amiibo

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amiibo (pronounced /əˈmiːboʊ/, ə-MEE-boh) are a toys-to-life platform by Nintendo, which was launched in November 2014. It consists of a wireless communications and storage protocol for connecting figurines to the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch. These figurines are similar in form and functionality to that of the Skylanders, Disney Infinity and Lego Dimensions series of toys-to-life platforms. The amiibo platform was preannounced to potentially accommodate any form of toy, specifically including general plans for future card games. These toys use near field communication (NFC) to interact with supported game software, potentially allowing data to be transferred in and out of games and across multiple platforms.

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.[2] There are also amiibo lines based on various games and franchises such as Mario and Animal Crossing.

amiibo functionality can be used directly with the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and New Nintendo 3DS consoles by using built-in NFC readers. In addition, the rest of the 3DS hardware line can use an official NFC adapter. By September 2016, Nintendo reported that 39 million amiibo toys had been sold, along with more than 30 million amiibo cards.[citation needed] By September 2022, a total of 77 million amiibo have been sold.[citation needed]

Features[edit]

With Wii U software, amiibo can be used by placing a figure on the NFC sensor 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. They can also be used on the Nintendo Switch by holding them to the joystick on a Joy-Con (R) or the logo on a Pro Controller. The figures 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 is also available.[6] Additionally, an app released for the Wii U, amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits, allows players to unlock demos of certain NES and SNES titles by scanning amiibo.[7]

Controversy[edit]

The availability of certain amiibo has been subject to criticism. For example, the Target-exclusive shipments of the Rosalina & Luma amiibo were 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.[8] 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 was met with intense criticism and frustration by fans who wished to purchase the amiibo.[9] John Vignocchi, the executive producer of Disney Infinity, another game that uses NFC figures, stated "[An intentional shortage] is irresponsible and rude to your hardcore fans," referring to the amiibo shortages.[10] Satoru Iwata noticed the issue and apologized for it; he promised that more will be manufactured to meet the demand in the future.[11] The amiibo cards were released with the intention to address the amiibo figurine shortages.[12]

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Amiibo.
  • An amiibo scanning on the Wii U GamePad

    An amiibo scanning on the Wii U GamePad

  • Pre-release versions of Super Smash Bros. amiibo

    Pre-release versions of Super Smash Bros. amiibo

  • The first wave of Mario Kart 8 Mii racing suits and their required amiibo figurines

    The first wave of Mario Kart 8 Mii racing suits and their required amiibo figurines

  • Super Mario series amiibo

    Super Mario series amiibo

Trivia[edit]

The Bowser Jr. amiibo in Mario Party: Star Rush

External links[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Third Quarter Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2015 - Q & A. Nintendo (February 17, 2015).
  2. ^ Seedhouse, Alex (November 21, 2014). Nintendo teases plans for future amiibo series beyond Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Insider.
  3. ^ Nintendo (Nintendo of America). (April 1, 2015.) Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015. YouTube.
  4. ^ amiibo compatibility chart on the official amiibo webpage on Nintendo of America's website.
  5. ^ http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/11/nintendo_outlines_confusing_amiibo_save_data_limitations
  6. ^ Nintendo Direct: 4.1.15. Nintendo of America (April 1, 2015).
  7. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMedqo8mLaQ
  8. ^ 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
  9. ^ The Newest Amiibos Are Sold Out, And Fans Are Upset Klepek, Patrick. Kotaku. (April 03, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  10. ^ Disney Infinity Producer Brands amiibo Stock Shortages "Irresponsible And Rude" McFerran, Damien. Nintendo Life. (June 9, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 9, 2015
  11. ^ Iwata says he's not retiring from hosting Nintendo Direct events, apologizes for amiibo shortages. GoNintendo. (May 31, 2015). Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  12. ^ Amiibo in the Form of Cards Coming This Year Pitcher, Jenna. IGN. (Feb 17, 2015) Web. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  13. ^ Smashy (March 30, 2022). UNUSED and CUT Content in Super Mario Maker 2. YouTube. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
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