Even in 2026, the charm of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hasn't faded one bit. With an ever-growing community of racers, the game remains a party staple—and one of its most delightful features continues to be the ability to dress your Mii in outfits inspired by classic characters, all thanks to those little NFC figures sitting on your shelf. Yep, we're talking about Amiibo. After the Wave 6 Booster Course Pack dropped way back in late 2023, the roster of Mii costumes expanded to a full 21, and players still can't get enough of them.
Let's be real—who hasn't wanted to see their Mii zooming around Rainbow Road dressed as Daisy or Donkey Kong? The cosplay potential here is off the charts, and it adds a personal touch that no other racer can offer. If you've been sleeping on this feature, it's time to dust off those Amiibo and tap your way to a brand-new wardrobe.
How to Unlock Mii Costumes with Amiibo
The process is incredibly straightforward, even for those of us who aren't tech wizards. From the main menu, you simply head to the Amiibo section—Nintendo couldn't have made it easier. Then, take your Joy-Con controller or Pro Controller (both have the NFC reader) and gently tap an Amiibo figure on the right spot. Instantly, the game will check which figures you've scanned before and display a screen showing all 21 costumes, with the ones you've already unlocked proudly marked. New unlocks pop up right there, so you'll know exactly what you've earned. No cryptic puzzles, no hidden requirements—just good old-fashioned tap-to-unlock fun.
But here's the kicker: you don't need a specific Amiibo for every single outfit. Some Amiibo unlock multiple costumes depending on the character series. For example, the Mario Amiibo (from the Super Mario series) will unlock the classic Mario Mii suit, while the Smash Bros. version of Mario might do the same. The game is pretty generous across different Amiibo lines, so you probably already own the figures that will snag you the most popular costumes.
What Are the 21 Mii Costumes?
Since the final wave of the Booster Course Pass, the complete list sits at 21 outfits. Many of them are based on the iconic Mario Kart roster, plus a few surprise guests. The newest addition was Daisy, who joined the pack in Wave 6, but there are plenty of fan favorites:
| Costume Name | Sample Compatible Amiibo |
|---|---|
| Mario | Mario (any series) |
| Luigi | Luigi (any series) |
| Peach | Peach (any series) or Daisy (some cases) |
| Daisy | Daisy (new unlock) |
| Yoshi | Yoshi (any series) |
| Toad | Toad (any series) |
| Donkey Kong | Donkey Kong (Super Mario or Smash Bros.) |
| Bowser | Bowser (any series) |
| Rosalina | Rosalina (Smash Bros.) |
| Wario | Wario (Super Mario) |
| Waluigi | Waluigi (Mario Sports Superstars, or Luigi/Wario sometimes) |
| And more… | Including Toadette, Boo, Inklings, and even Link! |
Keep in mind that some costumes have fun little twists—Link's outfit gives your Mii a pointed ear and a Hylian hood. Animal Crossing characters like Villager can dress you up in the unmistakable striped shirt. The variety is wild, and it's a real treat to race as a mini-me version of your favorite hero.
Where to Find and Select Your New Threads
Once you've scanned enough Amiibo, you'll want to actually wear those suits. At the character select screen, scroll all the way down past the regular racers until you see the "Mii Suits" option. Selecting that will open a dedicated menu where you can browse through every unlocked outfit. There's even a randomizer button for those days when you just can't decide—let the gods of chaos pick your look. Each suit also comes with custom victory animations and idle stances, so your Mii isn't just a static doll; they really lean into the character they're cosplaying.
Why It's Still Worth It in 2026
You might think, "Aren't Amiibo old news?" Sure, the figurine craze has cooled down, but in 2026, they're like little collector's trophies with actual in-game perks. Starting your Mario Kart session by tapping a figure feels nostalgic yet fresh—especially if you've recently added a rare Amiibo to your collection. Over the years, the Deluxe version of the game has received so much content (doubling the original course count, adding eight extra racers beyond the base roster) that these costumes are just the cherry on top. Every track from every Mario Kart era is here, making the Mii suits the perfect way to bring your own personality to each and every lap.
So next time you're gearing up for a frantic 200cc race, don't just pick Bowser or Peach. Tap that dusty Amiibo, slide into a snazzy new outfit, and show your friends who the real star of the track is. It's all about expressing yourself—and maybe confusing opponents just long enough to steal first place. Happy racing, and happy tapping!