amiibo is a brand of "Toys to Life" products[1] consisting of near field communication-based figurines that can have data read and written on them, used as add-ons to games with amiibo compatibility. Originally referred to internally under the working title "Nintendo Figure Platform" ("NFP") in development[1], the first line of amiibo, based upon Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, launched on the same day as Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the first amiibo-compatible game, and there are amiibo lines based upon various games and franchises[2], such as the Super Mario and Yoshi's Woolly World lines.
Features
amiibo can be used with Wii U software by placing a figure on the 
near-field communicator built into the Wii U GamePad under the D-pad; the console must also be updated to at least version 5.3.0. A peripheral for the Nintendo 3DS has also been released in the fall of 2015 that wirelessly connects to the 3DS to send and receive data[3]; the New Nintendo 3DS, however, features a built in near-field communicator on the bottom touch-screen. amiibo come with data already on them, but data can also be written on them by the hardware. Several figures will be compatible with multiple games; for example, the Super Smash Bros. line Mario figure can also be used in Mario Party 10.[4] Multiple games can read an amiibo's data, while only one game's data can be written to the figure at a time.[5]
In addition to figurines, a card format for amiibo has also been announced.[6] Additionally, an app has been released for the Wii U that allows players to unlock demos of certain NES and SNES titles by scanning an amiibo, titled amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits.[7]
| Game | Description | Read/Write or Read | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker | Upon scanning the Toad amiibo, "Pixel Toad" appears, hidden in each stage for the player to find. Every other amiibo increases the player's amount of 1-ups. |  This game only reads the data on the amiibo. |
| File:Marioluigipaperjam.jpg | Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam | Compatible amiibo gives the player a special support card to use in battle. |  These games both read and write data on the amiibo. |
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Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS) | Scanning a Mario amiibo will unlock a Gold Mario costume, while scanning a Sonic amiibo will unlock a Super Sonic costume, both of which can be used on your Mii.[8] | This game only reads the data on the amiibo. |
| File:Box NA - Mario Kart 8.jpg | Mario Kart 8 | Compatible amiibo unlock 19 alternate costumes for Miis, giving them a racing suit based upon the character scanned. | This game only reads the data on the amiibo. |
| File:WiiU MarioParty10 pkg.jpg | Mario Party 10 | Scanning certain amiibo allows the player to access amiibo Party mode, in which the amiibo characters are used as game pieces to travel across the board; the player can also unlock special boards based upon the scanned amiibo to play on in amiibo Party. Touching other amiibo figures to the Wii U GamePad controller give the player Scratch Bonuses use to win Mario Party points to unlock in-game bonus content. | This game both reads and writes data on certain amiibo, while it only reads data on other amiibo. |
| File:MarioTennisUltraSmashBoxart.png | Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash | When a compatible amiibo is scanned into the game, that character appears in the game as a computer partner that can be trained, similarly to Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. | This game both reads and writes data on the amiibo. |
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Super Mario Maker | Scanning amiibo of certain characters allows them to be inserted into the game as a power-up, though only in the Super Mario Bros. graphical style. By placing the character inside of a block, they appear as a Mystery Mushroom when hit, which transforms Mario into that character. Accompanying sound effects also result, and some mystery costumes can do a pose by pressing  all mystery costumes can be unlocked by completing the 100 Mario challenge, By scanning the 30th Anniversary 8-bit Mario amiibo, a Big Mushroom appears in the game, which makes Mario grow to a giant size, able to break blocks by running into them, and defeat enemies instantly, but if he takes a hit, he will become normal Mario again.[9] If the classic one is scanned, the game will look as if it is being played on a CRT television. If the modern one is scanned, objects and enemies will take on a more modern look.
