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Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0 – Amiibo Villager Unlocks

11 November 2025
Nintendo Switch 2Nintendo Switch
11 min.
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Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0 – Amiibo Villager Unlocks

Summary:

The Version 3.0 update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons brings four collaboration villagers to your island — Mineru and Tulin from The Legend of Zelda, plus Splatoon-inspired sisters Cece and Viché. Each can be invited by scanning specific amiibo figures and cards, and there’s more on offer than friendly faces: you’ll also unlock themed items, posters, and outfits that tie into each franchise. Below, we explain how amiibo invitations work, list the exact amiibo that summon each villager, and walk through the scanning process step by step. We also highlight optional rewards, share troubleshooting tips for when a scan won’t register, and suggest island design ideas so these guests feel right at home. If you’re preparing for the Switch 2 Edition enhancements, we’ll point out where the new features make amiibo play smoother and more fun. Ready to choose your first invite? Let’s break it all down clearly so you can scan, confirm, and enjoy these cross-series arrivals without fuss.

Animal Crossing New Horizons Version 3.0 update

The Version 3.0 update breathes new life into daily play by adding four collaboration villagers you can invite with compatible amiibo: Mineru and Tulin for the Zelda crossover, and Cece with Viché for Splatoon. Beyond the novelty of seeing fan-favorite characters reimagined as cozy island neighbors, this rollout ties into a wider refresh that also introduces themed items, posters, and quality-of-life tweaks when you’re scanning amiibo. For returning players who’ve taken a break, it’s a perfect excuse to dust off the campsite and spruce up a spare plot. For newcomers, it’s a gentle introduction to amiibo scanning and the joy of curating your island’s personality with precision. The best bit? You’re not guessing which figure does what. Each villager maps to specific amiibo, so with the right list in hand, you can plan your invites, set up a welcoming corner, and enjoy that satisfying ping when the kiosk reads your figure and sends your guest to the campsite.

How amiibo invitations work in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Inviting a special villager via amiibo follows a simple loop that still feels magical the first time you do it. You head to Resident Services, use the Nook Stop terminal, and select the option to invite an amiibo camper. After that prompt, you tap a compatible figure or card to your controller. If the scan matches one of the collaboration villagers, you’ll get a confirmation and a campsite visit shortly after. From there, you build rapport by completing a small crafting request, potentially over multiple days, until the guest agrees to move in. Have a full roster? You can still host them, hang out, and collect unique posters from Photopia. This process has a nice rhythm: scan, chat, craft, and commit. The key is making sure you’ve got the exact amiibo for the villager you want—because 3.0 clarifies the pairings, you can avoid random scanning and jump straight to the character you’re aiming to recruit.

Zelda collaboration overview: who Mineru and Tulin are in ACNH

Zelda fans will spot the inspiration instantly. Mineru channels a calm, mystical vibe with a design nodding to the sages’ lore, while Tulin brings energetic Rito charm and a youthful edge. In New Horizons, their dialogue and style lean into cozy island life, but their thematic touches still shine—think colors, motifs, and items that subtly echo their origins. Bringing either to your island isn’t just a cameo; it’s a chance to weave Zelda flavor into your daily routine, whether that’s a woodland path down to a cliffside lookout for Tulin, or a serene, stone-accented garden where Mineru can unwind. Because each is tied to specific amiibo, you can decide which presence fits your island’s aesthetic first and then add the other later. If you’ve decorated with forest greens, ancient stone, or wind-carved cliffs, the synergy will feel effortless the moment they start strolling your paths.

Exact Zelda amiibo that unlock Mineru

If Mineru is your first pick, you’ll be scanning a selection of Zelda amiibo that skew toward key heroes and icons. Below is the exact set confirmed for Mineru invitations in Version 3.0. Scan any one of these at the Nook Stop to trigger a campsite visit, then follow the standard invitation flow until they agree to move in. Tip: consider prepping a calm, stone-garden area and a reading nook ahead of time—Mineru’s vibe sings when surrounded by tranquil, ancient-inspired decor.

  • Zelda (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Sheik (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Ganondorf (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Wolf Link (Twilight Princess)
  • Link (Ocarina of Time)
  • Link (Twilight Princess)
  • Link (The Legend of Zelda 1)
  • Link (Rider — Breath of the Wild)
  • Guardian (Breath of the Wild)
  • Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  • Urbosa (Breath of the Wild)
  • Mipha (Breath of the Wild)
  • Link (Link’s Awakening)
  • Zelda (Tears of the Kingdom)
  • Sidon (Tears of the Kingdom)
  • Riju (Tears of the Kingdom)

Exact Zelda amiibo that unlock Tulin

Tulin’s unlock pool leans into Link variants and champions with wind and sky flavor. When you scan one of the figures below, he’ll pop up at the campsite and, with a bit of friendly crafting, agree to settle on your island. Thinking ahead helps here too: build Tulin a breezy lookout with windmills, picnic benches, and a cliffside telescope. Little touches like a glider display or a feather motif make his corner feel personal without overwhelming your overall theme.

