Are Amiibo Being Discontinued? The State of Nintendo’s Collectible Figures
No, Amiibo are not being discontinued. While Nintendo has slowed down the release of new figures and game integrations compared to their peak popularity, they are still producing and releasing Amiibo, with new figures announced for 2023 and 2024. The production and availability of specific Amiibo can vary, leading to perceived scarcity and temporary “discontinuations” of certain models.
The Evolving World of Amiibo: From Boom to Present Day
Amiibo, Nintendo’s line of interactive figurines, burst onto the scene in 2014, quickly capturing the hearts of gamers and collectors alike. Combining physical collectibles with in-game functionality, Amiibo offered a unique blend of tangibility and digital enhancement that resonated strongly with the Nintendo fanbase. Initially, the demand for certain Amiibo far exceeded supply, leading to widespread scarcity and a thriving resale market. Figures like the Villager, Marth, and Wii Fit Trainer became notorious for their rarity, fetching exorbitant prices online.
Nintendo addressed these early supply issues by reprinting many sought-after Amiibo. However, the initial frenzy left a lasting impression, contributing to the perception that Amiibo are often difficult to obtain and subject to discontinuation. Over time, the number of games supporting Amiibo functionality has decreased, and the frequency of new Amiibo releases has slowed. This shift has led some to speculate about the future of the Amiibo line, wondering if Nintendo is gradually phasing them out.
CEO Satoru Iwata’s statement about “limited-time offers which will cede their positions to new ones once they are sold out,” underscores the reality that not all Amiibo are intended for continuous production. This is a key factor contributing to the perception of discontinuation, as certain figures are deliberately produced in limited quantities.
Amiibo in 2023 and Beyond: What’s New?
Despite the slowdown, Nintendo continues to release new Amiibo figures. Recent releases in 2023 include figures based on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Splatoon 3. The upcoming Sora Amiibo in 2024, representing the final character from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, is a highly anticipated release.
However, even these new releases can be subject to availability issues. Certain retailers may have exclusive distribution rights, and high demand can lead to quick sell-outs, particularly for figures based on popular characters or franchises.
Factors Influencing Amiibo Availability
Several factors contribute to the availability, or lack thereof, of specific Amiibo figures:
- Production Volume: Nintendo produces different quantities of each Amiibo, based on expected demand and character popularity. Less popular characters may have smaller production runs, making them rarer over time.
- Retailer Exclusivity: Some Amiibo figures are exclusive to specific retailers, such as GameStop, Best Buy, or Amazon. This exclusivity can limit availability and drive up prices on the secondary market.
- Demand: The demand for Amiibo figures can fluctuate based on factors such as character popularity, game releases, and collector interest. High demand can lead to quick sell-outs and increased scarcity.
- Reprints: Nintendo occasionally reprints popular or rare Amiibo figures to address supply issues and satisfy consumer demand. However, reprints are not guaranteed, and certain figures may remain permanently rare.
Amiibo Functionality: Beyond the Collectible
While the number of new games integrating Amiibo functionality has decreased, existing Amiibo can still be used in a variety of Nintendo titles. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offer significant in-game rewards for scanning Amiibo, including unique weapons, armor, and items. Even older games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, continue to support Amiibo functionality, allowing players to unlock costumes, train AI opponents, and more.
It’s worth noting that the functionality of Amiibo can vary significantly from game to game. Some games offer substantial benefits for using Amiibo, while others provide only minor cosmetic enhancements. The value of an Amiibo, therefore, depends both on its collectibility and its usefulness in the games you play.
Amiibo and the Nintendo Switch 2
The future of Amiibo may also be tied to the next generation of Nintendo hardware, rumored to be the Nintendo Switch 2. If the new console retains NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality, Amiibo will likely remain compatible. Nintendo could also introduce new Amiibo figures or features alongside the launch of the Switch 2, potentially revitalizing the Amiibo line.
The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games and education. Their research can offer insights into how physical collectibles like amiibo can enhance gaming experiences and potentially contribute to learning and engagement. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Your Amiibo Questions Answered
1. Are all Amiibo limited editions?
No, not all Amiibo are limited editions. Some figures are intended for continuous production, while others are produced in limited quantities. The availability of specific Amiibo can vary over time.
2. Why are some Amiibo so expensive?
The price of Amiibo is determined by supply and demand. Rare or highly sought-after figures can fetch high prices on the secondary market due to limited availability. Retailer exclusivity also increases the demand, and ultimately the price.
3. Can I use an Amiibo with multiple games?
Yes, you can use an Amiibo with multiple games. However, some games may overwrite the data stored on the Amiibo, so you may need to reset the Amiibo before using it with another game.
4. How do I reset an Amiibo?
You can reset an Amiibo through the Nintendo Switch system settings. Go to System Settings > Amiibo > Erase Amiibo Data.
5. Do Amiibo have batteries?
No, Amiibo do not have batteries. They use NFC technology, which is powered by the device reading the Amiibo.
6. Can Amiibo be damaged by water?
Amiibo figures are generally water-resistant, but prolonged exposure to water can damage the internal circuitry. Amiibo cards can withstand a bit of water damage, but they will freeze up HHD.
7. How many times can I use an Amiibo per day?
You can generally use each Amiibo figure once per day (per Nintendo Account) for games that offer daily rewards.
8. Do used Amiibo still work?
Yes, used Amiibo still work. However, if the previous owner has saved data to the Amiibo, you may need to reset it before using it with another game.
9. Can Amiibo be hacked or cloned?
Yes, Amiibo can be hacked or cloned using specialized equipment and software. However, doing so may violate Nintendo’s terms of service.
10. What is the largest Amiibo ever made?
The Mega Yarn Yoshi is the largest Amiibo to date.
11. What is the rarest Amiibo ever made?
The Qbby (BoxBoy!) Amiibo is considered the rarest and most expensive.
12. Do Amiibo expire?
No, Amiibo do not expire. They will continue to function as long as the NFC chip is intact.
13. Do Amiibo learn after level 50?
Yes, your amiibo will now learn more from being defeated than it did from Levels 1-49.
14. How many Amiibo exist?
There are currently 843 total (released) amiibo between the figures, cards, power-up bands, and cereal. There are currently 8 amiibo that have been announced and not released (Splatoon Shiver, Splatoon Frye, Splatoon Big Man, Xenoblade Noah, Xenoblade Mio, TotK Zelda, TotK Ganondorf).
15. Are Amiibo worth investing in?
Whether Amiibo are worth investing in depends on your goals. If you are a collector, Amiibo can be a fun and rewarding hobby. If you are looking to resell Amiibo for profit, you may need to do extensive research to identify rare and valuable figures.
The Final Verdict: Amiibo Live On
While the golden age of Amiibo integration may be behind us, Nintendo has shown no signs of completely abandoning the line. New releases, occasional reprints, and continued functionality in existing games suggest that Amiibo will remain a part of the Nintendo ecosystem for the foreseeable future. Whether they evolve in new and exciting ways or continue in their current form remains to be seen. For collectors and fans alike, the future of Amiibo is something to watch with interest.