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This game only reads the data on the amiibo. |
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Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS | Once an amiibo is scanned in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, the player can play with them in a team battle or against them. They are referred as Figure Players (shortened as FP) in-game. They are actually being controlled by CPUs and players can train them, until they reach level 50. The player can customize their power, defense, and speed values at their own will with the obtained custom parts. By playing as FPs, they may grow by level (which caps at 50) and change their strategy depending what their opponents usually do. During fights, they may obtain gifts, such as Trophies, Equipment, and Gold, which are given to the player. | These games both read and write data on the amiibo. |
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Super Smash Bros. for Wii U | ||
| File:YoshisWoollyWorld NABoxart.jpg | Yoshi's Woolly World | Once a Yoshi amiibo is scanned in Yoshi's Woolly World, another Yoshi appears, which mimics the moves of the player. The player can also make a Yarn ball out of the Yoshi, and throw it like in multiplayer mode. Players can save one Yoshi design onto the Yarn Yoshi amiibo. Scanning any other amiibo unlocks a Yoshi design based on the character.[10] | This game both reads and writes data on certain amiibo, while it only reads data on other amiibo. |
- Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy +: Unlocks plane designs based on amiibo scanned (compatible with Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser).
- Chibi-Robo! Zip Lash: If the player has also linked a Chibi-Robo amiibo to the game, figures of Chibi-Robo imitating the scanned amiibo's pose will be added for collection in the Toy Capsule Machine (compatible with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, Dr. Mario, Bowser Jr., Rosalina, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Wario).
- Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors Legends: Any non-The Legend of Zelda-based amiibo gives the player a random item, weapon, or Rupees. Up to five amiibo can be scanned per day.
- New Shape Discovery! Rittai Picross 2: Unlocks a Picross puzzle based on the scanned character (compatible with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, and Dr. Mario).
- Nintendo presents: New Style Boutique 2 - Fashion Forward: Unlocks outfits and accessories that are designed by the respective character (compatible with Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Bowser, and Rosalina).
- One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X: Unlocks costumes based on amiibo scanned (compatible with Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi).
- Skylanders: SuperChargers: Allows use of the playable characters Donkey Kong and Bowser by scanning the Turbo Charge Donkey Kong and Hammer Slam Bowser figurines.
amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits
- Main article: amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits
In a Nintendo Direct, a new game entitled amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits was announced as a free-to-play game in which tapping amiibo figures on the GamePad unlocks demos of classic games. These demos will be randomly chosen and assigned to the player's specific amiibo, and will allow the player 3 minutes to traverse through "gameplay highlights." By tapping an amiibo during the demo, the player can change the scene and also reset the timer.
Super Smash Bros.
Release dates
| Region | Wave | Release dates |
|---|---|---|
 North America
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Wave 1 |
November 21, 2014 |
 Europe
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Wave 1 |
November 28, 2014 |
 Japan
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Wave 1 |
December 6, 2014 |
 Australia
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Wave 1 |
November 22, 2014 |
Figure list
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1 - Exclusively at Toys "R" Us at launch in North America.
2 - Exclusively at Best Buy at launch in North America.
3 - Exclusively at Target (Walmart in Canada for Jigglypuff and Dr. Mario) at launch in the United States; in the case of Rosalina, while originally planned to be exclusive in Canada, it was instead distributed in limited quantities to several retailers at launch after several stores were closed.
4 - Exclusively at GameStop (EBGames in Canada) at launch in North America.
5 - Exclusively on Amazon at launch in North America.
Super Mario
Release dates
| Region | Wave | Release dates |
|---|---|---|
| North America
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Wave 1 Wave 2 |
March 20, 2015 May 29, 2015 |
| Europe
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Wave 1 | March 20, 2015 |
| Japan
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Wave 1 Wave 2 |
March 12, 2015 December 17, 2015 |
| Australia
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Wave 1 Wave 2 |
March 21, 2015 May 30, 2015 |
Figure list
| Figures | Wave | Compatible Mario-related games | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | EU | JP | AU | MK8 | SSB3DS | SSBU | CT:TT | MP10 | YWW | SMM | ML:PJ | MT:US | MS:R16OG | |
 Bowser |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Luigi |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Mario |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Mario - Gold Edition12 |
1 | N/A | 2 | 2 |
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 Mario - Silver Edition[15]3 |
2 | N/A | 2 | 2 |
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 Peach |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Toad |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Yoshi |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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1 - Exclusively at Walmart at launch in United States.
