buying-guideamiibostarter

Top 10 Zelda & Splatoon Amiibo to Buy for New Collectors (and Why)

UUnknown

2026-02-28

10 min read

Beginner-friendly picks: the 10 Zelda & Splatoon amiibo that balance in-game perks, display appeal, and resale potential for 2026 collectors.

Hook: Stop Guessing — Start Collecting the Right Amiibo

New collectors face the same three headaches: which figures actually do something in-game, which ones look great on a shelf, and which will hold or grow in value if you decide to sell later. If you're building a Zelda & Splatoon collecting starter kit in 2026, you need picks that balance all three. This ranked list gives you the best amiibo to buy first — based on current market behaviour (early 2026), cross-game utility, sculpt and paint quality, and proven resale potential.

Quick Snapshot — Top 10 Ranked for New Collectors

1. Wolf Link (Twilight Princess)
2. Link (Breath of the Wild)
3. Guardian (Breath of the Wild)
4. Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
5. Toon Link (Wind Waker)
6. Link (Super Smash Bros. classic green)
7. Splatoon — Inkling Girl (Original)
8. Splatoon — Inkling Boy (Original)
9. Splatoon — Inkling Squid (Original)
10. Octoling (Splatoon 2 series)

How we ranked these (what matters for beginners)

Each pick was scored with three weighted factors: In-game utility (40%), Display appeal (30%), and Resale potential (30%). Why? Many new collectors want toys they can use in games like Breath of the Wild, Splatoon, and the recently updated Animal Crossing: New Horizons (which added Zelda and Splatoon items in its 3.0 update). Figures that deliver on multiple fronts make better first purchases.

Top 10: Deep Dives, Why Each Is Right For Beginners

1. Wolf Link (Twilight Princess)

Why buy: The single most notable amiibo for collectors seeking value and rarity. Wolf Link has a long history: it was tied closely to Twilight Princess functionality and was produced in limited quantities. For display, the sculpt is dynamic and different from standard humanoid figures. For resale, Wolf Link remains one of the stronger performers in the Zelda category.

In-game: Historically unlocked wolf companion or special features in compatible games.
Display: Striking silhouette and a great centrepiece for a Zelda shelf.
Resale: High — limited production means steady demand.
Price guide (early 2026): Widely variable — check recent sold listings; expect premiums if sealed.
Buying tip: Look for the official Nintendo seal and NFC functionality (scan with an NFC-capable phone if possible).

2. Link (Breath of the Wild)

Why buy: The BOTW Link amiibo delivers outstanding in-game value across Zelda titles and, after the early-2026 surge in Zelda interest tied to the franchise's 40th anniversary, demand has risen for well-sculpted BOTW figures. It also ties into Animal Crossing: New Horizons — the 3.0 update added Zelda-themed items unlocked by amiibo, increasing cross-game appeal.

In-game: Useful items in BOTW; cross-game unlocks in titles like Animal Crossing.
Display: Detailed paint and pose make this a shelf favourite.
Resale: Strong but stable — common reprints keep prices moderate for now.
Buying tip: Prioritize sealed units for resale; loose figures are fine if you want to use them.

3. Guardian (Breath of the Wild)

Why buy: Visually unique — a chunky mechanical design that stands out in any Zelda display. The Guardian amiibo unlocks rare parts in BOTW and has become a must-have for both players and display collectors who want something different from the typical humanoid statuette.

In-game: Drops ancient parts and other BOTW goodies.
Display: Large footprint and striking mechanical design.
Resale: Medium-high — niche yet consistent demand.
Buying tip: Check the base for manufacturer marks and UPC codes to avoid repros.

4. Zelda (Breath of the Wild)

Why buy: Princess Zelda’s BOTW sculpt is an elegant piece that appeals to fans of the character and collectors who value a princess figure as a focal point. With Zelda-themed furniture and clothing added to Animal Crossing in 2026, this figure’s cross-game utility has increased.

