A Decade of Collecting: The Evolution and Future of Nintendo’s amiibo Figures

Nintendo’s amiibo figures have been a part of the gaming landscape for a decade now, and they have come a long way since their initial release in 2014. These collectible toys, which interact with games through near field communication (NFC) technology, have captured the hearts of many gamers and collectors alike. In this article, we will explore the history of amiibo, their impact on gaming culture, and what the future holds for these beloved figures.

The Beginning of a New Era: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and the Launch of amiibo

The story of amiibo began with the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in November 2014. This iconic game marked the return of the beloved franchise after a seven-year absence. Alongside the game, Nintendo introduced a new line of collectible toys called amiibo. These figures represented various characters from the Smash Bros. universe, and they could be used to unlock various in-game bonuses. The initial wave of amiibo included popular characters like Mario, Link, and Pikachu.

The amiibo craze quickly took off, with collectors scrambling to get their hands on every figure. The demand for these toys was so high that they often sold out within hours of being released. The collectible market was flooded with aftermarket sales, and prices for rare figures skyrocketed. The hype surrounding amiibo was fueled by the fact that they not only served as collectibles but also offered in-game benefits.

The Impact of amiibo on Gaming Culture

amiibo had a significant impact on gaming culture. They brought a new level of interaction between players and their favorite characters. The figures allowed players to feel a deeper connection to the games they loved, as they could physically interact with their favorite characters. The toys also introduced a new aspect of competition, as collectors raced to obtain every figure in the series.

The amiibo craze also led to a surge in collaborations between Nintendo and various other companies. Brands like Lego, Sanrio, and Sesame Street released their own amiibo figures, expanding the line and appealing to a wider audience. The toys even made their way into other forms of media, such as movies and television shows.

The Evolution of amiibo: From Smash Bros. to Other Nintendo Franchises

amiibo figures were not limited to the Super Smash Bros. series. Nintendo expanded the line to include figures from other popular franchises, such as The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon. These figures offered similar in-game benefits, but they represented different characters and worlds. The expansion of the amiibo line helped to keep the collectible market fresh and exciting.

The Future of amiibo: What’s Next?

As we look to the future, the question on many collectors’ minds is, “What’s next for amiibo?” With the release of Sora on February 16, 2024, we have seen the last traditional amiibo release for the time being. However, there are still a few unreleased figures on the horizon, such as the Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong Power-Up Bands for Super Nintendo World. These figures function as amiibo when used on the Nintendo Switch, but they are not marketed as such and can only be obtained by visiting the theme park.

The lack of new amiibo releases has left many collectors wondering if Nintendo is moving on from the toys-to-life market. The company’s recent first-party games, such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Mario vs. Donkey Kong, have not featured amiibo support. This has led some to speculate that amiibo may no longer be a priority for Nintendo.

However, there is still a chance that amiibo could live on to see a third console generation. If Nintendo’s rumored Switch 2 is backwards compatible with Nintendo Switch software, it is likely that the NFC technology that makes scanning amiibo work will be included in the controllers. This would leave the door open for new amiibo figures to launch in the future.

Conclusion

amiibo have been a part of the gaming landscape for a decade now, and they have come a long way since their initial release. These collectible toys have captured the hearts of many gamers and collectors alike, offering a unique blend of physical interaction and in-game benefits. While the future of amiibo is uncertain, one thing is clear: these beloved figures have left an indelible mark on gaming culture. Whether they continue to evolve and expand or fade into the background, amiibo will always be remembered as a unique and innovative part of Nintendo’s history.