2 - Exclusively at Target at launch in Australia.
3 - Exclusively at EB Games at launch in Australia.
The official Japanese Mario Party 10 website shows game pieces for Donkey Kong, Wario, and Rosalina in the style of Super Mario amiibo, appearing in amiibo Party mode.[16] It is unknown at this time if these will be released as actual amiibo, or if these are only variants that are accessible in the game.
Yoshi's Woolly World
Unlike other amiibo, the Yoshi's Woolly World amiibo are made of yarn rather than plastic, with an NFC chip and scan point in the underside rather than having a base with the chip in it. The Mega Yarn Yoshi, however, has the NFC chip underneath its left foot instead of its underside.
Release dates
| Region | Release dates |
|---|---|
| North America
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Standard: October 16, 2015 Mega Yarn Yoshi: November 15, 2015[17] |
| Europe
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Standard: June 26, 2015 Mega Yarn Yoshi: November 27, 2015[18] |
| Japan
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July 16, 2015 |
| Australia
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Standard: June 25, 2015 Mega Yarn Yoshi: November 21, 2015 |
Figure list
| Figures | Wave | Compatible Mario-related games | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | EU | JP | AU | MK8 | SSB3DS | SSBU | CT:TT | MP10 | YWW | SMM | ML:PJ | MT:US | MS:R16OG | |
 Green Yarn Yoshi |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Pink Yarn Yoshi |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Light Blue Yarn Yoshi |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Mega Yarn Yoshi1 |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
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1 - Exclusively at Toys "R" Us at launch in North America.
Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary
Release dates
| Region | Release dates |
|---|---|
| North America
|
September 11, 2015[11] |
| Europe
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Classic - September 11, 2015[19] Modern - October 23, 2015[19] |
| Japan
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September 10, 2015[20] |
| Australia
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Classic - September 12, 2015[21] Modern - October 24, 2015 |
Figure list
| Figures | Wave | Compatible Mario-related games | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | EU | JP | AU | MK8 | SSB3DS | SSBU | CT:TT | MP10 | YWW | SMM | ML:PJ | MT:US | MS:R16OG | |
 30th Anniversary Mario - Classic Color (Mario (Classic Colours)) |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 30th Anniversary Mario - Modern Color (Mario (Modern Colours)) |
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
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Skylanders: SuperChargers
While they are primarily meant to be Skylanders figures, the bases of these figures act as a switch that, when twisted, switches between the Skylander mode, and an amiibo mode which allows the figures to be used in amiibo-compatible games compatible with other versions of the figure. These figures are included with the Skylanders: SuperChargers starter packs for Nintendo consoles; Turbo Charge Donkey Kong comes with the Wii U versions, while Hammer Slam Bowser comes with the Wii and Nintendo 3DS versions; each figure also comes with a personal vehicle.[22] The standard versions will later be released separately alongside their vehicles.
Release dates
| Region | Release dates |
|---|---|
| North America
|
September 20, 2015 (With Game)
January 9, 2015 (Separately) |
| Europe
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September 25, 2015 |
| Japan
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TBA |
| Australia
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September 26, 2015 |
Figure list
| Figures | Wave | Compatible Mario-related games | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | EU | JP | AU | MK8 | SSB3DS | SSBU | CT:TT | MP10 | YWW | SMM | ML:PJ | MT:US | MS:R16OG | |
| File:Bowser Toy.jpg Hammer Slam Bowser |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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| File:Donkey Kong toy.jpg Turbo Charge Donkey Kong |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Dark Hammer Slam Bowser |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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 Dark Turbo Charge Donkey Kong |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
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Controversy
The availability of certain amiibo have been subject to criticism. For example, the Target exclusive shipments of the Rosalina & Luma amiibo have been stated to be ceased permanently, limiting the availability of the amiibo in the U.S. until a restock at Target.com came mid July 2015.[23] Immediately following the preorder release of the Wave 4 amiibo, GameStop servers experienced a major overload and shut down temporarily for nearly an hour. The incident has been met with intense criticism and frustration by fans who wished to purchase the amiibo.[24] John Vignocchi, the executive producer of Disney Infinity, another game that uses NFC figures, has stated "[An intentional shortage] is irresponsible and rude to your hardcore fans.", referring to the amiibo shortages.[25] Satoru Iwata has noticed the issue and has apologized for it; he has promised that more will be manufactured to meet the demand in the future.[26] The amiibo cards, which are confirmed to be released in the near future, are intended to address the amiibo figurine shortages.[27]
Gallery
Concept art for the Nintendo 3DS peripheral.