In-game: Unlocks unique items in BOTW and supports cross-game content.
Display: High aesthetic value; looks great next to Link or the Guardian.
Resale: Stable and occasionally upward when Zelda media coverage spikes.

5. Toon Link (Wind Waker)

Why buy: Classic, charming, and generally affordable — an excellent display piece if you like a colourful shelf. Toon Link appeals to both nostalgia buyers and newer collectors who prefer a stylised look.

In-game: Some compatibility with Zelda titles, but more of a display and nostalgia play.
Display: High — bright palette and expressive pose.
Resale: Moderate — collectible but more plentiful than rare amiibo.

6. Link (Super Smash Bros. classic green)

Why buy: The classic green Link from Smash is a dependable, widely available starter piece. It’s easy to source, looks great, and gives beginners a low-risk entry point into Zelda collecting.

In-game: Compatible across some Smash and Zelda titles.
Display: Iconic, instantly recognizable.
Resale: Stable — not a huge investment, but reliable.

7. Splatoon — Inkling Girl (Original)

Why buy: The original Splatoon Inkling Girl amiibo is a must for Splatoon figures collectors. With the 2026 Animal Crossing update adding Splatoon-themed furniture and items, these amiibo received renewed attention — a great combo of in-game perks and shelf presence.

In-game: Unlocks exclusive gear and bonus content in Splatoon games and sometimes cross-game perks.
Display: Bright colours and dynamic pose — works well in grouped displays.
Resale: Moderate to high depending on condition and whether the piece is part of a limited release.

8. Splatoon — Inkling Boy (Original)

Why buy: The Inkling Boy mirrors the Girl's utility and visual appeal — owning both (plus the Squid) completes the classic team and is often more valuable as a set.

In-game: Same cross-compatibility advantages as Inkling Girl.
Display: Balanced pair if you display Boy + Girl side-by-side.
Resale: Better as a set — consider buying both if you find a good deal.

9. Splatoon — Inkling Squid (Original)

Why buy: The squid is iconic to Splatoon’s imagery. Its rounded silhouette contrasts nicely with humanoid amiibo and unlocks the same in-game content as the humanoid counterparts. For new collectors, the squid is a low-risk aesthetic buy with steady demand.

In-game: Same unlocks as Inkling figures for Splatoon items.
Display: Adds variety and is great for game-themed displays.
Resale: Moderate — part of the classic set collectors want.

10. Octoling (Splatoon 2 series)

Why buy: Octoling amiibo carry a certain cachet because they were associated with Splatoon 2's DLC and later releases where Octolings became playable. They’re desirable to fans who want the alternative character line represented on a shelf.

In-game: Unlocks Octoling-specific gear and sometimes exclusive items.
Display: Edgy aesthetic and less common than Inkling originals.
Resale: Good, especially for sealed units and those sold as part of special editions.

Practical Buying Advice — How to Build a Smart Starter Kit

Aim for a blend: one rare/high-value (like Wolf Link), two in-game workhorses (BOTW Link, BOTW Zelda), and a Splatoon set (Inkling Boy/Girl/Squid) for play and display. A simple 5-piece starter kit gives you versatility and a strong foundation.

Starter kit (recommended): Wolf Link, BOTW Link, BOTW Zelda, Inkling Girl, Inkling Squid.
Why this mix: One investment piece, two cross-game utility figures, two Splatoon figures for visual balance and play.

Where to Buy (Trusted Channels and Red Flags)

Trusted sources: Official retail (Nintendo Store/major retailers), reputable hobby shops, specialist marketplaces with seller ratings (eBay — check completed listings), and dedicated local shops. Large online stores reprint best-sellers from time to time, which can lower cost for entry-level figures.

Red flags: Too-good-to-be-true prices on sealed rare items, sellers with low feedback, photos that only show stock images, or packages without proper UPC/region coding. If possible, ask for high-res photos of the base and the NFC area.