  • Link (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Toon Link (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Young Link (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Link (Majora’s Mask)
  • Link (Skyward Sword)
  • Toon Link (Wind Waker)
  • Zelda (Wind Waker)
  • Link (Archer — Breath of the Wild)
  • Bokoblin (Breath of the Wild)
  • Daruk (Breath of the Wild)
  • Revali (Breath of the Wild)
  • Zelda & Loftwing (Skyward Sword)
  • Link (Tears of the Kingdom)
  • Ganondorf (Tears of the Kingdom)
  • Tulin (Tears of the Kingdom)
  • Yunobo (Tears of the Kingdom)

Splatoon collaboration overview: meet Cece and Viché

Cece and Viché are stylish squirrel sisters with fashionable nods to Splatoon’s idols. They’re playful, expressive, and love to make a scene—in the best way possible. On an island that leans modern or urban, they fit right in; think pop-up stages, spray-paint murals, neon storefronts, and an alley market vibe down by the plaza. They bring more than aesthetics: scanning the right Splatoon amiibo also unlocks themed outfits, posters, and decor that can completely transform a neighborhood block. If you enjoy hosting music nights or photo shoots on Harv’s Island, their flair opens tons of creative options. While they’re part of the same crossover, the exact amiibo that call each sister differ, so check the list carefully before tapping.

Exact Splatoon amiibo that unlock Cece

Cece’s unlock set pulls from Callie, Marina, Octolings, and the Splatoon 3 trio. If your island has a “downtown” district or a boardwalk with speakers and signage, she’ll be right at home. Scan one of the following figures to have Cece visit the campsite, then woo her with the usual crafting requests until she agrees to move in. Mixing neon signage with black-and-white tile patterns gives her house exterior and yard a sleek, idol-ready look.

  • Callie (Splatoon)
  • Marina (Splatoon 2)
  • Octoling Girl (Splatoon 2)
  • Octoling Boy (Splatoon 2)
  • Octoling Octopus (Splatoon 2)
  • Octoling Boy (Blue)
  • Smallfry (Splatoon 3)
  • Shiver (Splatoon 3)
  • Big Man (Splatoon 3)
  • Callie (Alterna)
  • Marina (Side Order)

Exact Splatoon amiibo that unlock Viché

Viché’s unlock group focuses on Inklings across colors and eras, plus Pearl and more Splatoon 3 options. She’s bold and loves a statement—perfect for a skate plaza, subway facade, or rooftop lounge. After scanning one of the amiibo below, complete her campsite requests, and you’ll have a trendsetter on your resident roll in no time. Don’t forget to visit Photopia afterward; poster rewards keep the Splatoon theme flowing into studios and secondary spaces.

  • Inkling Girl (Super Smash Bros.)
  • Inkling Girl (Orange)
  • Inkling Boy (Blue)
  • Inkling Squid (Splatoon)
  • Marie (Splatoon)
  • Inkling Girl (Lime Green)
  • Inkling Boy (Purple)
  • Inkling Boy (Neon Green)
  • Inkling Squid (Neon Purple)
  • Pearl (Splatoon 2)
  • Inkling (Yellow)
  • Frye (Splatoon 3)
  • Big Man (Splatoon 3)
  • Marie (Alterna)
  • Pearl (Side Order)

Extra rewards: items, outfits, and posters from amiibo scans

Beyond the villagers themselves, tapping compatible amiibo often unlocks themed items, outfits, and posters you can use around your island or at Photopia. Zelda fans can expect tasteful nods—crest motifs, regal hues, and adventurous accessories—while Splatoon scans lean street-smart: neon accents, idol-style apparel, and signage that screams “concert tonight.” These extras are a big part of the fun because they let you extend the crossover beyond a single home plot. Outfit your Able Sisters with a featured rack tied to the week’s visitor, dress your player in matching colors, and line a harbor walkway with signs that point to a pop-up venue. People notice when neighborhoods feel intentional, and the collectible posters make for perfect gallery walls in studios, cafes, or your personal office space on Harv’s Island.

Step-by-step: scanning amiibo to invite villagers

Ready to invite your favorite? Here’s a clean, repeatable loop that keeps the process smooth. First, head to Resident Services and interact with the Nook Stop terminal. Choose “Invite amiibo camper,” then tap the amiibo to your controller when prompted. If the scan matches one of the four collaboration characters, you’ll receive confirmation that they’re dropping by the campsite. Visit the campsite, chat them up, and accept the crafting request they propose. If they don’t agree to move in that day, don’t sweat it—scan again on subsequent days to continue the chain. When they finally say “yes,” have a plot ready or be willing to swap an existing resident. After they move in, swing by Harv’s Island to snap photos, grab posters, and set up themed scenes to really celebrate their arrival.

Troubleshooting amiibo scans and best practices

Most scans work on the first try, but a few hiccups can happen. If the kiosk doesn’t register your tap, make sure NFC is enabled on your controller and try a different position—edge, center, or slightly angled. Some older figures need a firmer touch. If the kiosk reads a Zelda or Splatoon figure but doesn’t serve the villager you wanted, double-check the exact model; small name variations matter a lot. Also ensure your island has an open plot if you’re aiming for a move-in rather than a casual visit. Finally, avoid moving too quickly between scans; give the kiosk a beat to process. Keeping your figure bases clean and storing cards in sleeves will also save you future heartache. Treat amiibo like cherished collectibles and they’ll reward you with consistent, frustration-free results.