Prerelease versions of Super Smash Bros. amiibo.
- Mario kart 8 amiibo.jpg
The Mario Kart 8-compatible amiibo and Mii suits.
Trivia
- The word "new" in the new Nintendo 3DS logo is stylized similarly to the amiibo logo.
- The Mr. Game and Watch amiibo is the only amiibo so far that has more than one pose for the amiibo.
- The R.O.B. amiibo is currently the only amiibo whose colors differ by region.
External links
References
- ^ a b Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2015 - Q & A. Nintendo (February 17, 2015). Retrieved February 20, 2015.
- ^ Seedhouse, Alex (November 21, 2014). Nintendo teases plans for future amiibo series beyond Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Insider. Retrieved November 28, 2014.
- ^ Nintendo (Nintendo of America). (April 1, 2015.) Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015. YouTube. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
- ^ amiibo compatibility chart on the official amiibo webpage on Nintendo of America's website.
- ^ http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/11/nintendo_outlines_confusing_amiibo_save_data_limitations
- ^ Nintendo Direct: 4.1.15. Nintendo of America (April 1, 2015). Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMedqo8mLaQ
- ^ Nintendo 公式チャンネル, December 27th 2015. [1]. YouTube. Retrieved January 1st 2016.
- ^ Nintendo (Nintendo of America). (June 16, 2015.) Nintendo Digital Event @ E3 2015. YouTube. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
- ^ NintendoWiiUUK (May 26, 2015). Yoshi's Woolly World - Cute amiibo patterns! (Wii U). YouTube. Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- ^ a b c d Line-up on the official Nintendo of America amiibo webpage.
- ^ a b https://twitter.com/NintendoEurope/status/598110488195629056
- ^ a b Smash Direct 14.06
- ^ amiibo list on the Japanese amiibo webpage
- ^ amiibo by Nintendo - Mario - Silver Edition - Super Mario. Nintendo. Retrieved on May 14, 2015.
- ^ http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/abaj/party/amiibo.html
- ^ Hussain, Tamoor (August 24, 2015). Star Fox Zero, Mario Maker Wii U Bundle Release Dates Announced. GameSpot. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ Wii U 3DS Q3 - Q4 2015 schedule. Nintendo of Europe. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ^ a b Line-up | amiibo. Nintendo of Europe. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
- ^ amiibo on the Nintendo of Japan website. Nintendo of Japan. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
- ^ line-up on the official amiibo website for Nintendo of Australia. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
- ^ Paclibar, Jenah (June 26, 2015). Skylanders SuperChargers release date: Game arrives September 20; starter pack includes Donkey Kong and Bowser. Vine Report. Retrived June 27, 2015.
- ^ Groux, Christopher. "Nintendo Wave 1 And 2 Target Amiibo Discontinued: Link, Kirby Are Rare? Rosalina, Luma Cancel Confirmed?". Design & Trend. (Feb 28, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015
- ^ The Newest Amiibos Are Sold Out, And Fans Are Upset Klepek, Patrick. Kotaku. (April 03, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ Disney Infinity Producer Brands amiibo Stock Shortages "Irresponsible And Rude" McFerran, Damien. Nintendo Life. (June 9, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 9, 2015
- ^ Iwata says he's not retiring from hosting Nintendo Direct events, apologizes for amiibo shortages. GoNintendo. (May 31, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
- ^ Amiibo in the Form of Cards Coming This Year Pitcher, Jenna. IGN. (Feb 17, 2015) Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015.