Amiibo

amiibo
250px amiibo brand logo
Release year: 2014 Manufacturer: Nintendo Compatible: Wii U New Nintendo 3DS Nintendo 3DS (requires NFC Reader/Writer) Model no.: NVL-001

amiibo are a line of "toys-to-life" product created by Nintendo and comparable to produces like Skylanders or Disney Infinity, using near-field communication technology to communicate with compatible systems and either be used in or unlock content for compatible games. Although originally launched as figures, amiibo cards were later released starting with Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer. The line was originally launched for use with Wii U software, and while New Nintendo 3DS systems natively support amiibo, support for older Nintendo 3DS family models was later added.

History

Nintendo have attempted similar concepts to the amiibo platform in the past. The first was the Nintendo 64 Controller Pak, which allowed players to save data onto a small cartridge that fitted in serial port on the bottom of the controller and could save special data onto it. The data on the Controller Pak could be accessed by any console playing the game. The Nintendo 64 Transfer Pak allowed select Game Boy and Game Boy Color games to connect to corresponding Nintendo 64 titles and unlock content in either game; Nintendo would later try this concept again with the Nintendo GameCube - Game Boy Advance link cable. Finally, a more similar example is the e-Reader, a peripheral device for the Game Boy Advance released in 2001 that could scan special cards to unlock content in games. The e-Reader, however, was a financial failure.

Nintendo was approached by Toys for Bob and its parent Activision, who wanted to make a deal with Nintendo to be a partner their in-development Skylanders franchise, though Nintendo would turn the deal down.

In 2013, Nintendo would first experiment with making use of the Wii U GamePad's NFC features in games with Pokemon Rumble U, which was released alongside a series of Pokémon figurines in a similar method to other games using this style of figure.

During their financial briefing in March 2014, Nintendo revealed their in-development NFC figurine platform, codenamed "NFP" ("Nintendo Figure Platform" or "NFC Featured Platform"), stating that the figures would be compatible with multiple games and that they would feature data that would tell the system what the figure is, as well as that more information would be revealed at E3 2014. During their Nintendo Digital Event that year, Nintendo fully unveiled the product line, now called "amiibo", with the debut of the first figures in the Super Smash Bros. series.

Functionality

To use an amiibo with a Wii U console, the amiibo must be placed on the NFC sensor built-in to the Wii U GamePad; the console itself must be updated to at least version 5.3.0. For Nintendo 3DS systems, the system must be updated to at least version 9.6.0; Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, and Nintendo 2DS require the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer to use amiibo, while New Nintendo 3DS systems feature an NFC sensor built in to the bottom screen.

When an amiibo is registered for the first time, the player can personalize their amiibo by designating an owner and giving them a nickname. amiibo have data written on them, which can be read and recognized by software to be used in various ways in games. Certain games can also write data onto amiibo via the hardware. Although multiple games can read the data on an amiibo, the amiibo can only hold data from one game at a time; to have data from another game written on it, the existing data must be deleted. An amiibo can be used on any person's console or handheld, though the data on the amiibo is unique to that figure and is recognized as such by the hardware.

Nintendo-produced amiibo series

Super Smash Bros.

This section is a short summary of the Super Smash Bros. amiibo. SmashWiki features a more in-depth article.

The Super Smash Bros. line is the first line of amiibo to be released, based upon Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U and released alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U on November 21, 2014, consisting of figures depicting each of the game's playable characters. Nine waves have been released (eleven in PAL territories, since two waves were split into two), consisting of a total of 56 figures released, while additional figures have been confirmed.

On April 28, 2016, Nintendo will be releasing a Super Smash Bros.-themed amiibo diorama display exclusively in Japan. The display is designed after the Battlefield stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, features two elevated platforms, and comes with a Smash Ball prop. The display can also be folded in on itself.

Super Mario

This section is a short summary of the Super Mario amiibo. Super Mario Wiki features a more in-depth section.

The Super Mario series is the second series of amiibo to be released. The series released alongside Mario Party 10, on March 20, 2015, and consists of six main amiibo figurines depicting six of the major Mario characters. Later, in June 2016, it was announced that a second wave of Super Mario figurines would be released, alongside the launch of Mario Party: Star Rush in November.

The Super Mario line is also the first line to feature limited edition amiibo; Mario - Gold Edition was released alongside the other amiibo (exclusively at Wal-Mart in North America), while Mario - Silver Edition was released later, on May 29, 2015.

Splatoon

This section is a short summary of the Splatoon amiibo. Inkipedia features a more in-depth article.

