Source: Rebecca Spear / iMore
Instead of unlocking secret items to give you an advantage like you do in Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, amiibo unlock cosmetic upgrades in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. You use amiibo to unlock special themed outfits your Mii can wear while racing. It's a nice way to stand out in a multiplayer race if you don't feel like using one of the infamous Nintendo characters, and great for showing off in local matches with other Switch users.
Editor's Note — Some of the amiibo you see in this list are no longer in circulation, and will be both more difficult to track down and more expensive than the standard retail pricing.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe amiibo rewards: Suit up your Mii!
Source: Nintendo
These outfits add a special flare, allowing you to race as your customized Mii with a hint of a favorite character. The good news is you only need to tap your amiibo to the Switch once in order to unlock the Mii race outfit associated with that figure, so no carrying your amiibo around like you would for other games. You also don't need to pick up multiple amiibo of the same character unless you'd like to as they will all give you the same racing suit of that character.
As you can see, the big differences here are in the helmets. This makes sense since that's what you're going to see most when cruising past someone after a mushroom boost. Some of the helmets cover your Mii face almost entirely, like the Splatoon and Samus Aran designs, while others let your Mii shine through with some clever accents.
Best amiibo for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Mario amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
- Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Mario amiibo - Super Mario Series
- Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: 8-Bit Mario amiibo (30th Anniversary Colors)
- Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 4: Gold Mario amiibo
- Luigi Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Luigi amiibo - Super Mario Series
- Luigi Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Luigi amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
- Peach Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Peach amiibo - Super Mario Series
- Peach Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Peach amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
- Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Yoshi amiibo - Super Mario Series
- Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Yoshi amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
- Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: Yarn Yoshi amiibo (any color)
- Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 4: Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo

Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Mario amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Staff PickBring the heat on the track with this hot-hitting Super Smash Bros. Mario amiibo. Compared to the classic Mario, this one dons a fireball in his hands. You will also receive the Mario Mii Racing Suit with this amiibo.

Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Mario amiibo - Super Mario Series
This classic Mario amiibo is from the Super Mario series and is the one we recommend most for the plumber's biggest fans. Scanning it in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe gives players the Mario Mii Racing Suit.

Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: 8-Bit Mario amiibo (30th Anniversary Colors)
Take a trip from the classics to today with an 8-Bit style Mario that brings you the Mario Mii Racing Suit. This amiibo was released for Wii U to celebrate 30 years of the Super Mario Bros. series and is still compatible with Switch.

Mario Mii Racing Suit – Option 4: Gold Mario amiibo
The golden child of Nintendo is now literally golden! This is a modern-style Mario covered in gold. This version is a little bit harder to find so he comes at a price. You guessed it, scanning this one also unlocks the Mario Mii Racing Suit.

Luigi Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Luigi amiibo - Super Mario Series
Get a very classic Luigi with this Super Mario series amiibo. If you get the pair, this Luigi looks great standing next to his brother Mario as they hit these power poses. Scan it to unlock the Luigi Mii Racing Suit in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Luigi Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Luigi amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Soar into your new Luigi Mii Racing Suit with this amiibo from Super Smash Bros. line. This leaping Luigi shows him performing his iconic Smash move with arms at his side and looking upward, shooting up like a rocket.

Peach Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Peach amiibo - Super Mario Series
Peach gives you exactly what you'd expect from her in look and pose. Bright eyes and a cute smile, you can't help but love this pink princess. Scan it to unlock the Princess Peach Mii Racing Suit.

Peach Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Peach amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
She may be in a fighting game for this Super Smash Bros. amiibo but that doesn't mean she loses her class. This Peach amiibo has her gliding gently down in a cross-legged pose. As you guessed, scanning it unlocks the Princess Peach Mii Racing Suit.

Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Yoshi amiibo - Super Mario Series
Little sidekick Yoshi not only gives you the adorable Yoshi Mii Racing Suit with the Yoshi head helmet, but also look cute in your collection of amiibos or Nintendo treasures. The Super Mario series version shows Yoshi with his arms up like he's ready to take on an adventure, or maybe even take the wheel.

Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Yoshi amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
This Yoshi is part of the Super Smash Bros. series and looks ready to go. He is shown looking over his shoulder walking in the other direction. Scan it to unlock the Yoshi Mii Racing Suit in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: Yarn Yoshi amiibo (any color)
When Yoshi's Woolly World came out, these Yarn Yoshi amiibo figures debuted in green, pink, or blue colors. They give a crafty, handmade look and you can select the color that fits you. Regardless of what color you get it will always unlock the Yoshi Mii Racing Suit in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Yoshi Mii Racing Suit – Option 4: Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo
In case a little Yarn Yoshi wasn't enough for you, there is the Mega Yarn Yoshi. This big character is harder to find and due to size and demand will be more expensive than what you're used to paying for amiibo. This is a great collector item that helps unlock the Yoshi Mii Racing Suit.

Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Donkey Kong amiibo - Super Mario Series
Beating his chest and his opponents on the track, here comes Nintendo original, Donkey Kong. This amiibo is your standard ape and gives you the Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit complete with a flaming suit and the Donkey Kong hair on top of the helmet.

Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Donkey Kong amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
The Super Smash Bros. Donkey Kong amiibo gives him an even stronger appearance. The fur is super detailed, the brow is extra furled, and he looks ready to take on a challenge.

Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: Turbo Charge Donkey Kong
The Turbo Charge Donkey Kong came from the Wii and Wii U Skylanders: SuperChargers game but also works as an amiibo with Nintendo Switch. It came as part of a set with Donkey Kong in a yellow suit holding a barrel and a barrel blaster. Scan it to unlock the Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit.

Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit – Option 4: Dark Turbo Charge Donkey Kong
The Skylanders: SuperChargers Donkey Kong amiibo also came in a Dark Turbo Charge Donkey Kong variation, featuring Donkey Kong with black fur and a black barrel blaster. Despite its unique appearance, it will only unlock the standard Donkey Kong Mii Racing Suit.

Link Racing Mii Suit – Option 1: Link amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Another Nintendo classic making an appearance in both Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart Deluxe 8 is Link. This Super Smash Bros. amiibo was a popular choice when it came out and is more difficult to find, so you'll want to have your wallet prepared if you're looking to pick one up. Scan it to unlock the Link Mii Racing Suit.

Link Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Toon Link amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Link has many different looks throughout the Zelda series so naturally, a few of them made an appearance in the Super Smash Bros game and amiibos. Toon Link is another one that will give you the Link Mii Racing Suit in Mario Kart Deluxe 8 and is along the more affordable lines than some of the other Link choices.

Link Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: Ocarina of Time Link amiibo
A huge fan favorite is the Ocarina of Time Link. He is shown playing the melodic ocarina with a detailed master sword sheathed on his back. Scan it to get the Link Mii Racing Suit. The popularity of this one makes it another pricey find.

Link Mii Racing Suit – Option 4: Breath of the Wild Archer Link amiibo
This latest Link design is from Breath of the Wild and depicts our hero wearing the iconic blue shirt without any hat while aiming his bow. It's one of the most useful amiibo for Breath of the Wild, but you can also scan it in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to unlock that Link Mii Racing Suit.

Link Mii Racing Suit – Option 5: 8-Bit Link amiibo
You can always take it back to the very beginning of the Legend of Zelda series with the 8-Bit Link. This blocky character is shown in his original green and brown colors holding a shield and scanning it gives you the same Link Mii Racing Suit as the other Link amiibo.

Captain Falcon Mii Racing Suit: Captain Falcon amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
It's only fitting that Captain Falcon's outfit already looks racetrack-ready. Use this snazzy outfit with his Super Smash Bros. amiibo leaping into action to unlock the Captain Falcon Mii Racing Suit.

Kirby Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Kirby amiibo - Kirby Series
This cute pink ball is shown riding his shooting star. Give your competition a wave just as Kirby waves on his star while you speed by in your cute pink and white suit. The Kirby Mii Racing Suit basically features Kirby's whole body on the back of the helmet so you can look at that smiling face the whole time you race.

Kirby Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Kirby amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
This popular amiibo figure came out in the Super Smash Bros. series and has a high price tag. But seeing this little guy sitting there smiling at you and knowing he gives you a Kirby Mii Racing Suit may be worth it for hardcore fans.

Samus Aran Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Samus Aran amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
This power pose Samus Aran amiibo is one of two options for getting the Samus Mii Racing Suit, which includes a modified version of her helmet. It's one of the coolest helmets you can unlock with amiibo.

Samus Aran Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Zero Suit Samus Aran amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Another popular look Samus has is her Zero Suit. This amiibo shows off more of Samus' feminine side, with heels, hair, and all.

Fox McCloud Mii Racing Suit: Fox McCloud amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
This very detailed Fox McCloud amiibo features the furry pilot elbow diving with a grin and gives you the snappy Fox MCloud Mii Racing Suit. It includes a helmet with the Fox ears!

Toad Mii Racing Suit: Toad amiibo - Super Mario Series
Toad here is displayed smiling and waving, the friendly face he often dons in Mario games. This amiibo gives you a cute Mii outfit with a red-spotted mushroom helmet and a blue suit.

Bowser Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Bowser amiibo - Super Mario Series
The big baddie himself has a few amiibo options for getting the Bowser Mii Racing Suit. This amiibo features a modern Bowser with a menacing grin.

