Top 10 3DS Games with amiibo Support Portable fun with Nintendo's toys-to-life Written by A.J. Maciejewski for 3DS on March 18, 2019

Nintendo's 3D dual-screen on-the-go console has been around for an impressive 8 years so here are the system's best games for putting your amiibo collection to use. Carrying case not included.

WarioWare Gold Honourable Mention

WarioWare Gold doesn't use amiibo in a particularly helpful way although it has one feature that completely cracked me up so I figured I had to discuss it before getting to the top 10. Basically, there's a menu item where you can scan amiibo and get Wario to paint the character that you scanned in. However, his interpretations of most classic Nintendo characters are far from artistically accurate so seeing what he comes up with upon scanning your favourite statues makes for a barrel of laughs.

Metroid: Samus Returns Metroid: Samus Returns uses various amiibo based on the series in order to grant you very helpful power-ups. Being able to automatically locate the nearest Metroid as well as unlock extra reserve tanks and gallery items is awesome. Plus, you'll need the Metroid amiibo to access Fusion mode which some could argue is a bit of a downer considering you can't unlock it otherwise but I digress. Metroid: Samus Returns Review

Luigi's Mansion The amiibo implementation in Luigi's Mansion is very similar to Metroid: Samus Returns. By scanning a few specific amiibo, you can give Luigi boosts that allow him to revive, locate Speedy Spirits and Boos, get his health restored from Toad, and replace Poison Mushrooms with Super Mushrooms. I especially thought it was awesome that you can see which powers you have activated at any time. Luigi's Mansion Review Don't worry, Luigi; I'm sure there's no Boo amiibo waiting to scare you

Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge This free eShop title in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series is absolutely delightful. I'm a huge fan of the puzzle-based Mario vs. Donkey Kong franchise and own a ton of amiibo so scanning my favourite figures to unlock them as playable characters complete with special moves as well as levels built just for them is quite satisfying. Oh, and it's a very fun game, too.

Hey! Pikmin Hey! Pikmin incorporates amiibo in a very unique way. Considering a large part of the game involves uncovering artifacts in order to earn Sparklium, the fact that you can scan amiibo to unlock secret areas where you can retrieve the statue that you scanned in and earn a ton of Sparklium in the process is quite rewarding. This is especially true when you fill out the in-game amiibo log. Hey! Pikmin Review Hey! Pikmin: List of Unlockable amiibo Log Statues Hurry, little fellows! We have amiibo to collect!

Shovel Knight / Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 Both of these games make clever use of the Shovel Knight amiibo. In Shovel Knight, it allows the noble knight to level up and you can customize him with cool abilities, relics, and cosmetic aspects plus put your abilities to the test in new challenge stages. Scanning Shovel Knight in Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 lets you battle him and if you win, you unlock the Code of Shovelry and Shovel Ring. Shovel Knight Review Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 Review

Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World You can do a lot with amiibo in the top-notch 2D platformer Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World. Scanning Yarn Poochy has the little fellow join you in the main game where he'll be a great help while using it in Poochy Dash gives you the opportunity to complete timed missions to unlock new Poochy skins. Also, certain amiibo unlock new skins for Yoshi that are based on the statue that you scanned and you can actually save these to a Yarn Yoshi. Speaking of which, scanning various Yoshi amiibo lets you simultaneously control Yoshi clones. Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World Review I wish I had the Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo...

Mario Sports Superstars For starters, I just want to say that Mario Sports Superstars is highly underrated and one of the best Mario Sports games ever made. With that out of the way, Mario Sports Superstars has an incredibly in-depth amiibo implementation as it features its own line of amiibo trading cards that let you train characters with the Road to Superstar mini-game. You can unlock virtual cards by scanning actual amiibo but the amiibo cards are far more useful which can be disappointing because you'll have to buy the cards but it's worth it. Mario Sports Superstars Review

Animal Crossing: New Leaf / Happy Home Designer Speaking of amiibo trading cards, these 2 delightful Animal Crossing games make great use of Animal Crossing amiibo cards and figures. New Leaf will have characters join you at your campsite and some may even move to your town permanently while amiibo statues that are not from the Animal Crossing series will grant exclusive items. Happy Home Designer has similar features but one nifty aspect is that you can socialize with up to 4 characters in a room after scanning them in. Just remember to put the kettle on! Playing Puzzle League in Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a ton of fun

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. / Fire Emblem Fates and Echoes Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. and Fire Emblem were both created by Intelligent Systems and they certainly know how to incorporate amiibo. Firstly, the quirky Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. lets you actually play as Fire Emblem characters by scanning their corresponding amiibo. They even feature weapons from the franchise and can be revived by scanning them again. Fire Emblem Fates has the characters give you special gifts and allows you to challenge them to add them to your party. Meanwhile, Fire Emblem Echoes has Alm and Celica unlock exclusive dungeons and other figures can be summoned as illusory heroes in battle. Talk about going above and beyond!