During the Splatoon Direct, it was confirmed that there would be a Splatoon amiibo series. The first set of amiibo consists of three amiibo figures initially released alongside the game in May 2015. While the Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl amiibo are both available individually, the Inkling Squid amiibo is available only in the Splatoon three-pack set in North America, and exclusively as part of a game bundle in Europe; in Japan all three amiibo were released individually.

Later, it was announced that the characters Callie and Marie would be receiving amiibo figures. The two figures will be released in July 2016; in North America they are only available as a bundle pack, while in other regions they will be released individually. Color variants of the initial set of amiibo were also revealed, to be released on the same day. As before, while the Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl will be released individually in all regions, the Inkling Squid will only be available in a three-pack bundle in North America, while in all other regions it will be available individually.

A pair of amiibo dioramas have also been announced to launch alongside the second set of amiibo, in July 2016. One depicts the Kelp Dome stage, while the other is a Squid Sisters concert stage. For the latter, a New Nintendo 3DS system can be placed under the diorama so that the top screen fits in the place of the prop screen.

Yoshi's Woolly World

This section is a short summary of the Yoshi's Woolly World amiibo. Super Mario Wiki features a more in-depth section.

The Yoshi's Wooly World amiibo were released alongside the game in June of 2015 in Europe, and October in other regions. These amiibo figures are unique in that they are made out of yarn rather than plastic, and have the chip built in to the bottom of the figure itself rather than having a base. Three amiibo ware released, based upon three colors of Yoshi (green, pink, and light-blue). A "Mega Yarn Yoshi", a larger variant of the standard Green Yarn Yoshi was later released in November exclusively at Toys "R" Us.

30th Anniversary

This section is a short summary of the 30th Anniversary amiibo. Super Mario Wiki features a more in-depth section.

Two special amiibo have been released for the thirtieth anniversary of Super Mario Bros., both depicting an 8-bit Mario with both his classic and modern color schemes.

Chibi-Robo!

Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash was released alongside a single amiibo figurine of the Chibi Robo character. In North America the amiibo was released exclusively in a bundle pack with the game.

Animal Crossing

This section is a short summary of the Animal Crossing amiibo. Nookipedia features a more in-depth article.

Cards

Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer was released alongside the first series of amiibo Cards, released in series rather than waves, and the first line of amiibo to not be released as figures. Each pack contains six cards, while copies of Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer and Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival are packaged with cards. Two waves have been released, while two additional waves have been confirmed.

Figures

In addition to the amiibo Cards, a set of Animal Crossing amiibo figures were released alongside Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival. Eight amiibo were be released alongside the game (Digby being exclusively in a bundle with the game at launch), while one additional wave has been released later and another wave has been announced.

Display

Alongside the launch of the Animal Crossing figures and Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival, Nintendo also released a diorama display in Japan. The display is themed after a town seen in-game and comes with several themed props.

The Legend of Zelda

This section is a short summary of the The Legend of Zelda amiibo. Zelda Wiki features a more in-depth article.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD was released alongside a Wolf Link amiibo figure, available as part of a bundle pack.

In addition, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will be released alongside a set of three amiibo.

Pokémon

This section is a short summary of the Pokémon amiibo. Bulbapedia features a more in-depth article.

First print copies of Pokkén Tournament are packaged with a special Shadow Mewtwo amiibo Card.

Kirby

This section is a short summary of the Kirby amiibo. WiKirby features a more in-depth article.

Alongside Kirby: Planet Robobot, a series of four Kirby amiibo figurines were released in June 2016.

On April 28, 2016, Nintendo released a Kirby-themed amiibo diorama display in Japan. The display comes with set pieces based on various Kirby items and objects, and has indents where four amiibo can be placed. While it will be available individually, it will also come bundled with the Kirby amiibo from this series in June.

amiibo-compatible software

Nintendo 3DS

Game	Compatibility	amiibo features
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer	Read	Scanning cards allows the character to visit the home the player is designing.
Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash	Read/Write	Tapping the Chibi Robo amiibo turns Chibi Robo into "Super Chibi Robo", enhancing his battery life, speed, and power. When a stage is beaten the player's score can be saved to the amiibo to level it up.
	N/A	Tapping any other amiibo gives the player in-game coins.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.	Read	Tapping the Fire Emblem characters allows them to be added into the game.
Fire Emblem Fates	Read	Scanning the Fire Emblem characters adds them as characters in the game, where they can be faced as opponents and join the party when defeated.
Hyrule Warriors Legends	Read	Scanning amiibo for The Legend of Zelda characters gives weapons for that character. Scanning any other amiibo gives a random item.
Kirby: Planet Robobot	Read	Scanning an amiibo gives Kirby a Copy Ability. Specific characters give Kirby specific Copy Abilities.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force	Read	Scanning Samus or Zero Suit Samus during missions gives the player upgrades, in addition to their appearance. Scanning any other amiibo in Blast Ball mode gives the player's mech a design based on that character.
Style Savvy: Fashion Forward	Read	Unlocks clothing based upon the character scanned.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam	Read/Write	Scanning the amiibo of Mario characters makes available special Battle Cards that give more advantageous effects in battle than normal.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games	Read	Scanning the Mario and Sonic amiibo will turn their respective characters into Gold Mario and Super Sonic.
Katachi Shinhakken! Rittai Picross 2	Read	Scanning compatible amiibo unlocks puzzles based around that character.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS	Read/Write	The character is inserted into the game as a "Figure Player" (FP). Players can train the figure by battling against or with it, allowing it to level up and learn. Data is shared between both this game and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Teddy Together	Read	Scanning an amiibo earns the player bonus coins. By scanning the "lucky amiibo", which changes daily, the player earns more coins and special items.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D	Read	Tapping Shulk gives the player tokens to unlock bonus features.

