How Many Times Can I Use Amiibos?
The simple answer? It depends on the game and the amiibo! Generally, for games that grant daily rewards or bonuses via amiibo scanning, you can use each individual amiibo figure once per day, per Nintendo Account. However, there are nuances and exceptions, which we’ll delve into. The key is understanding how each game utilizes the amiibo functionality, and whether it saves data to the amiibo itself. Let’s explore this further.
Understanding Amiibo Usage Limits
The core concept revolves around whether the game writes data to the amiibo. If a game only reads data from the amiibo, such as unlocking a character or providing a one-time item, you can potentially use the same amiibo with multiple copies of the same game or on different consoles logged into the same Nintendo Account. Think of it like a key – the amiibo unlocks something, but the game doesn’t permanently alter the key itself.
However, if the game writes data back to the amiibo, like saving character progress, training data in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or daily reward status, then you’re typically limited to one use per day, per Nintendo Account. This is because the amiibo “remembers” that it’s already been used that day.
Tears of the Kingdom: An Amiibo Bonanza
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom exemplifies the daily reward system. While the game supports all 26 amiibo based on The Legend of Zelda series, you can generally only scan each amiibo once per day to receive themed goodies, valuable gear, or other in-game resources. This encourages players to collect a variety of amiibo to maximize their daily rewards.
Wolf Link: A Special Case
The Wolf Link amiibo from Twilight Princess HD is a bit of a special case. In Breath of the Wild, scanning this amiibo summons Wolf Link as a companion. He attacks enemies and helps find items. A bonus with this amiibo is that you can use it multiple times a day, as long as the Wolf Link you spawn doesn’t die. If he does, then you just have to wait until the next day to bring him back. Note that his hearts are based on your save data from Twilight Princess HD.
Amiibo Cards: The Reusable Code
Amiibo cards function slightly differently than amiibo figures. The card itself merely contains a code that the Nintendo Switch reads. As such, the card can be used multiple times. For example, in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can use the same amiibo card repeatedly to invite villagers to your campsite. The game prevents you from inviting a villager already living on your island, but the card itself isn’t limited to a single use.
Resetting Amiibo for Reuse
If you want to reuse an amiibo that has stored data from a previous game, you can reset it through the Nintendo Switch System Settings. This will erase all data on the amiibo, including character names and training data. You can choose to only delete game data, if you want to keep the nickname you have given the amiibo. Note that resetting the amiibo does not bypass daily use restrictions within a specific game. It simply clears the data stored on the amiibo, allowing you to use it for a different game or start fresh.
Factors Affecting Amiibo Usage
Several factors influence how many times you can use an amiibo:
- Game Design: The game’s programming dictates how amiibo are implemented and whether data is written to the amiibo.
- Nintendo Account: Daily use limits are tied to your Nintendo Account, not just the console.
- Amiibo Type: Figures and cards have slightly different usage patterns.
- Data Storage: Whether the game reads from or writes to the amiibo is crucial.
- Resetting: Resetting an amiibo clears stored data but doesn’t override daily use limits within a specific game.
Amiibo Rarity and Value
The rarity of some Amiibos has led to increased prices on the secondary market. This rarity can be caused by limited production runs or discontinued figures. The most expensive Amiibos can be difficult to find, making them sought-after collectibles. The Games Learning Society focuses on how games are made and has no control over the manufacturing process.
Amiibo and NFC Technology
Amiibos work using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. The Nintendo Switch or other compatible device reads the data stored on the amiibo’s NFC chip when it’s tapped to the NFC touchpoint. This allows the game to identify the amiibo and trigger the corresponding in-game action. The data capacity of the NFC chip is limited, which is why storing extensive game data on the amiibo isn’t typically possible. This technology and the data it presents are studied by researchers at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about amiibo usage:
1. Can Amiibos be used twice?
Yes, for games that do not save data to the amiibo figures, a single figure can be used with multiple copies of the same game. For games that save data to the amiibo, you will be limited to the specific game rules on usage.
2. How do you reset an amiibo in Zelda?
You can’t reset an amiibo specifically in a Zelda game. You must reset the amiibo through the Nintendo Switch System Settings. Navigate to “System Settings,” then “amiibo,” then “Reset amiibo.”
3. Can you reuse amiibo cards?
Yes! The card itself just has the code for the character, so anyone can use that card as many times as they want.
4. Can you reset a used amiibo?
Yes. From the HOME Menu select System Settings, then scroll down the menu on the left-hand side and select amiibo. Select the data you would like to delete. To delete game data only, select Delete Game Data. To delete all data on the amiibo, select Reset amiibo.
5. How long do amiibo cards last?
Amiibo cards effectively last forever. The NFC chip is passive and doesn’t degrade over time. The limitations are software-based.
6. Can you use Zelda amiibo multiple times?
Yes, but typically only once per day per Nintendo Account for games like Tears of the Kingdom that offer daily rewards.
7. Can I scan a used amiibo?
Yes! You can’t tell the difference between a “never scanned” amiibo and one that has already been scanned.
8. Can you scan a picture of an amiibo?
No. There’s an NFC chip inside the card that is read by the 3DS or Nintendo Switch. A scan won’t work with just a picture.
9. Do Amiibos do more damage?
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, level 50 Amiibo have a 1.5X damage bonus even with no equipment fed to them.
10. Is it illegal to make fake amiibos?
Unless you’re making a backup of your own amiibo it’s probably piracy. You’re making an unlicensed copy of the amiibo data.
11. What is the rarest amiibo ever?
Qbbi (BoxBoy!) Amiibo.
12. How many times can you use Wolf Link amiibo?
A bonus with this one is that you can use it multiple times a day, as long as the Wolf Link you spawn doesn’t die. (If he does, then you just have to wait until the next day to bring him back.)
13. Can amiibos run out of battery?
No, amiibo don’t require batteries.
14. Can an amiibo stop working?
Yes, but this is usually due to physical damage or a faulty NFC chip. You can test the amiibo on multiple consoles to determine if the issue lies with the amiibo or the console’s NFC reader.
15. Are amiibo being discontinued?
Nintendo has told WIRED that the company does not plan to ship any more of several of its interactive Amiibo figures. This does not mean all Amiibo are being discontinued.
By understanding these nuances, you can maximize your amiibo collection and enjoy the unique benefits they offer across various Nintendo games. Remember that the games themselves dictate the limitations.