Nintendo Amiibo: Taking Collectibles To The Next Level
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Nintendo has a talent for redefining gaming experiences. With the release of Nintendo amiibo in 2014, they achieved a whole new level of collectibles. These tiny figurines deliver real in-game rewards and opportunities that no other collectible can match – while also looking great in your collection.
To say that Nintendo is a major player in all things gaming isn’t an exaggeration. As of December 2023, the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Switch were the 2nd and 3rd best-selling video game consoles of all time. But instead of taking a step back after this achievement, Nintendo turned their attention to collectibles. They incorporated near-field communication (NFC) technology into game accessories now called amiibo. The NFC chip allows amiibo to communicate with certain Nintendo consoles, namely Nintendo Switch, New Nintendo 3DS XL and 2DS XL, and Nintendo Wii U. The company also released the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/ Writer accessory so that amiibo can be used with older consoles.
Amiibo add a new layer of interaction and immersion to some of the most popular Nintendo games. The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Super Smash Bros. series offer some of the best amiibo around, but they’re by no means the only ones. You can pick up amiibo for Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Pikmin, Minecraft, and so many more. The features of each amiibo varies depending on the game. In The Legend of Zelda series, for example, your Link amiibo gives you in-game rewards such as treasure chests, useful items, or special companions. In Super Mario games, amiibo of Mario, Princess Peach, and all our favorite characters offer exclusive outfits, power-ups, and other benefits.
The Super Smash Bros. series has taken amiibo to new heights by allowing players to train and level up their customized fighters. The technology learns from your skills and playstyle and trains your character to mimic your style. This alone should make you excited about these games. The characters gain new abilities and tactics as they fight and store the data within the amiibo so it can be transferred between compatible games. You can even send your characters on journeys across the internet. They can fight other player’s characters to test their skills and earn rewards – and you don’t even need to be online.
So what next for Nintendo amiibo? The release of Sora from Kingdom Hearts earlier this year marked the completion of the Super Smash Bros. set, the series that started it all. Nintendo haven’t yet confirmed amiibo support for their new games, Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Princess Peach Showtime, but they are restocking the entire Super Smash Bros. Ultimate line, with products due to hit the physical and digital shelves later this month. And with the the “Nintendo Switch 2” due for release next year, fans are excited to add more amiibo to their collection.
Are you a fan of Nintendo amiibo? What game would you most like to see an amiibo for? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to sign up to our email list to get Finds of the Week and our free newsletter, PopPulse Digest, delivered straight to your inbox each and every week.
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