Good news, island planners and binder goblins: Nintendo UK has restocked Animal Crossing amiibo card packs across multiple series, including the sought-after Sanrio set with Hello Kitty-themed goodies. If you’ve been hunting for legit packs without playing the reseller lottery, this is your chance to invite dream villagers, complete pages in your collection, and dodge the counterfeit minefield at fair, official pricing.
The short version
- What’s back: Series 1, 2, 3, 5, and the Sanrio collaboration packs.
- Why it matters: Real stock straight from Nintendo beats inflated third-party prices and fakes.
- Who it’s for: Collectors, decorators, and anyone who wants to invite specific villagers in New Horizons.
- Heads-up: Availability is UK-only right now, and some items may show back-order status.
What’s actually in these packs Animal Crossing amiibo cards come in collectible sets, each featuring a mix of villagers and special characters. Series 1, 2, 3, and 5 cover a wide range of fan favorites and deep cuts. The Sanrio packs are their own thing entirely, themed around iconic characters and items. While the standard series packs are great for campsite invites, the Sanrio set unlocks themed furniture and clothing inspired by Hello Kitty and friends. It’s a crossover that oozes charm and makes for some of the cutest island themes you can build.
Why this restock is a big deal for collectors Anyone who’s tried to fill a binder knows the struggle: out-of-print waves lead to scalpers, sky-high prices, and a thriving market of sketchy counterfeits. Official restocks put the power back in players’ hands. You’re getting sealed, authentic packs with proper NFC chips, consistent print quality, and all the joy of cracking a fresh foil without second-guessing the source.
If you’re new to the scene, amiibo cards have a long shelf life. Even though many were originally introduced years ago, they’re still fully usable with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. That means older series aren’t “outdated” junk—they’re pipelines to villagers and décor options you can still enjoy today.
How to use amiibo cards in New Horizons If you’ve never scanned one before, it’s simple:
- Head to Resident Services and interact with the Nook Stop terminal.
- Choose the option to invite an amiibo character to the campsite.
- When prompted, tap the card to the right Joy-Con’s stick, the Switch Pro Controller’s NFC reader, or the NFC spot on your device.
- The villager will visit your campsite. You can invite them to move in after completing the crafting request process over multiple days.
- Rinse and repeat if you’re targeting one specific resident for your island.
A few notes:
- Special characters like Sable or Tom Nook aren’t move-in candidates; they’ll trigger a message that they can’t be invited as campers.
- Villager cards work for campsite invites and poster orders via Photopia, giving you extra ways to celebrate your favorites.
- Sanrio cards don’t summon Hello Kitty herself as a resident; instead, they unlock delightfully themed items, outfits, and posters.
Tips to avoid fakes and heartache When official stock dries up, fakes proliferate. If you’re ever buying outside the official store, keep these checks in mind:
- NFC test: Legit cards scan instantly. If a seller won’t confirm NFC functionality, walk away.
- Print and finish: Authentic cards have consistent color, sharp borders, and a durable feel.
- Series codes and numbering: Real cards align with known series numbering and character lists.
- Too cheap to be true: If the price looks like a miracle, it’s likely not the kind you want.
Building your binder like a pro Whether you keep your cards sleeved or raw, organization turns a stack into a collection. Sort by series, then by card number so you can track gaps at a glance. Consider keeping duplicates in a separate pocket for trades, and jot your missing numbers on a note in the front. It sounds simple, but the discipline pays off when a restock drops and you know exactly what to buy.
How many packs should you grab? That depends on your goals:
- Casual player: A couple of packs per series to spice up your island and try your luck.
- Focused hunter: Pick a target series and grab a handful; odds improve quickly when you stick to one wave.
- Completionist: Spread across all available series and budget for duplicates—you’ll trade or gift extras later.
UK-only, for now This drop is a Nintendo UK situation at the moment. If you’re elsewhere, keep expectations in check and watch regional storefronts or official announcements. In the UK, note that some listings may appear as back order, which just means shipping could take longer than usual. Still far better than rolling the dice on inflated third-party listings.
Why Sanrio still turns heads Even years on, the Sanrio set is a standout. The furniture lines and outfits aren’t just novelty; they’re cohesive, adorable bundles that can anchor an island theme. Pair the items with matching paths and custom designs, and you’ll have a neighborhood that feels like a living postcard.
A quick villager-invite playbook
- Clear a plot if you want a guaranteed move-in.
- Invite your target villager across multiple days and complete their crafting requests.
- If you’re picky about personalities or house exteriors, plan your lineup in advance so roles stay balanced.
- Use Photopia to preview posters and get a feel for your vibe before you commit to an invite.
The bottom line Official restocks don’t come around every week, and the combination of multiple series plus the Sanrio set is a collector’s sweet spot. Whether you’re here for the thrill of the pull, the perfect island aesthetic, or that one elusive villager who’s been dodging your campsite for years, this is the moment to make a dent in your wish list. Keep an eye on stock status, scan responsibly, and may your next pack reveal the card you’ve been dreaming of.
