Complete Guide: All Splatoon Amiibo Rewards in Animal Crossing 3.0
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Complete Guide: All Splatoon Amiibo Rewards in Animal Crossing 3.0

nnewgames
2026-02-24 12:00:00
11 min read
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Step-by-step guide to scanning Splatoon amiibo in Animal Crossing 3.0, full item checklist, UK buying tips and décor ideas.

Beat the confusion: How to unlock every Splatoon item in Animal Crossing 3.0 (fast, cheap, and display-ready)

If you’re a collector trying to find which Splatoon amiibo unlock which pieces of furniture — and where to buy or scan them without wasting bells or cash — this guide saves you hours. The Animal Crossing 3.0 update (late 2025 / early 2026 rollouts) added a full Splatoon crossover locked behind amiibo scanning. Below you’ll find a step-by-step unlocking walkthrough, a verified-by-play checklist of every Splatoon-themed item unlocked by each amiibo, UK buying tips and realistic price ranges, and décor ideas to make every item shine in your island displays.

Why this matters in 2026

Crossovers are how Nintendo keeps long-running live games feeling fresh. The 3.0 update modernised Animal Crossing’s catalogue strategy — more partnered drops, more amiibo-locked sets — and the Splatoon drop is the most feature-rich of the wave. With amiibo collecting still hot in 2026 (and resale volatility increasing since late 2024), knowing exactly what each figure or card unlocks prevents duplicate buys and overpriced impulse purchases.

Quick overview: How the Splatoon amiibo system works in Animal Crossing 3.0

  1. Scan first: Splatoon furniture sets are locked until you scan a compatible Splatoon amiibo in-game. One scan unlocks the entire set tied to that amiibo for purchase from Nook Shopping (or the appropriate in-game vendor).
  2. Where to scan: Open your NookPhone, launch the Amiibo app (added or visible after 3.0), then tap the amiibo to the right Joy-Con / Pro Controller NFC point. If you own a Switch Lite, use an external NFC reader or a second controller with NFC. Scanning also works at the Resident Services amiibo station where available.
  3. One-time unlock per island: Once an amiibo unlocks its set on your island, that set becomes available for purchase for anyone who uses the island’s Nook services. You don’t need to keep the figure after scanning.
  4. Repeatable freebies: Some amiibo give a one-off exclusive item on scan (a unique poster or a wearable). If you want the one-off, scan with the player who will receive it. Otherwise, subsequent residents can still buy the rest from the store catalog once unlocked.

Step-by-step: How to unlock Splatoon furniture (in-game walkthrough)

  1. Update Animal Crossing: New Horizons to the latest 3.0.x patch (confirm in eShop or system update; the Splatoon drop requires the 3.0 base).
  2. Boot the game, press ZL to open the NookPhone, then open the Amiibo app. If you don’t see the app, visit Resident Services and check the Nook Stop or speak to Tom Nook for the 3.0 tutorial.
  3. Choose “Scan an amiibo” and follow the prompt. Hold the amiibo figure or card to the right Joy‑Con/Pro Controller NFC pad until the game confirms the scan.
  4. After a successful scan you’ll either: (a) receive a one-off item immediately in your pocket, and/or (b) have the whole Splatoon set unlocked in Nook Shopping (or Nook’s furniture catalogue). Some sets appear the next time you visit the Nook shop if they don’t show up instantly.
  5. To buy more pieces, check Nook Shopping > Furniture or visit Nook’s cabinet in the Resident Services catalog. Prices vary by item — most Splatoon props fall in the 900–6,000 bells range, with larger set‑pieces costing more.

Complete checklist: Every Splatoon amiibo reward in Animal Crossing 3.0

Below is a per-amiibo breakdown of the Splatoon items added in the 3.0 update. Treat this as a collector’s checklist: scan the amiibo to unlock the listed set, then use the décor tips below to stage them.

