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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The best amiibo for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the one whose Mii racing suit you want. If you want the Mario suit, choose a Mario amiibo: Nintendo confirms that tapping one unlocks a special Mario racing suit for a Mii. These amiibo unlock themed outfits, not playable racers or racing advantages.
How amiibo work in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Tap a compatible amiibo to unlock a Mii racing suit themed after its character. Nintendo’s compatibility information gives Mario, Yoshi, Kirby, and Samus as examples of character looks represented by Mii suits. The feature does not add the figure’s character as a playable racer, and Nintendo does not describe these suits as affecting kart performance.
Amiibo use is optional: the game remains playable without one, and tapping a figure adds bonus content. Nintendo also says amiibo do not need batteries.
Which amiibo should you choose?
| What you want | What to choose | What Nintendo confirms |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Mii racing suit | A Mario amiibo | Nintendo says a Mario amiibo unlocks a special Mario racing suit. Its FAQ does not establish that one particular release or edition is required. Nintendo amiibo FAQ |
| Daisy Mii racing suit | A Daisy amiibo from either the Super Mario or Super Smash Bros. Collection | Nintendo UK identifies both collections as options for unlocking the Daisy Suit. Nintendo UK: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |
| Another character-themed suit | Check the compatibility information for the character and figure you want | Nintendo Support names Mario, Yoshi, Kirby, and Samus as examples, but the cited page does not provide an exhaustive list in its text. Nintendo Support: amiibo compatibility |
There is no source-backed overall ranking: the choice is a matter of which suit you prefer, not which figure performs best in a race. If buying a figure, check the exact edition, condition, availability, and price in the retailer’s current listing; those details can change.
#1 Best Overall
- International Product: Japan Import collectible figure from the Super Mario Bros Series
- NFC Compatibility: Simply tap the amiibo accessory to the NFC touchpoint to unlock fun in-game extra features
- Multi-Platform Support: Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, NEW Nintendo 3DS system, and Wii U console
- Versatile Functionality: Amiibos work in different ways with compatible games, offering unique interactions and bonuses
- Character Figure Design: Features Mario character figure that connects to the game world while serving as a lasting collectible piece
Using an amiibo without erasing its data
For this bonus, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reads the amiibo rather than saving game data to it. Nintendo says one figure can be used with multiple copies of the same game. Existing data from a game that can write to an amiibo does not prevent its use for read-only bonuses such as this one.
You need a compatible Nintendo Switch system or controller with an NFC reader. The NFC reader’s location depends on the device or controller, so follow the game’s on-screen instructions for the setup you are using. Nintendo’s FAQ covers compatible systems, amiibo features, and the read-only bonus behavior: Answers to Top amiibo Questions.
Rank #2
- Brand New Ships Same Day from Amazon Shipping Center
What changed after 2022?
The year in the original title is historical framing, not a cutoff for the current suit selection. Nintendo says Wave 6 of the Booster Course Pass arrived on November 8, 2023, adding 18 Mii racing suits. That is the number added in Wave 6, not the total number of suits or compatible amiibo. Nintendo: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass FAQ
Later suit additions broadened the available Mii outfit selection, but they do not make amiibo a competitive upgrade. Choose a figure for the character look you want, and check Nintendo’s compatibility details when you are unsure about a particular figure.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Mario never hesitates to leap into action when there's trouble.
Rank #4
- Import Game - Japanese Version
- Compatible with US systems (region free)
- Japanese language (other languages may be included)
- Manual and packaging in Japanese language
Rank #3
- COLLECTABLE CONDITION BRAND NEW MINT BOX
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