How to Check Authenticity & Condition (Actionable Checklist)

Inspect the box: official Nintendo packaging has consistent fonts, UPCs, and trademark text. Compare to reference images from official sources.
Scan the NFC tag: use an NFC-capable phone app (NFC Tools) to confirm the tag responds — a simple test to detect blank or counterfeit tags.
Check weight and feel: counterfeit figures are often lighter or poorly painted.
Look at the base and underside: manufacturer codes and copyright printing are hard to fake well.
Request multiple photos: seller shows the entire box, close-ups of the base, and the NFC area.

Display & Long-Term Storage — Protecting Your Investment

Presentation matters for enjoyment and resale. Follow these core rules:

Light — keep figures out of direct sunlight; UV fades paint and box art. Use UV-filter glass if you showcase them in cabinets.
Humidity & Temperature — store in cool, dry conditions; avoid attics and garages.
Packaging — keep sealed boxes upright and boxed if you plan to resell. For loose displays, use acrylic risers and dust covers.
Handling — wear cotton gloves when removing or returning figures to boxes for resale-quality preservation.

Resale Strategy & Timing (When to Sell)

Resale is market-driven. Here are practical rules:

Sell on spikes: Game remasters, anniversary events (Zelda’s 40th anniversary in 2026 is one example), or media announcements often raise demand.
Hold rare sealed pieces: For limited runs (like Wolf Link), patience often pays.
Sell sets: Complete sets (Inkling Boy + Girl + Squid) typically command higher per-unit prices than single figures.
Track historical prices: Use completed listings on marketplaces, and price-tracking sites to spot trends before listing.

2026 Market Trends & What to Expect

As of early 2026, a few key trends shape the amiibo market:

Cross-game content increases demand: The 2026 Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update added Zelda- and Splatoon-themed items unlockable via amiibo, raising demand beyond pure figure collectors into life-sim players.
Anniversary effects: With Zelda’s 40th anniversary in 2026, expect renewed interest in Zelda figures. Historically, anniversaries cause short- to mid-term price bumps, especially for visually iconic and rare pieces.
Reprints and region exclusives: Nintendo occasionally reprints popular figures; these can temporarily depress prices for common pieces but tend to leave rare variants unaffected.
Community-driven valuations: Collector forums and social groups are now shaping perceived value faster, so follow trusted communities for real-time signals.

Expert Tips — Maximize Enjoyment & Value

Buy sealed if resale matters: Mint-in-box sells best. If you want to play, buy loose and accept a resale penalty.
Document everything: Save receipts, take dated photos, and keep a condition log for rare items.
Consider graded pieces: For very rare amiibo, professional grading can unlock higher sale prices, but weigh grading fees vs expected uplift.
Mix display and practical use: Dedicate some figures to in-game use and others to pristine display/storage.

“A few well-chosen amiibo give you more fun and long-term value than a shelf full of random figures.”

Final Recommendations — Your 30-60-90 Day Plan

30 days: Buy one in-game utility piece (BOTW Link) and one Splatoon original (Inkling Girl or Boy).
60 days: Add a display standout (Guardian or Toon Link) and set up a UV-filtered display space.
90 days: Invest in one rare/high-value piece (Wolf Link) — by then you’ll understand what you enjoy most and can allocate budget better.

Closing: Start Smart — Collect with Purpose

For new collectors in 2026, the best amiibo buys are those that combine in-game usefulness, display appeal, and realistic resale potential. The Top 10 above gives you an actionable roadmap: start with utility and display, then add selective investment pieces. Keep an eye on market signals (anniversary news, game updates like Animal Crossing 3.0, and reprint announcements) and document every purchase.

Ready to start your Zelda & Splatoon collecting starter kit? Browse verified listings, get price alerts, or ask our team for authentication help — we curate trustworthy sellers so you spend less time hunting and more time enjoying your shelf.

Call to Action

Build your starter kit today: Visit our Zelda & Splatoon amiibo collection page to see live listings, price trends, and curated starter bundles designed for beginners. Have a figure in mind and want a second opinion? Contact our collectors’ desk for a free authenticity and value check.

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