Amiibo Hunting in the UK: Best Places to Find Splatoon and Zelda Figures (New Horizons 3.0)

Stuck hunting for Splatoon or Zelda Amiibo in the UK? Here’s the no-nonsense guide that saves time, money and grief

If you’ve been trying to unlock the new Splatoon and Zelda items in Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 (early 2026) only to find scarce stock and inflated resale listings, you’re not alone. Amiibo availability is patchy, reprints are unpredictable, and fakes are a real risk. This guide pulls together practical, UK‑specific tactics—where to look on the high street and online, how to track prices and restocks, and exactly how to avoid counterfeit figures and scam sellers.

Quick primer — what matters right now (inverted pyramid)

Most important: If you want Splatoon or Zelda items in New Horizons, you need compatible Amiibo or Amiibo cards to unlock them. Late 2025 and early 2026 activity (New Horizons 3.0) sent demand spiking for those figures and cards—so expect volatile stock and resale. The good news: with a few tools and a UK‑specific approach, you can still find legit Amiibo at reasonable prices.

What this guide gives you

• Best UK high street and online stores to check (and store‑specific tips).
• Marketplaces that work for UK buyers and how to avoid import headaches.
• Price‑tracking, saved searches and alert tools tuned for Amiibo.
• A clear checklist to spot fakes and protect purchases.
• Advanced buying and resale tactics to stay ahead of collectors.

Why amiibo hunting is different in 2026

The New Horizons 3.0 update (January 2026) reintroduced demand for specific Amiibo — most visibly Splatoon and Zelda Amiibo that unlock themed furniture and collectibles. That means two things for UK shoppers: restocks can vanish quickly, and sellers push prices on rare variants.

Nintendo’s manufacturing and distribution strategy has become more targeted over the past few years: smaller reprints, retailer‑exclusive drops and regionally limited runs. For collectors and players in the UK, the result is a need to be both patient and proactive—local stores sometimes get overlooked stock, while online marketplaces reflect global demand.

Best high street stores in the UK (and how to work them)

High street stores remain a great starting point—no import fees, easy returns, and the chance to pick up new production runs before they hit the secondary market.

GAME

• Why: Primary UK specialist for Nintendo merchandise; frequent restocks and exclusives.
• How to hunt: Use in‑store stock checks, sign up for the GAME newsletter, and follow local store Facebook pages for in‑store finds.
• Tip: Click & Collect can show stock in nearby branches even when online is sold out — call the store to confirm before you travel.

Smyths Toys

• Why: Large national footprint and steady allocations for franchise toys and Amiibo packs.
• How to hunt: Check store pages during weekends; they sometimes have multi‑buy promotions which can lower cost per figure.

Argos

• Why: Nationwide click & collect network makes Argos useful for last‑minute pickups.
• How to hunt: Set product alerts via the Argos app and use same‑day collection where available.

John Lewis & Partners

• Why: Smaller allocations but strong customer service and reliable returns—good for reassurance when paying full price.
• How to hunt: Check product pages and sign up for restock notifications; their carded Amiibo/collector items sometimes appear in-store.

HMV, Currys and supermarket chains

• Why: Less predictable sources—toy dips or clearance might crop up, especially after seasonal stock reshuffles.
• How to hunt: Spotting these deals is about persistence—pop into local stores after holidays, or before major game releases when retailers clear space.

UK online stores and official channels

Online is where most UK collectors find success if they’re prepared. Prioritise sellers with clear UK listings and strong returns.

Nintendo UK (official store)

Occasionally restocks or announces limited drops. Follow Nintendo UK on social channels and subscribe to official newsletters—restock announcements are sometimes region‑specific.

Amazon.co.uk

Look for Amazon‑fulfilled listings to avoid import delays and counterfeit risk. Use the “New & Used” listings and check seller feedback before buying.

eBay UK

Most reliable source for both new and rare Amiibo—if you know how to read listings. Always check the seller’s feedback, examine photos for packaging details, and prefer UK sellers to limit import and customs hassle.

Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree

These local marketplaces are excellent for bargains — but buyer beware. Cash on collection is common; test scan or open the package in front of the seller, and insist on proof of authenticity if you’re paying above retail.

Price‑tracking and restock alerts — the tools that save you money

Set alerts and use price history to avoid panic buys. Here’s a compact toolkit we recommend for UK Amiibo hunters.

Keepa & CamelCamelCamel (Amazon price history)

• Use Keepa for historical pricing charts and price drop alerts on Amazon.co.uk. Helpful for spotting whether an Amazon listing is actually a good deal or just inflated.

NowInStock & alternate stock trackers

• NowInStock.net and similar services monitor multiple retailers and can send alerts when specific Amiibo appear in stock. Some services have UK‑focused channels or Discord integrations.

eBay saved searches & sold listings

• Set a saved search for the exact Amiibo name with UK location and get email alerts. Use the “Sold” filter to check realistic resale values—this helps set a sensible max bid or Buy It Now price.

Twitter/X, Discord and Reddit

• Follow UK stock alert accounts, local collector Discord servers and subreddits (like r/amiibo) for fast tips. In the UK, stock alerts often circulate on Discord faster than official channels.

Pricing expectations & resale dynamics (UK market)

Knowing average prices prevents overpaying. RRP for new Amiibo has historically been around £12–£18. In 2026 demand surges mean:

• Common, recent reprints: often £12–£25 (new boxed) if you’re patient.
• Popular franchise/variant or hard to find: £30–£80 depending on scarcity and condition.
• Older rare figures or limited editions: can exceed £100 on the secondary market.

Actionable tactic: always check eBay’s sold listings for the last 90 days in the UK region to create a realistic price band for any Amiibo you want.

