Best Splatoon Amiibo to Buy Right Now: Rarity, Price and What You Get In-Game

Can't find the right Splatoon amiibo at a fair price — or sure if it's worth buying post-3.0? You're not alone.

Since Animal Crossing: New Horizons' 3.0 update (Jan 2026) added Splatoon furniture locked behind amiibo scanning, demand spiked overnight. Collectors want display pieces; players want the new in-game items. This guide ranks every Splatoon amiibo by value for players and collectors, gives a clear rarity/price snapshot, and explains where to snag the best deals in 2026.

Quick takeaways — read first

• Best buy for players: Common Inkling amiibo that unlock New Horizons furniture and in-game gear — low cost, high utility.
• Best buy for collectors: Limited-run or early-press amiibo (Squid Sisters, Octoling variants) — higher resale, display appeal.
• Where to search: Official retailer re-stocks (Nintendo, Best Buy, GameStop) for sealed figures; verified marketplaces (e.g., eBay sold listings, Mercari with buyer protection) for hard-to-find pieces.
• 2026 trend: More frequent small reprints from Nintendo reduced scalper prices on commons in 2024–25, but boutique variants and original-run boxes remain prized.

How we ranked these amiibo

Rankings balance three factors to reflect both player and collector value:

1. Utility: What the amiibo unlocks in Splatoon games and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (post-3.0).
2. Rarity & demand: Current market availability and collector interest in 2026.
3. Price-to-benefit: Typical purchase price vs. in-game and display value.

We cross-checked official compatibility notes (Nintendo), New Horizons 3.0 reports, and 2025–26 marketplace observations to produce practical buying guidance rather than pure speculation.

Top Splatoon amiibo ranked by value (players + collectors)

1. Inkling Girl (Original Splatoon series) — Best overall value for players

Why it's high value: The Inkling Girl figure is widely compatible across Splatoon titles and triggers immediate New Horizons Splatoon furniture unlocks. It's frequently reprinted, so prices stay reasonable.

• Rarity: Common (multiple reprints through 2024–2025)
• Typical price range (2026): $12–$30 sealed
• Best for: Players who want quick access to Splatoon items in New Horizons and low-risk collectors.

Actionable tip: If you just want the in-game New Horizons items, buying a used, tested Inkling Girl amiibo works fine — NFC functionality is the same even if the box is opened.

2. Inkling Boy (Original Splatoon series) — Player-focused bargain

Why buy: Similar to the Inkling Girl in compatibility and availability. Two amiibo of the core set give you access to a wider range of Splatoon-themed items in New Horizons without overspending.

• Rarity: Common
• Typical price range (2026): $12–$28 sealed
• Best for: Players completing a Splatoon room in New Horizons on a budget.

3. Inkling Squid (Original Splatoon series) — Great for displays & minimal premium

The Squid amiibo is a visual favorite and often priced close to the Inkling boy/girl. It unlocks similar item sets and is a clean pick for both display and utility.

• Rarity: Common
• Typical price range (2026): $15–$35 sealed
• Best for: Players who value the aesthetic and want a complete original trio.

4. Squid Sisters (Callie & Marie duo; if available) — Collector favorite

Why it's desirable: The Squid Sisters are iconic characters; their amiibo (or two-pack) is in steady collector demand. Post-3.0, demand rose because of exclusive New Horizons cosmetics and photo poses tied to character-themed furniture.

• Rarity: Moderate to rare (depends on press/run)
• Typical price range (2026): $40–$120 — prices vary widely by box condition and region
• Best for: Fans and display collectors who want a centerpiece.

Buying tip: For display collectors, focus on box condition and authenticity. For players, a used Squid Sisters amiibo is an economical way to unlock the set.

5. Octoling Amiibo / Splatoon 2 variants — High collector value, good player perks

The Octoling and Splatoon 2-era figures often command higher prices because they were popular during the franchise's big expansions and sometimes had limited regional releases.

• Rarity: Moderate to rare
• Typical price range (2026): $30–$150 depending on variant and region
• Best for: Collectors who value unique sculpts and players after Octoling-related in-game content.

6. Splatoon 3 special editions / event variants — Niche, potentially high ROI

These include any limited-run colorways, convention exclusives, or event-distributed amiibo tied to Splatoon 3 promotions. They tend to be expensive but often appreciate if Nintendo doesn't reprint them.

• Rarity: Rare
• Typical price range (2026): $60–$250+
• Best for: Speculative collectors and completists.

Pro tip: If you're buying for game use, weigh the rarity premium against the fact that many in-game rewards are available from more common amiibo.

7. Regional or retailer exclusives — Only for serious collectors

Some Splatoon amiibo had retailer-exclusive releases or regional packaging that only collectors chase. These are the hardest to justify purely for in-game benefits.

• Rarity: Very rare
• Typical price range (2026): $100–$500+
• Best for: Investment-minded collectors who track box provenance and authentication.

Detailed methodology — what counts as "value"

Not all amiibo value is monetary. We broke it down to:

• Immediate game utility: Access to New Horizons Splatoon furniture (post-3.0), exclusive gear in Splatoon 2/3, and photo poses or challenges.
• Long-term collectibility: Rarity, reprint likelihood, box artwork, and character popularity.
• Market liquidity: How easy it is to buy/sell the figure without massive losses.

We prioritized figures that serve both sides: low-cost amiibo that unlock New Horizons content and remain easy to resell if desired.

Where to buy in 2026 — best channels and tactics

Supply trends through late 2025 into early 2026 mean you can still get bargains — if you know where to look and what to watch for.

