Nintendo’s Amiibo and What You Need to Know

Coming off the heels of the fairly successful Disney Infinity that has incorporated many Disney characters and utilized the recent acquisition of Marvel Comics characters, Nintendo is getting into the communicative action figure market with the Amiibo.

With their own arsenal of characters, Nintendo is primed to start their attempt in this market with the release of Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U.

What is an Amiibo?

The Amiibo is a character action figure from a Nintendo property game that communicates via the built-in RFC sensor on the Wii U gamepad.

Whereas Disney Infinity and Skylanders (another popular game that utilizes the communicative action figure) will only work with one game, the Amiibo will work across multiple games for the Nintendo Wii U and the New 3DS.

Whoa. Wait. A NEW 3DS?

Yes. Nintendo has redesigned the 3DS for a fourth time. This upgraded 3DS has improved 3D viewing elements (rumored to reduce headache from long stares), will support microSD, and will also have a built in NFC that will communicate with the Amiibos. The new platform is currently out in Japan, due out in a few weeks in Australia and will make its appearance in the North American and European markets in (probably early) 2015.

Back to the Amiibo conversation.

The characters in the first two confirmed waves of action figures for the Amiibo are:

Character Franchise Compatible With Release Date Mario Super Mario Bros. Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Mario Party 10 November 21, 2014 Link The Legend of Zelda Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Hyrule Warriors November 21, 2014 Samus Aran Metroid Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Kirby Kirby Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Fox Star Fox Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Star Fox Wii U (Rumored) November 21, 2014 Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Pikachu Pokémon Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Peach Super Mario Bros. Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Mario Party 10 November 21, 2014 Marth Fire Emblem Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Yoshi Yoshi Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Mario Kart 8, Mario Party 10, Yoshi’s Wooly World November 21, 2014 Villager Animal Crossing Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Wii Fit Trainer Wii Fit Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS November 21, 2014 Diddy Kong Donkey Kong Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS December 2014 Zelda The Legend of Zelda Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Hyrule Warriors December 2014 Luigi Super Mario Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS, Mario Party 10 December 2014 Captain Falcon F-Zero Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS December 2014 Pit Kid Icarus Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS December 2014 Little Mac Punch-Out!! Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS December 2014

The confirmed software titles that will work with the Amiibo’s are:

Nintendo 3DS:

Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 3DS

Wii U

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker

Mario Kart 8

Mario Party 10

Yoshi’s Wooly World

Hyrule Warriors

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

The design of the Amiibo figures is based off of the character trophies in Super Smash Bros. Each Amiibo is currently running at $12.99, but early reviews are appreciating the sturdy design for such a low price.

The first wave of figures are designed to start off working with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Once you place the figure on the gamepad, the game will startup an artificial intelligence profile for the registered Amiibo. The player will be able to pick what will become defaulted costume colors, adding on special moves and attacks, and the ability to try and make an absolute unique variation on your character.

For gameplay, you work towards leveling your Amiibo up, which eventually unlocks more customization and special abilities and can even serve as an assistant.

Integrating the Amiibo with Mario Kart 8 will port some of the similar stats, but can also open up new customizations. Though not confirmed in the downloadable content for Mario Kart 8, Captain Falcon, Kirby, Samus and Fox’s Amiibo’s are rumored to unlock exclusive costumes for racers in Mario Kart 8.

As we’ve recently learned, Hyrule Warriors will have a special weapon unlock for Link – The Spinner from Twilight Princess! Though no word is confirmed on an item or costume upgrade for Zelda’s Amiibo, we’re certain this will happen, along with the eventual release of a Ganondorf Amiibo.

Not seeing your favorite character as an Amiibo yet? Don’t lose faith. Nintendo has confirmed at least the first two waves hitting shelves before the end of 2014. What’s in store for 2015 is anyone’s guess.

Do you plan to get an Amiibo when they are released? If so, what one will you start off with? Sound off in the comments below!