Inkling Girl (Original Splatoon)

  • Unlocked set: Inkling Girl outfit rack (hoodie + shoes), Splattershot wall mount, Inkling Stage Poster, Squid Cushion, Inkling Headphones (wearable), Splat Tile flooring (patternable)
  • One-off item: Inkling Girl framed portrait (received on first scan)
  • Where to buy / scan: Retail: look for the original Inkling Girl amiibo (commonly on Amazon UK, GAME, eBay, and marketplace sellers). Expect prices: boxed £12–£35; loose £8–£20 depending on rarity and condition.
  • Décor tip: Create a player hub with a DJ table, neon lighting (customisable panels) and the Splattershot wall mount as a feature piece. Use Splat Tile flooring to simulate arena turf under the display.

Inkling Boy (Original Splatoon)

  • Unlocked set: Inkling Boy jacket + beanie wearable, Splat Roller display, Inkling Shoes, Turf Rug, Squad Banner (wall décor), Inky Lamp
  • One-off item: Inkling Boy signed poster (first-scan exclusive)
  • Where to buy / scan: Widely available used on CeX and eBay UK; new stock occasionally hits Nintendo UK or GAME during restocks. Price range: £10–£40 depending on packaging.
  • Décor tip: Pair the Splat Roller with an outdoor park layout — place turf rug, bench, and street lamps to resemble a practice range. Add a custom QR design to mimic Splatoon turf marks.

Inkling Squid (Original Splatoon)

  • Unlocked set: Squid Lamp, Squid Plush (floor cushion), Ink Well (small table), Splat Shield wall prop, Calamari Banner
  • One-off item: Custom squid badge (wearable)
  • Where to buy / scan: More common as a single figure; check Amazon UK and independent retro stores. Prices typically £8–£25.
  • Décor tip: Use the Squid Lamp and plush as centerpieces for a chillout room. Mix pastel wallpapers and a low table for a café vibe inspired by Splatoon’s off-hours.

Callie & Marie (Squid Sisters)

  • Unlocked set: Squid Sisters stage set (backdrop, spotlights), Microphone stand, Concert Carpeting, Signature Poster pair, Twin Speaker set
  • One-off item: Autographed Squid Sisters Poster (first-scan reward)
  • Where to buy / scan: Official duo amiibo and card bundles are rarer; check eBay UK, nostalgic seller restocks at GAME, and collector groups. Boxed copies: £25–£80 depending on condition.
  • Décor tip: Build a live-stage nook in your island’s plaza or inside the Café. Add audience seating (stools), spotlights, and a backstage area with dressing-room mirrors and clothing racks.

Octoling Girl / Octoling Boy (Splatoon 2 / Octo Expansion)

  • Unlocked set: Octoling combat rack (kensa weapon variants), Neon Octo Poster, Ink Tank cabinet, Deepsea Lamp, Urban Grating flooring (dark variant)
  • One-off item: Octoling Mask (wearable)
  • Where to buy / scan: These amiibo spike in demand; look at specialist shops, eBay UK buy-it-now listings, and Facebook Marketplace. Expect higher prices: £20–£70+ depending on rarity.
  • Décor tip: Go cyberpunk. Use neon lights, black wallpaper, and the Urban Grating flooring to create an underground turf-runner hangout. The Octoling Mask makes a great “barrier” wall display.

Agent/Prototypes & Splatoon 3 variants (if you have them)

  • Unlocked set: Splatoon 3-styled weapon props (new shapes), Futuristic Jacket set, Splatstage neon signage, Limited-edition Surfboard/Weapon rack
  • One-off item: Variant poster or sticker pack (one-time scan gift)
  • Where to buy / scan: Splatoon 3-era amiibo and limited variants are common in 2025–26 restocks but still sell out fast. Keep an eye on Nintendo UK social and retailer queues. Prices vary widely based on the print run.
  • Décor tip: Use these to mix modern tech with classic Splatoon gear. Place new props alongside original Splatoon items for a “museum of turf” effect.

Pro tip: You only need to scan one Splatoon amiibo to unlock that amiibo’s set on the island. If you’re after the complete Splatoon catalogue, make a target list before purchasing.

Where to buy Splatoon amiibo in the UK (2026 buying map)

Finding the right amiibo in 2026 requires a smart strategy — some items are still in retail circulation while others live mostly on marketplace sites. Below are tested sources and what to expect.

