Nintendo has a long history with fad accessories. From the DK Bongos to Nintendo Labo and the fleeting allure of the 3D feature incorporated in the 3DS. All of these were a hit for a short time and then never utilized again. However, the amiibo figurines broke that mold. These functional figurines have not only survived, but thrived since their launch in 2014. They have expanded from Super Smash Bros figurines to countless niche series such as Fire Emblem, The Legend Of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and more. So what has set amiibo apart from Nintendo's other temporary successes?
A Great Collector's Item
With collectibles such as Funko Pops being all the craze over the last several years, amiibo figurines fit right in. In fact amiibos make even better collector items for those who are not as fond of the Funko Pops' disproportionate features. Amiibo caters more to a miniature replica fan-base instead.
The amiibo collection is steadily growing. New figures have been released every year since their launch. There are game-specific collections such as the Super Smash Bros series, Fire Emblem, and just about every Animal Crossing character you could think to ask for. Not only are there niche collections, but a lot of the figurines can interact with other games aside from their own titles.
Functional Figurines
Amiibos bring with them a slew of gameplay functions and compatibilities. Different functions include rewards such as outfits, loot boxes, titles, and equipment, along with in-game boosts and various collaborations between games. Other common perks are special illustrations and in-game currency.
In certain games (like Smash Bros) amiibo figures pop up as characters in-game. You can power them up and fight with or against them. Smash amiibos even gain individual personalities the more they fight!
Other games reward first-time use by means of exclusive items. This is the case in Fire Emblem Warriors. With the first use of the Chrom amiibo figure, you are awarded his Training Sword. In the same fashion, you are awarded Tiki's Tear the first time you activate the Tiki amiibo.
Games that may not have amiibos of their own have formed crossovers with other niche Amiibo series. A perfect example of this is Skyrim (Nintendo Switch version only) fostering compatibility with Legend of Zelda amiibos. This partnership allows you to tap Zelda amiibos once daily for a chance to obtain Hyrule inspired gear. The gear is fully functional, providing a Zelda-themed option for Skyrim equipment.
Great Collectible, Great Value
Amiibo boasts a general price of around $15 per amiibo. However, some special characters and combo packs can range upwards of $30. This price tag might seem steep to some, but given their various functionalities, they serve a greater purpose than other collectibles. Amiibos has found their own collector niche as well, which aids in fueling their success. Not only that, there are countless ways to use the figures. Amiibos are not just limited to functioning within their corresponding titles, but bring fresh mashups to games lacking amiibos of their own.
The daily rewards and exclusive gifts alone make the Amiibo price tag worth it. Not to mention what aesthetically pleasing figurines they make for display purposes. Their vast capabilities and ever-expanding collection have set the Amiibo franchise up for a long and prosperous future.