Wii U

Game	Compatibility	amiibo features
amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits	Read	Tapping any amiibo unlocks a demo of one of several NES and SNES games at random.
Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival	N/A	Scanning the Animal Crossing amiibo figures allows players to play as that character.
	Read	The Animal Crossing amiibo cards can be used in minigames.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker	Read	Scanning the Toad amiibo allows the player to access a hide-and-seek game in which they must find "Pixel Toad" in a given level. Scanning any other amiibo gives the player 1-Up Mushrooms.
Hyrule Warriors	Read	Scanning Link unlocks the Spinner weapon. Scanning the other The Legend of Zelda characters unlocks a random weapon for that character. Scanning any other amiibo unlocks random items.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse	Read	Scanning Kirby lets the player use the Star Dash indefinitely. Scanning King Dedede increases Kirby's health. Scanning Meta Knight increases Kirby's attack power.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games	N/A
Mario Kart 8	Read	Scanning a compatible amiibo unlocks a costume for Miis based upon the character.
Mario Party 10	Read/Write	Allows access to amiibo Party mode; compatible amiibo are used as game pieces and unlock a board based on the character.
	Read	Unlocks a scratch ticket to win Mario Party Points.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash	Read/Write	Scanning compatible amiibo inserts the character into the game as a trainable CPU.
Pokkén Tournament	Read	Scanning the Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card unlocks Shadow Mewtwo as a playable character. Scanning other characters unlocks random special bonus items.
Splatoon	Read	The Splatoon amiibo unlock twenty extra missions for each amiibo which can give the player exclusive equipment.
Star Fox Zero	Read	Scanning Fox gives the player an Arwing design based on the original models from Star Fox for the SNES. Scanning Falco gives the player a Black Arwing, which has more firepower but takes more damage.
Star Fox Guard	Read	Scanning Fox or Falco allows the player to call in Star Fox team for an airstrike during missions.
Super Mario Maker	Read	Scanning the 8-bit Mario amiibo adds a "Big Mushroom" which makes Mario giant. Scanning other characters adds them into the game as a "Mystery Mushroom" power-up, which when collected turns Mario into that character.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U	Read/Write	The character is inserted into the game as a "Figure Player" (FP). Players can train the figure by battling against or with it, allowing it to level up and learn. Data is shared between both this game and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild	Read	Scanning the Wolf Link amiibo allows players to use Wolf Link in the game, who will hunt alongside Link.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD	Read/Write	Data can be saved onto the Wolf Link amiibo, which can be carried over into The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
	Read	Scanning the Wolf Link amiibo unlocks the Cave of Shadows, an exclusive mini-dungeon. Scanning the Link or Toon Link amiibo refills Link's arrows in-game. Scanning the Zelda or Sheik amiibo refills Link's hearts. Scanning the Ganondorf amiibo increases enemy damage output.
Yoshi's Woolly World	Read/Write	The Yarn Yoshi amiibo unlock "Double Yoshi" mode, in which the player controls two Yoshi characters. Players can save a pattern to their Yarn Yoshi figure.
	Read	Scanning most other amiibo unlocks a Yoshi pattern based upon the character scanned.

Reception

Amiibo have been received well by critics and in sales. As of March 12, 2015, over 3.5 million amiibo have been sold worldwide. By the end of 2014, over 5.7 million amiibo were shipped worldwide, and as of May 8, Nintendo have reported to have shipped over 10.5 million worldwide.

External links

• amiibo on Wikipedia
• amiibo on Bulbapedia
• amiibo on Fire Emblem Wiki
• amiibo on Inkipedia
• amiibo on Super Mario Wiki
• amiibo on SmashWiki
• amiibo on Zelda Wiki
• amiibo on WiKirby
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