amiibo

amiibo logo.

Most of the first wave of amiibo for Super Smash Bros. 4, as seen at E3 2014.

amiibo (アミーボ, amiibo) are a line of interactive figurines available for usage with the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch systems. By scanning an amiibo with near field communication technology, players can receive various effects in games. For the Wii U, amiibo are scanned using the Wii U GamePad. The New Nintendo 3DS models are also natively compatible with amiibo, while older 3DS models require an NFC adapter to use the figurines. While the concept of figurines using NFC technology to interact with the Wii U was previously explored with Pokémon Rumble U, Super Smash Bros. 4 was the first game to feature the amiibo branding, acting as the debut and flagship title for the line.

As of September 2016, Nintendo reports that 39 million amiibo figurines have been sold, along with 30.6 million amiibo cards.

In[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U]

The beta version of the amiibo menu screen, in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, with Mario's stats being modified.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U supports the use of amiibo, with its series of figurines representing the various characters available for play in the games. While all playable characters are to be represented, alternate costumes, such as Alph for Olimar, are not confirmed to be featured in the line. amiibo figurines are not required to unlock any characters or other features in the games, and they are completely optional for playing both versions. amiibo can also be used on any copy of the game (even if the character has not been unlocked or downloaded), and the character on the amiibo is tied to the figurine, allowing for players to use its customized moveset and fighting style wherever they desire.

amiibo, when scanned by the console, allow the character represented by the figurines to be used in-game as a customized CPU opponent; the character can be modified by players with character customization options available in the game. Unlike normal fighters, amiibo fighters' stats are modified by "feeding" them equipment, including equipment the character cannot normally use; for example, an amiibo Mario can be given Hammer equipment, which would normally be impossible. There is a limit to how many times the amiibo can be fed before battling, however, and any equipment that's given to an amiibo is permanently lost. An amiibo can also "learn" up to three bonus effects from the equipment they are given. By default, the amiibo's stat total is capped at 120. As with other player-designed custom sets for characters, amiibo can be assigned a name and a specific alternate costume as well.

After this, they can be used as a specialized computer player, with the tag "FP" (Figure Player) above them. Figure Players start at level 1 like regular CPU players, but as they fight more often, they can continue to level up, to a cap of 50. As they gain levels, amiibo can potentially "learn" techniques from other characters: if a player frequently uses long-ranged, camping techniques, then the amiibo will also begin to emulate this behavior. This learning continues even after the 50 level cap is reached. In addition, an amiibo can gain improved fighting statistics, such as improved damage, knockback, and reaction times, the higher its level is. Finally, higher-leveled amiibo can adapt to individual matches faster than lower-leveled amiibo; if an opponent takes on an aggressive, rush-down style against an amiibo in one match, for instance, it will begin to make more use of defensive techniques like spot dodges and rolls. However, even high-level amiibo, may have their flaws on complex stages, like walking back and forth before fighting on stages like Gaur Plain.

amiibo also gain gold and other items while fighting, which are retrieved when checking them in the amiibo menu. Aside from gold, players may also receive custom parts or trophies. The longer the amiibo has fought, the more presents and gold are received. These items can be retrieved when the amiibo is scanned on its owner's console under the amiibo menu. While Super Smash Bros. for Wii U natively supports amiibo, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS was unable to do so at launch. Version 1.0.5, released on February 9th, 2015, added support for scanning amiibo if the game is played on a New Nintendo 3DS, while version 1.0.8, released on June 14th, 2015, added support for the NFC reader/writer accessory. The user must have one of these pieces of hardware to use amiibo with the 3DS version.

Owing to their ability to be "trained" and used on other consoles, amiibo tournaments have become a minor side-event at some Smash Bros. tournaments.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

The beta version of the amiibo menu screen, in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, with Mario's stats being modified.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U supports the use of amiibo, with its series of figurines representing the various characters available for play in the games. While all playable characters are to be represented, alternate costumes, such as Alph for Olimar, are not confirmed to be featured in the line. amiibo figurines are not required to unlock any characters or other features in the games, and they are completely optional for playing both versions. amiibo can also be used on any copy of the game (even if the character has not been unlocked or downloaded), and the character on the amiibo is tied to the figurine, allowing for players to use its customized moveset and fighting style wherever they desire.

amiibo, when scanned by the console, allow the character represented by the figurines to be used in-game as a customized CPU opponent; the character can be modified by players with character customization options available in the game. Unlike normal fighters, amiibo fighters' stats are modified by "feeding" them equipment, including equipment the character cannot normally use; for example, an amiibo Mario can be given Hammer equipment, which would normally be impossible. There is a limit to how many times the amiibo can be fed before battling, however, and any equipment that's given to an amiibo is permanently lost. An amiibo can also "learn" up to three bonus effects from the equipment they are given. By default, the amiibo's stat total is capped at 120. As with other player-designed custom sets for characters, amiibo can be assigned a name and a specific alternate costume as well.