Amiibo cards vs figures — which to buy for Animal Crossing?

New Horizons accepts both figures and amiibo cards for scanning. Cards are sometimes easier to store and cheaper in multi‑packs, but they’re also subject to scalper demand when specific cards unlock new content.

• If you only need the unlock for a single item: buy the cheapest legit option (card or figure) from a UK seller.
• If you collect statues or display: get the figure and verify the base and packaging.

Spotting fakes and avoiding scams — the practical checklist

Counterfeit Amiibo and fake listings are common in tight markets. Follow this checklist before you buy:

1. Seller trust: Prefer UK sellers with 98%+ positive feedback and detailed photos.
2. Packaging details: Look for proper Nintendo logos, region markings, correct barcodes and clear printing. Blurry or misaligned text is a red flag.
3. Figure details: Compare high‑resolution images to official photos. Look for sloppy paint, wrong colours, mismatch in sculpting or wrong base colour/design.
4. NFC check: For local pickups, ask the seller to scan the Amiibo with an NFC‑capable phone or Switch before you pay. A functional Amiibo will be recognised by your device.
5. Weight & feel: Cheap counterfeits often feel lighter and hollow; seams and flash marks are more visible.
6. Ask for receipts: Legit sellers may have original receipts or photos from the point of sale—helpful for high‑value buys.
7. Payment method: Use PayPal Goods & Services or card payments to ensure buyer protection—avoid bank transfers or cash for posted goods.

Red flags on online listings

• Seller claims “new” but photos show an open pack.
• Too good to be true pricing from overseas sellers with long shipping times and no returns.
• Only one photo, no closeups of the base/back of the card/packaging barcode.

Local meetups & trades — safety and negotiation tips

Buying locally reduces cost and lets you verify the item, but do it safely.

• Meet in public, busy places (supermarkets, train stations during daylight).
• Bring a phone with NFC to confirm the Amiibo scans.
• Test the item in front of the seller when possible. If they refuse, walk away.
• Negotiate based on sold comps, not asking prices. Point to sold eBay listings to justify your offer.

Advanced strategies for beating scalpers and saving money

Beyond alerts and patience, use these tactics to find legitimate stock and limit spending.

1) Bundle hunting

Retailers sometimes bundle Amiibo with games or accessories for promotions. Hunting bundles can net you the figure at near‑RRP while also giving you a use for the game or a trade asset.

2) Restock windows

UK restocks often hit early morning (store open times) or late evening for online drops. Weekends remain busy—set alerts to check within the first 10 minutes of a restock.

3) Loyalty programmes and memberships

Sign up for GAME, Smyths or John Lewis accounts—members sometimes get early access or exclusive email alerts. Save reward points for future discounts.

4) Buy incomplete sets or lots

If you only need one figure from a multi‑figure lot, buying the lot and reselling extras individually (locally) can be cheaper than buying the single figure at inflated prices.

5) Use price alerts on bundles and keep a ready payment method

When you get the alert, act fast: having PayPal or card pre‑authenticated on the retailer reduces checkout friction and increases your chance of success.

Resale basics if you plan to flip Amiibo

Reselling can be profitable, but be transparent and legal.

• List with accurate photos and honest condition descriptions.
• Include quick shipping quotes—UK buyers prefer tracked 24/48 services.
• Factor in seller fees (eBay, Vinted) and postage when pricing.
• Keep receipts and proof of authenticity for higher‑value sales.

Practical checklist — hit the stores and sites like a pro

• Decide which Amiibo/cards you need and set a max price based on sold comps.
• Set alerts: Keepa for Amazon, saved searches for eBay UK, NowInStock and store newsletters.
• Prioritise UK sellers; use tracked shipping or collect in person.
• Inspect photos closely; ask for scans or receipts if unsure.
• Pay with protected methods (PayPal G&S / card) and keep documentation.

Quick case study: How to unlock Splatoon furniture in New Horizons without overpaying

Scenario: You only need one Splatoon Amiibo to unlock furniture in New Horizons 3.0.

1. Search eBay UK with exact product name + filter to UK sellers. Note recent sold prices.
2. If sold comps are within your budget, make an offer or set up a “Watch” and wait for a Buy It Now price drop.
3. If comps are too high, set Keepa alerts for Amazon or NowInStock monitors for GAME/Smyths restocks.
4. When a local listing appears on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace at a fair price, arrange a public pickup and validate the Amiibo via NFC scan before handing over cash.

Final takeaways — what you should do this week

• Set saved searches and alerts on eBay UK and NowInStock for the exact Splatoon and Zelda Amiibo names.
• Sign up to GAME and Smyths newsletters and enable website notifications for fast restock alerts.
• Use Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to avoid overpaying on Amazon listings.
• Prefer UK sellers and secure payment methods to reduce risk and delivery times.

“Patience + the right alerts beat panic buying. Know the sold price, verify the item, and don't be pressured into overpaying.”

Join the community — next steps

If you found this useful, subscribe to our newsletter for UK‑focused restock alerts, price trackers and weekly deals. Share your latest Amiibo finds in the comments or tag us on social to help other UK collectors—together we spot the best local drops faster.

Actionable takeaway: Right now, set one Keepa alert, one eBay saved search and sign up to GAME/Smyths emails. That three‑pronged approach nets you the fastest wins without jumping into risky purchases.

Call to action

Ready to stop overpaying and start unlocking those New Horizons items? Join our UK Amiibo tracking Discord (link in the newsletter), sign up for stock alerts, and tell us which Splatoon or Zelda Amiibo you’re hunting — we’ll share local tips and live restock updates first.

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