3.0 — a faster route to the gear you actually want

If you’ve updated to Animal Crossing 3.0 and feel overwhelmed by what amiibo can unlock — you’re not alone. Between platform fragmentation, rare cards, and confusing unlock mechanics, collectors and casual players alike struggle to get the Splatoon kits, Zelda relics and crossover clothing they saw in screenshots. This guide walks you through the exact, practical steps to scan and register Splatoon and Zelda amiibo, lists the kinds of rewards each amiibo type typically unlocks, and gives collector-grade buying and authentication advice so you spend smart in 2026’s aftermarket.

Why this matters in 2026

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw renewed interest in amiibo after Nintendo’s selective restocks and several franchise anniversaries. That means more supply, but also a flood of listings and counterfeits. If you want the Splatoon furniture or Zelda décor added in the 3.0 update, you still need to register the correct amiibo — but you don’t have to overpay or waste time chasing fakes. Below you’ll find a concise workflow first, then itemized rewards and collector tips.

Quick setup: What you must do before scanning

• Confirm game version: Make sure Animal Crossing is updated to 3.0 (check the game's title screen in the upper-right for version number).
• Have NFC ready: Any Nintendo Switch model supports amiibo NFC via Joy-Con / Pro Controller. For Switch Lite, use the built-in reader.
• Locate the Nook Stop: Open Resident Services and interact with the red Nook Stop terminal. This is the in-game gateway to amiibo functions and special item registration.

Step-by-step: How to scan amiibo and unlock items

1. Open Animal Crossing: New Horizons and go to Resident Services (main building).
2. Use the Nook Stop kiosk (red terminal) and select the amiibo option — usually shown as “Invite amiibo” or “Register amiibo.” Follow on-screen prompts to scan your figure/card using the Switch’s NFC reader.
3. After a successful scan you’ll receive an in-game confirmation. Some items unlock immediately to purchase via Nook Shopping; others add to the photo studio/HHA or appear for sale in Nook Shopping the next day.
4. If nothing appears after scanning: quit to console menu, power down and restart the game. Double-check you scanned the amiibo successfully (you should have seen a confirmation message when scanning).

Pro tip: Scan in a quiet area of your island and wait for the amiibo confirmation tone — it reduces NFC read errors.

Which amiibo work for Splatoon and Zelda rewards?

Two simple rules to remember:

• All official Splatoon amiibo (Inkling figures, Inkling Squid and subsequent Splatoon-series releases) will trigger Splatoon-themed furniture and apparel.
• Zelda series amiibo (Link, Zelda, Ganondorf variants, Toon Link, and other official Nintendo Zelda-line figures) unlock Legend of Zelda-themed furniture and wearables.

Animal Crossing’s amiibo compatibility intentionally covers broad franchise lines rather than very specific single-product pairings, so any authentic figure from the franchise is a good candidate. That said, different amiibo can unlock different pieces or color variants — scanning multiple amiibo in a series is the fastest way to complete a themed set.

Common Splatoon unlocks

Scanning Splatoon-series amiibo typically unlocks:

• Splatoon furniture set — chairs, tables, decorative ink tanks and themed wall/floor coverings.
• Wearables — branded tees, hats and footwear inspired by Splatoon gear.
• Rare accents — in some cases the amiibo will add exclusive color variants or a unique decorative piece tied to the specific figure scanned.

Common Zelda unlocks

Zelda amiibo often deliver:

• Hyrule furniture — chests, shrine motifs, banners, and pieces that mimic in-series relic design.
• Iconic wearables — Link’s tunic-style outfits, hats, and occasional shield patterns for display.
• Decorative weapons and relics — Master Sword or Hylian Shield-style decor items (non-functional in combat, obviously).

Note: Some amiibo grant a single unique item while others unlock a set. If you’re missing a piece after scanning, try scanning the other amiibo from the same line — many collectibles are unlocked cumulatively.

Troubleshooting: Items didn’t appear?

• Ensure you scanned an official amiibo; counterfeit tags often fail to register. For tips on spotting fake listings and bad bargains, see a practical guide to detecting suspicious marketplace listings like how to spot fake sales and scalpers.
• Restart the game and check the Nook Shopping terminal (Nook Stop > Nook Shopping) and your mailbox the next in-game day.
• If you scanned an amiibo that invites a character (e.g., special NPC) some unlocks are tied to completing a short event or inviting them to your campsite.

Where to buy Splatoon and Zelda amiibo in 2026

Because amiibo demand shifted during 2025 restocks, you now have more options — but prices and reliability vary. Here’s a prioritized list:

Retail (best for new, boxed items)

• Official Nintendo Store — for authorized restocks and bundle announcements (highest reliability).
• Major retailers: GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Walmart — check digital waitlists and Monday morning restock patterns.
• Regional game stores — good for preorders or local pick-up without shipping risk.

Secondary marketplaces (good for rare items)

• eBay — use the “sold listings” filter to understand real prices; prefer sellers with high feedback and clear photos.
• Mercari and Facebook Marketplace — better for local deals and avoided shipping fees, but inspect in person if possible.
• Specialty resellers (Amiibo-focused shops, collector boutiques) — often pricier but come with better authenticity guarantees.

Auction & collector platforms

• StockX-style marketplaces — view price history, but pay attention to seller fees that raise cost.
• Reddit communities (r/amiibo) and Discord trade channels — great for swaps and honest feedback. Use escrow/trusted middleman for high-value trades.