After this, they can be used as a specialized computer player, with the tag "FP" (Figure Player) above them. Figure Players start at level 1 like regular CPU players, but as they fight more often, they can continue to level up, to a cap of 50. As they gain levels, amiibo can potentially "learn" techniques from other characters: if a player frequently uses long-ranged, camping techniques, then the amiibo will also begin to emulate this behavior. This learning continues even after the 50 level cap is reached. In addition, an amiibo can gain improved fighting statistics, such as improved damage, knockback, and reaction times, the higher its level is. Finally, higher-leveled amiibo can adapt to individual matches faster than lower-leveled amiibo; if an opponent takes on an aggressive, rush-down style against an amiibo in one match, for instance, it will begin to make more use of defensive techniques like spot dodges and rolls. However, even high-level amiibo, may have their flaws on complex stages, like walking back and forth before fighting on stages like Gaur Plain.

amiibo also gain gold and other items while fighting, which are retrieved when checking them in the amiibo menu. Aside from gold, players may also receive custom parts or trophies. The longer the amiibo has fought, the more presents and gold are received. These items can be retrieved when the amiibo is scanned on its owner's console under the amiibo menu. While Super Smash Bros. for Wii U natively supports amiibo, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS was unable to do so at launch. Version 1.0.5, released on February 9th, 2015, added support for scanning amiibo if the game is played on a New Nintendo 3DS, while version 1.0.8, released on June 14th, 2015, added support for the NFC reader/writer accessory. The user must have one of these pieces of hardware to use amiibo with the 3DS version.

Owing to their ability to be "trained" and used on other consoles, amiibo tournaments have become a minor side-event at some Smash Bros. tournaments.

Cross-compatibility

Games compatible with Super Smash Bros. series amiibo

The following games have effects when an amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series is scanned:

Game	amiibo	Function
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Plus		Unlocks skins for the player's fighter based on the scanned characters.
amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits		Unlocks timed demos of various NES and SNES games.
Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival		Adds a golden statue of the Smash Villager to the plaza.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer		Awards the player a golden statue of the Smash Villager.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf: Welcome amiibo update		Invites characters with The Legend of Zelda themed appearances and items to the player's campground. Scanning Link or Zelda invites Wolf Link; scanning Sheik invites Epona; scanning Ganondorf invites Ganon; and scanning Toon Link invites Medli.
		Causes Wisp to visit the campground in his own RV, containing a golden statue of the Smash Villager and furniture based on Nintendo hardware.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker		Gives the player 1-Up Mushrooms.
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.
		Gives the player 50 or 100 Moolah once a day. Also applies to the amiibo that unlock pose figures. Up to 20 amiibo can be scanned daily.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.		Makes the scanned character usable once per level, although they cannot be revived at checkpoints.
Fire Emblem Fates		Allows the player to challenge the scanned character to battle and recruit them into Corrin's forces.
Hyrule Warriors		The first time scanning one of these amiibo unlocks the Spinner weapon class for Link. Gives the player a weapon for Link with at least three stars every time after the first.
		Gives the player a weapon for the scanned character with at least three stars.
		Gives the player a weapon with up to three stars, a random material, or a random number of rupees. Up to five can be scanned daily.
Hyrule Warriors Legends		Gives the player a weapon for the scanned character with at least three stars.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse		Unlocks infinite star dash for Kirby for one level per day.
		Unlocks a Meta Knight mask for Kirby and increases the speed of his tap dash for one level per day.
		Unlocks a King Dedede hat for Kirby and gives two additional health bars for one level per day.
Kirby: Planet Robobot		Provides the Smash copy ability to Kirby.
		Colors Kirby green and gives him the Sword ability.
		Colors Kirby yellow and gives him the Hammer ability.
		Gives Kirby the Fire ability.
		Gives Kirby the Parasol ability.
		Gives Kirby the Stone ability.
		Gives Kirby the Doctor ability.
		Gives Kirby the Ice ability.
		Gives Kirby the Bomb ability.
		Gives Kirby the Whip ability.
		Gives Kirby the Fighter ability.
		Gives Kirby the Sword ability.
		Gives Kirby the Mirror ability.
		Gives Kirby the Ninja ability.
		Gives Kirby the Poison ability.
		Gives Kirby the Cutter ability.
		Gives Kirby the Jet ability.
		Gives Kirby the Spark ability.
		Gives Kirby the Mike ability.
		Gives Kirby the ESP ability.
		Gives Kirby the Wheel ability.
		Gives Kirby the Circus ability.
		Gives Kirby the Archer ability.
		Gives Kirby the Leaf ability.
		Gives Kirby the Beam ability.
		Randomly gives Kirby the Fighter, Sword, or Spark ability.
		Provides a random copy ability to Kirby.
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam		Allows the player to change ? Battle Cards they have found into character cards for use in battle.
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)		Transforms the Mario Mii costume into a more powerful Gold Mario costume for 24 hours (if Mario's Story is cleared)
		Transforms the Sonic Mii costume into a more powerful Super Sonic costume for 24 hours (if Sonic's Story is cleared)
Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)		Allows the player to compete in the Mario league tournament. Winning this tournament unlocks a Gold Mario Mii costume.
		Allows the player to compete in the Sonic league tournament. Winning this tournament unlocks a Super Sonic Mii costume.
		Gives the player Coins or Rings that can be used at the item stand.
Mario Kart 8		Permanently unlocks racing suits for the player's Mii themed after the scanned characters.
Mario Party 10		Compatible with amiibo Party mode. Unlocks personal board of scanned characters.
		Allows the player to play Scratch Bonus and win Mario Party points.
Mario Party: Star Rush		Various effects by mode, generally summoning the scanned character to assist the player.
Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash		Allows the player to use the scanned character as a tennis partner that can be trained and improved.
Mega Man Legacy Collection		Unlocks 10 additional challenge stages designed as part of a fan contest. 3DS version only.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force		Recolors the player's mech based on the scanned amiibo.
		Unlocks a skull-themed recolor for the player's mech.
Miitopia		Unlocks character-based costumes for the player's Miis.
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge		Creates a toy character of the scanned character to navigate a level; different character toys have different abilities.
		Creates a Mini Spec to navigate a level.
One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X		Unlocks matching costumes for various playable characters; see here for more details.
Picross 3D: Round 2		Unlocks a Picross puzzle based on the scanned character.
Pokkén Tournament		Unlock various in-game items such as clothing items and money. Up to five can be scanned daily.
Star Fox Guard		Calls in an Arwing air strike to wipe out all enemies. Limit of one use daily.
Star Fox Zero		Unlocks a SNES-style Arwing, which cannot lock onto targets.
		Unlocks the Black Arwing, which can lock onto two targets at once but takes triple damage.
Style Savvy: Fashion Forward		Gives the player themed articles of clothing based on the scanned character.
Super Mario Maker		Gives Costume Mario the appearance of the scanned character, in 8-bit form. These costumes can also be unlocked through the 100 Mario Challenge.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Atsumete Tomodachi Daisakusen!		Unlocks songs from the character's game of origin.
Teddy Together		Gives the player bonus coins.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD		Fully replenishes Link's arrows.
		Completely restores Link's hearts.
		Receive twice as much damage from enemies.
Word Puzzles by Powgi		Creates a word puzzle based on either the amiibo's nickname or owner's name.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D		Awards 3 tokens per day that can be used to unlock music and character models.
Yoshi's Woolly World Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World		Activates Double Yoshi mode and unlocks a non-yarn Yoshi design.
		In both versions: gives the player a Yarn Yoshi with a design based on the amiibo that was used. The two designs of R.O.B.'s amiibo unlock distinct costumes from one another.
		Wii U version: Gives the player a Yarn Yoshi with a generic design of the amiibo logo. 3DS version: gives the player a Yarn Yoshi with a design based on the amiibo that was used.
		In both versions: gives the player a Yarn Yoshi with a generic design of the amiibo logo.