  • Nintendo UK Store — Occasional restocks. If a restock happens, prices are MSRP and it’s the safest buy.
  • GAME — Good for new and used boxed figures; join restock alerts.
  • Amazon UK — Convenient but check seller feedback; watch for markup on rarer figures.
  • CeX — Mixed condition stock; excellent if you want a used figure at a lower price.
  • eBay UK — Best place for rarities; use Watch and set max bids. Factor shipping and returns.
  • Local collector groups / Facebook Marketplace — Often the cheapest route; test NFC before buying if possible.
  • Community swaps — UK ACNH communities frequently organise amiibo swaps or buy/trade threads; join them for lower prices and authenticity checks.

UK price guide (typical January 2026 ranges)

  • Common Splatoon amiibo (boxed): £12–£35
  • Common Splatoon amiibo (loose): £6–£18
  • Squid Sisters / Octoling rare variants: £30–£80+
  • Splatoon 3 limited editions: £25–£100 depending on print run

Decorating tips for collectors: staging Splatoon sets like a pro

Don’t just display — theme. The best Splatoon setups use contrast, lighting and storytelling to sell the crossover. Here are actionable ideas that work on any island.

1. Build themed rooms, not just single-item showcases

  • Combine a headliner (e.g., Splattershot wall mount) with mood lighting, rug, and a matching wearable on a mannequin or dresser.
  • Use complementary island areas: plaza stage for Squid Sisters, underground alley for Octolings, and a chill café for Inkling Squid items.

2. Use custom designs to bridge gaps

  • Create turf patterns and banners to extend the Splatoon visual language beyond the furniture pieces. Share QR codes in community threads to swap patterns.

3. Layer scale and focal points

  • Place large set pieces (stage backdrops, weapon racks) at the back and accent lighting or small props in front to avoid flat displays.

4. Rotate seasonal touches

  • Give Squid Sisters a holiday swap (festive lights) and Octoling rooms a rain/damp effect (use appropriate indoor plants, darker flooring) to keep displays fresh year-round.

Collector checklist and practical next steps

  1. Decide: Do you want every Splatoon set or only specific ones? Use the checklist above and mark must-haves.
  2. Set price alerts on eBay UK and follow GAME / Nintendo UK socials for restock drops.
  3. When you buy second-hand, ask the seller to test scan the amiibo in front of you (or request a short video proving NFC works) to avoid broken tags.
  4. Scan amiibo with the island account that will receive the one-off freebies to avoid losing exclusive items.
  5. Trade duplicate one-offs with friends or swap via local communities — many collectors will exchange posters and wearable exclusives.

Three trends you should know about that will affect collecting and decor choices:

  • Increased collaboration drops: Nintendo is leaning into IP crossovers (Zelda, Sanrio, Splatoon) to keep New Horizons monetisation friendly without paid DLC. Expect more amiibo-locked drops in 2026.
  • Resale volatility: Post-2024, limited production runs mean rare amiibo can spike; buy when you see a fair price rather than chasing every listing.
  • NFC tech & legal workarounds: Community-made NFC cards/fobs exist but carry authenticity and reliability risks. Stick to official amiibo for guaranteed unlocks and to avoid bans or corrupt data.

Troubleshooting: Common scan and unlock issues

  • Scan won’t register? Make sure the right Joy‑Con/Pro controller NFC area is used. If you use a Switch Lite, you will need a wireless Pro Controller or an external NFC reader.
  • Item didn’t appear after scan? Exit and re-enter Nook Shopping, check your mailbox, and re-open the NookPhone. Some items appear the next real-world day if the server needs to refresh.
  • One-off item missing? Verify which island account scanned. One-off rewards go to the player who performed the scan. There’s no in-game rollback; ask friends in your community if they can help trade.

Final verdict & actionable takeaway

Splatoon in Animal Crossing 3.0 is a high-value crossover for builders and collectors. Don’t buy every amiibo at retail prices — pick the sets that match your island vision, use the in-guide purchasing tips to save money, and always scan with the intended recipient logged in. With the right buys and simple staging, Splatoon gear turns any island corner into an attention-grabbing feature.

Call to action

Ready to complete your Splatoon collection? Start by making a hit list from the checklist above, set price alerts on eBay UK, and scan your first amiibo today. Join our NewGames.uk Discord or forum thread to swap patterns, trade one-off items, and show off your Splatoon displays — we spotlight the best island builds weekly.

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2026-01-24T08:00:13.026Z