Collector tips: How to avoid fakes and bad buys

Counterfeits are more convincing every year. Use this checklist before you click Buy:

• Ask for high-resolution photos of the packaging, base code and UPC. Genuine boxes have sharp print and consistent Nintendo branding.
• Request a SKU or model number (on the back of the box). Google it — genuine SKUs match official entries.
• Check NFC functionality — if buying locally, scan on a Switch. If online, ask the seller to demonstrate scanning (a short video is fine).
• Compare prices to sold listings on eBay and Mercari. If it’s much cheaper, that’s a red flag.
• For cards: verify holographic quality, series stamp and corners; fake cards often have off-center prints and different cardstock weight.

How to evaluate value (and avoid overpaying)

Use these practical tactics:

• Search “sold” or “completed” listings on eBay to see what people actually paid (not just asking prices).
• Set alerts on marketplaces so you’re first to know about new listings under your target price.
• Buy bundles — sellers often list amiibo with other items (cards, other figures) and you can sometimes save compared to single-item prices.
• Use price-tracking tools and spreadsheets to watch market movement; expect small seasonal dips after restocks or major Nintendo Directs.

Best practices for storing and displaying amiibo

• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve colors and packaging integrity.
• Store cards in polypropylene sleeves and top-loaders; avoid PVC sleeves which can damage print over time.
• Document your collection with photos and receipts; it helps prove provenance if you ever sell.
• For display and furniture choices that preserve items while showing them off, consider storage and display guides such as the FoldAway Modular Sofa System review for ideas about safe display surfaces and modular shelving.

Advanced strategies: Maximize unlocks and collect smart

If you’re chasing full sets or rare color variants, these advanced tactics accelerate progress and reduce cost.

• Group scanning sessions: Scan all amiibo from a franchise in one session to confirm what each unlocks and to track missing pieces.
• Trade duplicates: Join community swap groups — many players have duplicates of standard amiibo and want cards or in-game items in exchange.
• Watch reprint windows: Nintendo tends to reissue amiibo tied to anniversaries, remakes and new title launches — set calendar alerts around Nintendo Directs and franchise birthdays and monitor restock chatter.
• Use local pickup filters: On marketplaces, searching for local pickup can save shipping and let you verify NFC on the spot.

Example walkthrough: Unlocking the Splatoon set — a checklist

1. Update Animal Crossing to 3.0+ and open Resident Services.
2. At the Nook Stop, choose the amiibo option and scan your Splatoon figure(s) one at a time.
3. After each scan, check the Nook Shopping app and your mailbox; note which pieces appeared.
4. If a piece is missing, scan other Splatoon amiibo (different figures often unlock color or accessory variants).
5. Once items are unlocked, purchase them from Nook Shopping or find them on NookStop’s rotating items.

What to expect price-wise in 2026

After 2025 restocks, the market is more stable but rare single-run amiibo and gold/limited cards still command premiums. Use evidence-based pricing — sold listings and price history charts — to set a fair target. If you’re purely after the in-game unlock and plan to pocket the amiibo, consider buying a used figure in good working condition rather than a sealed collector’s copy.

Final checklist before you buy

• Is the amiibo model correct for the franchise line? (Splatoon or Zelda series)
• Does the seller provide provenance (photos, scans, or a working demo)?
• Have you compared recent sold prices for condition parity?
• Do you have a plan for storage or display to preserve value?

Actionable takeaways

• Update first, then scan: 3.0 is required for the Splatoon/Zelda unlocks — don’t waste money if your game is out of date.
• Scan multiple amiibo: different figures often unlock different pieces — build a small checklist per franchise.
• Buy smart: use sold listings, insist on proof of NFC functionality, and prefer local pickup if possible.
• Join the community: swap duplicates and monitor restock chatter to catch good deals.

Whether you’re a completionist hunting every Splatoon lamp and Zelda chest, or a casual player who just wants the Master Sword display for a themed room, the key is a measured approach: confirm compatibility, authenticate before buying, and use community markets to finish sets without overspending.

Call to action

Ready to unlock your first piece? Update your game, scan a Splatoon or Zelda amiibo today and share your haul in our community thread. If you want, drop your target amiibo below — I’ll help you find a fair market price and point you to the best places to buy or trade.

Related Reading

• The New Playbook for Community Hubs & Micro-Communities in 2026: Trust, Commerce, and Longevity
• Review: Best Mobile POS Options for Local Pickup & Returns (2026 Field Comparison)
• Micro-Bundles to Micro-Subscriptions: How Top Brands Monetize Limited Launches in 2026
• Scaling Calendar-Driven Micro-Events: A 2026 Monetization & Resilience Playbook for Creators
• Hands-On Review: LED Gem Lightbox Pro — Field Test for Photographers & Sellers (2026)
• Boutique Experience 101: What Customers Expect From Luxury Jewelry Stores
• Inside England's most pet-focused homes: amenities renters should look for
• Turn the Star Wars Debate into a Thesis: Topic Ideas and Research Paths for Film Students
• Dinner Party Playlist: Mexican Dinner Soundtracks Inspired by New Albums
• Producer’s Guide: Pitching Serialized Medical Drama Tie-Ins Like ‘The Pitt’