The Best Amiibo Deals Right Now: Where to Buy Splatoon Figures Without Breaking the Bank

Stop overpaying for Amiibo: how to score Splatoon and Zelda figures for Animal Crossing New Horizons without wrecking your wallet

If you want the new Splatoon furniture and classic Zelda items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons but hate paying inflated collector prices, you’re not alone. The 3.0 update (Jan 2026) put a fresh spotlight on amiibo-compatible unlocks, driving demand — and temporary price spikes — for certain figures. This guide gives you a gameplan: where to buy, how to track prices, when to buy used vs. new, and safe tactics to get in-game rewards without becoming a collector hostage.

Quick winner’s guide — best places to buy Amiibo deals right now

• Best for new and guaranteed authentic: Big-box retailers (Target, Walmart, Best Buy) during sales and retailer restocks.
• Best for bargains: Local marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp) and Mercari — negotiate and pick up in person when possible.
• Best for rare finds: eBay with strict seller filters and saved searches — use Buy It Now for instant checkout.
• Best for tracking price drops: Keepa & CamelCamelCamel for Amazon, NowInStock for retailer alerts, and dedicated Discord/X groups for real-time tips.
• Best for points and loyalty value: Use Target Circle + RedCard, Best Buy Totaltech or GameStop PowerUp (if you can offset cost with trade-in credits).

Why 2026 matters: the Animal Crossing 3.0 effect and the collector market

Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ 3.0 update (rolled out in January 2026) added a wave of Splatoon-themed furniture and additional Zelda items locked behind amiibo scanning. That single update changed demand geometry: casual players who only wanted in-game items suddenly entered the market alongside long-term collectors. The result in late 2025–early 2026 was predictable — a short-term bump in prices on figures associated with those franchises.

At the same time, the collector market in 2025 saw more frequent micro-restocks from Nintendo and larger retailers experimenting with limited regional drops. That softened the long-term scarcity for many mainstream amiibo lines, but rare variants, Japan-only releases, and damaged-box mint-condition pieces still command premiums. So: you can usually get what you want for in-game utility without paying collector-tier prices — if you shop smart.

Which amiibo unlock Splatoon and Zelda items in New Horizons?

Not every amiibo is created equal. For unlocking the Splatoon set and Zelda items, you need compatible figures from their respective lines. In general:

• Splatoon amiibo — the Inkling girl/boy, Octoling figures and the Squid/Octopus variants from the original and Splatoon 2/3 lines unlock Splatoon-themed furniture after scanning.
• Zelda amiibo — popular entries like Breath of the Wild Link, Twilight Princess figures, and earlier classic Zelda releases unlock various themed items. For collectors or completionists, see ways to complete your Zelda collection (amiibo, LEGO and in-game rewards).

Pro tip: for in-game purposes you usually only need to scan any one compatible figure once to unlock the corresponding items for your island. That makes used, loose, or cheaper options perfectly valid if your priority is furniture over boxed collector status.

How to scan an amiibo in New Horizons (fast, with minimal fuss)

1. Update New Horizons to the latest version (3.0 or newer).
2. Open your NookPhone or go to the Nook Stop and select the amiibo/Invite option (the game will prompt when a compatible figure is detected).
3. Tap the amiibo to the Switch NFC sensor (right Joy-Con analog-stick area or the Pro Controller NFC point).
4. Once scanned, the furniture becomes available for purchase through the appropriate in-game vendor (check Nook Shopping or the hotel/visitor options added in 3.0).

Price tracking and alert tools every buyer should use

Tracking prices is the #1 defense against panic buys. Set alerts and let the tools do the work:

• Keepa — deep Amazon price history and drop alerts. Use the browser extension to visualize trends and set thresholds.
• CamelCamelCamel — simple Amazon price-tracking with email alerts; good for less technical users.
• NowInStock — monitors retailer inventory and restocks (Target, Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop).
• eBay saved searches — create exact-match saved searches and enable immediate push/email alerts for Buy It Now or auction listings.
• Discord and Twitter/X tracking — follow amiibo-focused servers and accounts for instant restock tips. Real-time beats delayed site alerts.

Where to buy amiibo right now — detailed retailer playbook

1) Target

Why: frequent in-store restocks, Target Circle discounts, and RedCard 5% off. When to buy: during weekly sales, seasonal events, or when Target tags amiibo as part of buy-one-get-one promotions. How to watch: use NowInStock and Target’s “notify me” buttons; check in-store aisles for clearance stickers.

2) Walmart

Why: competitive pricing and rollback deals. When to buy: Walmart often discounts during holiday windows and surprise rollbacks. How to watch: set pickup notifications, and check third-party marketplace listings on Walmart.com for lower prices (but vet sellers).

3) Best Buy

Why: price matching during restocks and occasional open-box deals. When to buy: during Best Buy sales and during Totaltech member exclusives. How to watch: use Best Buy’s notifications and price-match policy if you spot the same item cheaper elsewhere.

4) GameStop

Why: trade-in credit can offset cost and PowerUp points give extra value. When to buy: look for exclusive variants or certified pre-owned deals. How to watch: sign up for PowerUp and use their app to spot in-store returns and clearance sales.

5) Amazon

Why: convenience and Prime shipping. When to buy: during Prime Day, October sales, and when third-party sellers list unopened or loose figures at competitive prices. How to watch: Keepa and CamelCamelCamel alerts — don’t forget to check seller ratings and fulfillment options.

6) eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace

Why: best place for used/loose amiibo and regional variants. When to buy: anytime an attractive listing appears. How to buy smart: filter by seller rating, ask for close-up photos, request serial numbers/amiibo IDs if possible, and prefer local pickup to avoid shipping fees and scams.

Buying used or loose vs. new in box — which is right for you?

If your goal is unlocking New Horizons items, loose or used amiibo are the best value. You only need the NFC chip to work. Buying loose saves substantial cash. If you’re a collector seeking resale value or shelf display, buy sealed and mint-condition figures — but expect higher prices and longer hunt times.

Checklist for used purchases:

• Ask the seller to confirm the figure scans successfully in-game (many sellers will test for you).
• Request photos of the amiibo’s base and any serial codes if present.
• Negotiate for local pickup to inspect the physical NFC chip area for damage.

Authenticity — avoid fakes and shady sellers

Counterfeit amiibo exist. Red flags include prices that are too-good-to-be-true, blurry photos, no close-ups of the base, or sellers refusing in-person verification. To authenticate:

• Compare the SKU and base markings to official pictures (search for the manufacturer markings on the underside).
• Check packaging details and cardboard weight for sealed items — counterfeit boxes often have poor print quality and wrong color hues.
• Ask the seller to show the figure scanning in a live video or to confirm the amiibo ID via a trustworthy app or community tool.

Advanced strategies for collectors and bargain hunters (2026 tactics)

1) Use loyalty programs to stack savings

Combine retailer promos with credit-card rewards and cashback apps. Example: buy an amiibo from Target during a 10% off promo, use RedCard, and then get 2–3% cashback from your credit card. Over time these stacks add up.

2) Borrow or trade to unlock items you only need once

If your priority is in-game furniture, consider borrowing a compatible amiibo from a friend or using local community exchange groups. Many local swap meets exist specifically for amiibo scanning — you scan and return the figure right away.

3) Buy used, then resell

For budget-conscious players: buy a cheap loose amiibo to unlock the content, then resell it. Provided shipping costs are low, this can be close to a break-even way to access content without full sticker shock.

4) Monitor international marketplaces for variant pricing

Some Japan-only variants show up at better prices during international sell-offs. Factor in shipping and customs, but regional disparities can be opportunities — especially for fans interested in rare Splatoon variants. If you plan to display rare finds, compare them to specialist reviews of showcase displays to understand presentation and preservation needs.

Practical buying checklist — do this before you click checkout

• Confirm the amiibo line and model unlocks the exact New Horizons item you want.
• Compare new vs. used prices across Amazon, eBay, Mercari, and local marketplaces.
• Set alerts on Keepa/NowInStock and saved searches on eBay.
• If buying used, request a scan video or agree on local pickup.
• Verify return policies — sealed items sometimes have restock rules and third-party marketplace returns vary wildly.
• Use loyalty stacks (RedCard, Best Buy Totaltech, PowerUp) where it reduces net cost.
• Watch for retailer restocks after major Nintendo announcements or Animal Crossing community events — those often trigger predictable slots for restocks.

Common questions from buyers — quick answers

Do I need the amiibo permanently to keep the items?

No. Once your island has unlocked the items via a successful scan, the furniture becomes available for purchase even if the figure is no longer in your inventory. That’s why buying used or borrowing is a valid strategy for most players.

Can I use amiibo cards instead of figures?

Animal Crossing amiibo cards are a separate product line and typically unlock villagers and specific interactions. For Splatoon furniture you need compatible Splatoon or Zelda figures that the game recognizes — cards won’t always cover those cross-franchise unlocks.

Are amiibo safe to buy internationally?

Yes, but be mindful of region-exclusive variants, shipping costs, and customs. Also verify return policies — international returns are a pain.

The collector angle: investing vs. enjoying

In 2026 the amiibo market is more mature. Short-term flares in value occur around major game updates (like the ACNH 3.0 release). If you’re collecting as an investment, focus on rare variants, sealed Japanese exclusives, and historically limited runs. If you’re collecting to use in games and build displays, prioritize condition at a price you can live with.

Bottom line: If your endgame is New Horizons furniture — buy the cheapest functional figure. If your interest is long-term value, accept higher prices and longer waits for the truly rare pieces.

Action plan — what to do in the next 7 days

1. Identify the exact amiibo(s) you need for Splatoon/Zelda items.
2. Create Keepa and NowInStock alerts for those model SKUs.
3. Search eBay and Mercari for loose/used listings and set saved searches.
4. Post in local Facebook Marketplace and r/GameSale offering to buy used locally.
5. If you prefer new, check Target, Best Buy, and GameStop for restock alerts and stack loyalty discounts.

“You usually only need one successful scan — don’t pay collector prices for in-game items.”

Final thoughts and next moves

Animal Crossing’s 3.0 update rekindled interest in Splatoon and Zelda amiibo — but that doesn’t mean you need to become a market victim. With the right tracking tools, a willingness to buy used or borrow, and a few loyalty-program hacks, you can unlock the furniture you want without spending collector money.

Want help right now? We update a live deals board with the latest amiibo restocks, price drops, and verified marketplace bargains — sign up for alerts, join our Discord, or drop the amiibo you’re hunting in the comments and we’ll help scan the listings for red flags.

Call to action: Don’t pay full price — sign up for our amiibo alerts, follow our real-time restock feed, and join the community exchange to borrow amiibo for a scan. Unlock your New Horizons items faster and smarter.

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