Switch 2 Edition improvements that enhance amiibo play

If you’re playing on the Switch 2 Edition, several enhancements make amiibo sessions snappier. Improved responsiveness helps the kiosk read taps more quickly, while new interface niceties streamline the invite loop. If you enjoy elaborate photo setups, higher-fidelity output makes themed posters and apparel pop, and expanded online features mean friends can appreciate your collab districts together more easily. It’s still the same cozy process—scan, host, craft, move in—but the overall flow feels smoother, especially when you’re cycling through multiple figures to test outfits, collect posters, or confirm which variant triggers a specific villager. Think of it as removing small bits of friction so your creative time goes further.

Smart island planning for Mineru, Tulin, Cece, and Viché

Designing around collaboration villagers is a chance to build little story pockets that make your island feel alive. Pair Mineru with ancient stone paths, meditation gardens, and soft lantern light. For Tulin, lean into wind touches—pinwheels, windmills, cliff lookouts, and cascading waterfalls that catch the sun. Cece thrives in neon glow: set up a stage with speakers, arcade corners, and a fashion rack outside Able Sisters. Viché completes the scene with a skate plaza, painted walls, and a rooftop lounge where friends can snap photos. Tie it all together with signposts and custom designs so each area feels connected. The beauty of amiibo is that you’re not just placing furniture; you’re curating characters who bring those spaces to life as they wander, chat, and react to your little stagecraft.

Pro tips for collecting posters and themed sets

Don’t forget Photopia. After a successful invitation scan, head to Harv’s Island to purchase posters of your new friends. Use these as anchors in themed rooms—gallery walls, staff lounges, or a backstage green room near your plaza “venue.” Rotate posters seasonally alongside outfits to keep things fresh. If you’re short on bells, pace yourself: invite one villager, collect their extras, and fully style their area before moving on. This slow-and-steady approach keeps the magic alive and helps you avoid storage clutter. And if you share your island with family or roommates, consider a house per collab: Zelda-inspired study for Mineru, lookout loft for Tulin, idol studio for Cece, and neon lounge for Viché. It’s a fun cooperative project that spreads the joy across profiles.

When to re-scan and when to settle in

Re-scanning can feel addictive—one more tap to chase a missed line or an extra poster—but it’s good to know when to chase and when to chill. If the villager has already moved in, frequent re-scans won’t change their core behavior; instead, invest your time in building out their environment so interactions feel richer. Save re-scans for collecting more posters on alternate files, experimenting with photo sets, or helping a friend confirm their figure compatibility. The point is to make your island feel lived-in, not to turn it into a scanning grind. When you strike the right balance, your collab areas will become go-to stops during daily strolls rather than fleeting novelties.

Putting it all together: the perfect first week with a new collab villager

Here’s a rhythm that keeps motivation high. Day one: scan, meet at the campsite, and complete the request. Day two: repeat the scan and finish their next ask, then place or prep a plot. Day three: welcome them officially and add a few hallmark items to their yard. Midweek: visit Photopia, pick up posters, and redecorate a room in their style. End of week: host a small “opening night” on your plaza or boardwalk—set up lights, place a music player, and invite friends to swing by. This cadence turns the mechanical steps into a little story, giving each villager an entrance worthy of their fandom roots. Before long, your island will hum with Zelda-tinged serenity and Splatoon-flavored flair, and you’ll have a tried-and-true process for any future collaboration characters that roll in.

Conclusion

Version 3.0 makes amiibo the bridge between beloved Nintendo worlds and your everyday island routine. With clear pairings for Mineru, Tulin, Cece, and Viché, you can plan confidently, decorate with purpose, and collect extras that pull each theme together. Keep your scans tidy, your plots ready, and your creative spark alive, and these cross-series neighbors will feel less like guests and more like a natural part of your community.

FAQs
  • Do I need a specific amiibo for each villager?
    • Yes. Each collaboration villager maps to specific Zelda or Splatoon amiibo models. Scan one from the correct list to trigger their campsite visit and invitation chain.
  • Can I host a collab villager without moving them in?
    • Absolutely. You can invite them to the campsite, hang out, and still collect their poster at Photopia even if you don’t finalize a move-in.
  • What if my scan doesn’t register?
    • Reposition the figure on the controller’s NFC area, check that NFC is enabled, and try again. Clean bases and steady taps solve most recognition issues.
  • Will these amiibo unlock other rewards?
    • Yes. Compatible scans can unlock themed items, outfits, and posters tied to Zelda or Splatoon. Visit Photopia to expand your poster collection after an invite.
  • Do Switch 2 Edition features change the process?
    • The steps are the same, but improved responsiveness and visual upgrades make scanning, decorating, and photo sessions smoother and more satisfying.
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