Here's all the Switch amiibo you need to unlock the New Horizons Zelda and Splatoon characters

Nintendo game fans are eating good with the new Animal Crossing New Horizons Version 3.0 update. Along with the myriad features introduced to the island on the original Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, you can now invite Legend of Zelda and Splatoon-themed villagers to your island, and all you need is some amiibo.

As a long-time amiibo collector, I'm ecstatic that by just tapping one of my compatible Switch 2 accessories on the Switch 2 (or original) Joy-Con, I can unlock villagers Tulin, Mineru, Viché, or Cece, and exclusive Zelda and Splatoon items for my island. However, I'm well aware not everyone will have the amiibo-collecting bug and the exact figures needed that I do grab all this new content.

With that in mind, I've gathered my Switch 2 and all my NFC-enabled trinkets together to find out what amiibo you need to get the most out of the New Horizons update, and where you can grab them if your collection isn't quite as ridiculous as mine.

How to unlock Tulin and Mineru and the Zelda amiibos you need

• Enter the Resident Services building
• Turn on the Nook Inc terminal
• Select "Invite a camper" from the list
• Tap the compatible Zelda amiibo over the right Joy-Con stick (Switch or Switch 2)

You'll need two Legend of Zelda amiibo to unlock the Tulin and Mineru villagers for your island. Nintendo has cleverly designed it so that a huge list of existing figures will unlock Tulin, while the rest of the Zelda series amiibo will unlock Mineru, so you only need one from either list.

To grab any of the promotional Zelda items, which includes everything from a floating heart container to a replica of the Triforce in all its glory, just return to the Nook Inc terminal. There, navigate from Special Goods > Promotion. Scanning down the list will reveal a long list of Zelda items, so long as you've invited one of the villagers to your island.

There's a big chance you'll have one of the compatible figures already in your collection. If you don't, I've included a list of every Zelda amiibo below, which villager they unlock, and the best US and UK retailers to grab them.

How to unlock Cece and Viché and the Splatoon amiibos you need

• Enter the Resident Services building
• Turn on the Nook Inc terminal
• Select "Invite a camper" from the list
• Tap the compatible Splatoon amiibo over the right Joy-Con stick (Switch or Switch 2)

To unlock the Splatoon villagers Cece and Viché to your island, it's pretty much the same steps as before. This time around, you'll naturally need some of the Splatoon collectibles rather than the Zelda ones, but fortunately, there's a plethora of amiibo based on everyone from the adorable little Smallfry to the Big Man to collect. I should know, I have almost all of them.

When you have either Cece and Viché at your camp, or as a resident, that will unlock the Splatoon items via the Nook Inc terminal. However, you can only invite one villager to your island on any given day. With that in mind, be sure to plan if you're in Zelda or Splatoon mood before you start gathering all your amiibo, or grabbing any new ones.

Our guides for the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases are full of more accessories that can prepare you for returning to your New Horizons island.