Other series of amiibo compatible with Super Smash Bros.

The following amiibo from other release sets are compatible with Super Smash Bros. 4. All color and size variations from these sets will function identically in Smash.

Series name	Compatible amiibo
Kirby
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Skylanders: SuperChargers
Super Mario
Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary
The Legend of Zelda 30th Anniversary
Yoshi's Woolly World

Gallery

• 

  How to work amiibo figures with the Wii U.

• 

  Promotional art depicting Mario and Link's amiibo in SSB4.

• 

  Large-scale model of Mario's amiibo at Nintendo New York in February 2016.

• 

  Official amiibo display diorama based on Battlefield.

Trivia

• Originally at launch, Shulk's amiibo was exclusive to GameStop in North America, the same store his game, Xenoblade Chronicles, was exclusive to in its North American release.
• The word "new" in the New Nintendo 3DS logo is stylized similarly to the amiibo logo.
  • The font itself is the Bauhaus 93 font, which is also used in many of the games in the Super Mario Bros. series.
• The R.O.B. amiibo is currently the only amiibo to have different versions in the Smash line.
• Mr. Game & Watch's amiibo comes with multiple unique poses that can replace the original pose. One is based on his official SSB4 artwork, as are other amiibo; others feature his parachute from Fire, getting a 9 using Judge, and a bell-ringing pose resembling his side taunt and artwork pose from Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
  • Amongst his four poses, the pose depicting his number 9 Judge is the only pose that was never used as an in game trophy pose for any game in the series.
• Mewtwo's amiibo released in Europe on October 23rd, 2015, one year to the day after it was confirmed to be a downloadable character during the Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: 50-Fact Extravaganza.
• Since Pokémon Rumble U can use anything with NFC technology to briefly summon a random helper Pokémon, it unintentionally supports all amiibo.
• If the player were to feed an amiibo equipment, and then exit without saving to the amiibo, that equipment will disappear anyway. The only way to get it back is to quit the game without letting the game save.

External links

• amiibo E3 2014 Trailer
• amiibo page on Nintendo of Japan's website
• amiibo page on Nintendo of America's website
• amiibo page on Nintendo of Europe's website