Bowser Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Bowser amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Another modern Bowser amiibo is the Super Smash Bros. figure. This one is very similar to the Mario Bros. amiibo but has more detailed textures and features a slightly different stance. Scanning it unlocks the Bowser Mii Racing Amiibo complete with an orange mohawk.

Bowser Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: Clown Cruiser Bowser
Specific to the Skylanders: SuperChargers game is the Bowser and Clown Cruiser amiibo duo, but it also scans just like an amiibo with Nintendo Switch. Bowser shows off some heavy spiked armor and the Clown Cruiser is a green warplane. Scan it to get that fun Bowser Mii Racing Suit.

Wario Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Wario amiibo - Super Mario Series
Wario looks both strong and silly with a flexed arm and a confident smile. Scanning Mario's rival gives you the Wario Mii Racing Suit complete with a yellow helmet and mostly purple outfit.

Wario Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Wario amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
The Super Smash Bros. amiibo has a new look. Instead of the usual yellow and purple famous overalls, he instead has a helmet, jean jacket, and long-sleeved shirt. But you'll still just get the basic Wario Mii Racing Suit when scanning it in Mario Kart.

Rosalina Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Rosalina amiibo - Super Mario Series
Bring Rosalina's vibrant blue dress color onto the track with the Rosalina Mii Racing Suit complete with a bright blue helmet when you use this amiibo. She joined the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom crew in the Super Mario Series amiibos.

Rosalina Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Rosalina and Luna amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Bringing in sidekick Luna with Rosalina will add quite a bit of cost as this is one of the more valuable amiibo from the Smash line. Just like her other amiibo, you can scan it to unlock the Rosalina Mii Racing Suit.

Pikmin Mii Racing Suit: Olimar and Pikmin amiibo
This joyful-looking group will give you the Pikmin Mii Racing Suit complete with a little space suit of your own for the track. It even comes with a Pikmin included on the back of the helmet! Bring this strolling group amiibo into your collection to get this cute outfit.

Animal Crossing Mii Racing Suit: Summer Outfit Isabelle amiibo
Isabelle in her cute green plaid vest and blue skirt summer outfit brings us smiles again. This village favorite amiibo means you get to wear the Animal Crossing symbols and classic colors on your Animal Crossing Mii Racing Suit complete with brown cat ears.

Mega Man Mii Racing Suit: Mega Man amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
The Mega Man Mii Racing Suit that unlocks with this amiibo actually looks a lot like what the robot wears himself including the blue helmet and outfit. All that's missing is the iconic blaster arm.

Pac-Man Mii Racing Suit: Pac-Man amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
Although this Pac-Man figurine doesn't make you look like Pac-Man himself, it does give you a very cool Pac-Man Mii Racing Suit design that features elements from the classic games.

Sonic Mii Racing Suit: Sonic amiibo - Super Smash Bros. Series
In true Sonic fashion, this collectible is off in a flash and featured mid-dash. Get yourself into blue blurr fashion literally from head to toe with this amiibo. The Sonic Mii Racing Suit even has blue spikes on the helmet.

Splatoon Mii Racing Suit – Option 1: Inkling Girl amiibo
This inkling girl is a cute orange-haired Splatoon character, paint gun in hand. Scanning her offers you the Splatoon Mii Racing Suit with a grilled helmet and an orange outfit similar to what the inklings wear in battle.

Splatoon Mii Racing Suit – Option 2: Inkling Boy amiibo
While the inkling boy gives you the same Splatoon Mii Racing Suit as the Inkling Girl, it's still a fun collectible in its own right. He also features a paint gun and a little splash of blue ink at his feet.

Splatoon Mii Racing Suit – Option 3: Squid amiibo
The squid is an iconic symbol of the Splatoon games. The green amiibo of the squid is the one that came out with the boy and girl when Splatoon was first released. Just like the other Inkling Girl and Boy, scanning it unlocks the same Splatoon Mii Racing Suit.
Look cool while you race
Scanning various amiibo helps unlock some really cool outfits in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. If you have a character you like that isn't included as a racer, you might want to get the amiibo that lets you wear a suit that's close to it. You can't go wrong with getting the Mario amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Series since it unlock an iconic-looking red helmet along with the red and blue suit.
Of course, the most adorable Mii Racing Suit is the Yoshi one since it gives you that cute Yoshi head-shaped helmet. To get it, we recommend purchasing the Super Smash Bros. Series Yoshi amiibo.
Another cool unlockable is the Samus Aran Mii Racing Suit, which gives you the bounty hunter's iconic red helmet complete with the green visor. To get it, we recommend purchasing the Samus Aran amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Series because Samus looks so cool in that armored pose.
Our last recommendation is to get the Bowser amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. Series since it gives you that fun green helmet complete with horns and an orange mohawk. It's easy to enjoy it by looking at it from the back, which is what you'll be seeing during the entirety of your race.
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