Amiibo are a series of Nintendo character toys that score all kinds of bonuses in compatible games. These toys interact with multiple games on the Wii U and 3DS, unlocking content or providing bonuses that are rarely given during the game itself.
They were first released on November 21, 2014, in the United States and have been occupying desks by the dozen as Nintendo icons. Move out of the way Skylanders and Disney Infinity figures, let's meet the adorable Amiibo!
Nintendo's Amiibo figures make use of the Wii U's built-in near field communication feature to connect with games like Mario Kart 8, Hyrule Warriors and the more famous Super Smash Bros. Wii U. Nintendo experimented with the Amiibo's function in Pokémon Rumble U, and now they're ready to develop it even more.
The Amiibo functionality is ready and will arrive with a system update. Each of the figures is carefully packaged with a square of material beneath it which functions to keep it from being scanned outside the package. This is a guarantee that we won't have to worry about a fully leveled-up Smash Bros. Amiibo being auctioned in sealed packages on eBay.
Nintendo seems eagerly looking for new ways to get its fans to buy more amiibo in Japan. The latest promotion for the region adds-on a code for a downloadable Amiibo challenge. Whoever buys Amiibo in Japan will instantly get a code to download Mini Mario and Friends Amiibo Challenge, which features miniaturized toy versions of all the iconic Nintendo characters.
This downloadable title featuring Mini Mario is available for both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS only. Currently there's no assurance whether or not the promotion will be released in other regions. If you have played with the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, the mini-game seems to copy the same aesthetic style. Perhaps Nintendo is having a bit of difficulty getting people of Japan to buy the new amiibo figures? Who knows. But they are personally adorable and I wouldn't mind buying them.