Primary retailers — first stop (and often best prices)

• Official Nintendo store: Occasional restocks and bundles — good for sealed, guaranteed authenticity.
• Major retailers (Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart): Watch pre-orders, restocks, and open-box deals.
• Brick-and-mortar: Local stores sometimes have unsold sealed stock that isn't listed online.

Actionable tactic: Set restock alerts with browser extensions (Keepa for Amazon, HotStock/NowInStock for wider web tracking) and follow retailer accounts on Twitter/X and Discord restock channels.

Secondary markets — where rarity lives

• eBay: Best for sold-price research. Use "sold listings" to determine realistic market value before bidding.
• Mercari & Poshmark: Good for domestic deals; check seller ratings and offer to bundle multiple listings.
• StockX or specialist auction houses: Useful for authenticated, high-end variants.

Buying tip: Check completed listings for the specific SKU/region variant you want — box variations change desirability.

Local and community options

• Facebook Marketplace/Reddit r/amiibo or r/GameSale communities — great for local pickup and avoiding shipping costs.
• Conventions and flea markets — occasionally yield bargains on loose figures or sealed stock.

Authentication & condition checklist — buy with confidence

Collectors lose value fast with fake or damaged boxes. Players mainly need intact NFC functionality. Use this checklist before buying:

• Box condition: Photos of all sides, barcode, and collector numbers.
• NFC test: If buying used locally, scan the amiibo with a Switch before paying. For online buys, request a short demo video of the amiibo scanning into the console.
• Provenance: Ask for original receipt or seller history for expensive variants.
• Return policy: Only buy from sellers who offer returns if the amiibo is non-functional.

Player vs collector purchase strategies

For players who only want New Horizons items

• Buy common original trio (Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, Inkling Squid) used or open-box for under $25 each.
• If you're on a budget, aim for one amiibo that your island needs most — the catalog unlocks allow you to buy related furniture once unlocked in the shop.
• Check in-game kiosks after scanning — some furniture becomes purchasable for Nook or hotel guest rooms.

For collectors and investors

• Prioritize sealed condition, box provenance, and regional variants with low production runs.
• Use authenticated marketplaces for high-ticket purchases to protect against counterfeits.
• Diversify: keep a mix of commons (liquid) and one or two rare variants (appreciation play).

Price comparison playbook — how to get the best deal

Follow this step-by-step approach when you spot an amiibo listing:

1. Check sold prices for the exact SKU and region on eBay (filter by "sold").
2. Compare sealed vs. used price delta — determine how much you value mint box condition.
3. If buying online, message the seller for extra photos of scuffs, barcodes, and NFC scans.
4. Set a firm upper limit based on rarity + personal value — avoid bidding wars unless it’s a must-have.

2026 trends & future predictions — what collectors and players should expect

Here’s what we've observed and what to expect over the next 12–24 months:

• More frequent small reprints: Nintendo has used targeted reprints to calm scalper markets. Expect continued limited re-runs of high-demand Splatoon commons.
• Increased marketplace authentication: 2025–26 brought third-party authentication services for high-value amiibo; authenticated listings will command a premium.
• Cross-game utility drives demand: Any future Splatoon or crossover content (DLC, ACNH tie-ins) will spike interest in the figures that unlock items. Stay alert around Nintendo Direct and seasonal updates.
• Physical collectibles trend: With gaming memorabilia seen as alternative assets, boutique variants and region exclusives will hold or increase value — but liquidity will remain lower than commons.

Real-world case study (how one buyer maximized value)

Case summary: In late 2025, a player wanted Splatoon items for New Horizons but didn’t want to overpay. They sourced a used Inkling Girl from a local seller for $15 (NFC tested), scanned it to unlock the furniture, and later flipped the amiibo for $20 when they upgraded to a boxed set. The key moves: local scanning to verify functionality, buying used to avoid a premium, and timing the resale around a small restock lull described in some flash-pop-up and bargain-play guides.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying a collector premium for amiibo if all you want is a simple in-game unlock.
• Skipping authentication for high-priced, rare variants.
• Assuming all amiibo unlock the same New Horizons items — compatibility varies by figure and game.
• Ignoring shipping costs and import fees on international purchases.

Final recommendations — what to buy right now

• If you're a player: Start with the Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy (used is acceptable). They unlock the bulk of Splatoon furniture without breaking the bank.
• If you're a casual collector: Add the Inkling Squid to complete the trio; hunt for a good-condition Squid Sisters set if it fits your budget.
• If you're a serious collector/investor: Target limited-run Splatoon 3 variants and Octoling variants via authenticated sellers and watch verified auction houses for provenance.

Want real-time help finding the best deals?

We track amiibo prices across retailers and resellers so you don't have to. Sign up for restock alerts, compare recent sold listings, and get personalized buy-or-wait advice based on current market data.

Actionable next steps

1. Decide your priority: in-game unlocks or display value.
2. Set price alerts for the top 3 amiibo you want (use Keepa, NowInStock, or our store alerts).
3. If buying used, request an NFC scan video and confirm the seller accepts returns.

Whether you're building a Splatoon shrine or unlocking new New Horizons furniture, the right amiibo is about balancing price, rarity, and personal value.

Wrap-up — make the smart buy

In 2026 the amiibo market is more rational than the scalper-fueled chaos of earlier years: commons are easier to obtain thanks to selective reprints, while rares retain collector premiums. For most players, the Inkling trio delivers the best price-to-benefit ratio for New Horizons and Splatoon games. Collectors should focus on box condition and authentication for high-value pieces.

Ready to find the best Splatoon amiibo deal right now? Use our price-compare tool and restock alerts to spot authentic listings, beat scalpers, and secure the amiibo that fits your playstyle or collection. Start a search or set an alert — your next great buy could be one click away.

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