Are Some Amiibos Discontinued? The Hunt for Elusive Figures

Yes, unfortunately, some Amiibo have been discontinued. This means Nintendo no longer actively produces them, leading to increased scarcity and often inflated prices on the secondary market. Understanding which Amiibo are discontinued, why it happens, and what options remain for collectors is crucial for navigating the Amiibo landscape.

Why Amiibos Get Discontinued

Several factors contribute to Nintendo’s decision to discontinue Amiibo:

• Limited-Time Offers: As Satoru Iwata, former Nintendo CEO, stated, some Amiibo were intended as “limited-time offers,” designed to promote specific games or events. Once these goals were met, production ceased.
• Demand Fluctuations: While some Amiibo are immensely popular, others may experience lower demand. If a particular figure doesn’t sell well, Nintendo might discontinue its production to focus on more profitable items.
• Production Costs: Manufacturing and distribution costs play a significant role. If the cost of producing a particular Amiibo outweighs its potential profit, it’s likely to be discontinued.
• Licensing Agreements: Some Amiibo are tied to specific licenses or collaborations. When these agreements expire, Nintendo may no longer have the right to produce those figures.

The Impact of Discontinuation

The discontinuation of Amiibo has several effects:

• Increased Value: Discontinued Amiibo become highly sought after by collectors, driving up their prices on platforms like eBay and Amazon.
• Secondary Market Scarcity: As availability dwindles, finding discontinued Amiibo can become challenging, often requiring significant effort and expense.
• Collector Frustration: The artificial scarcity created by discontinuation can frustrate collectors who wish to complete their collections.

Identifying Discontinued Amiibo

While Nintendo doesn’t always announce discontinuations explicitly, there are several indicators:

• Limited Availability: If a particular Amiibo is consistently out of stock at major retailers and difficult to find online, it’s likely discontinued.
• Price Increases: A sudden and significant price increase on the secondary market is a strong indicator of discontinuation.
• Online Communities: Amiibo collecting communities often track and share information about discontinued figures. Forums and social media groups can be valuable resources.

Coping with Discontinuation

Despite the challenges, there are ways to navigate the world of discontinued Amiibo:

• Secondary Market Vigilance: Regularly check online marketplaces for listings of the Amiibo you’re seeking. Be prepared to pay a premium, but also be patient and wait for a reasonable price.
• Attend Conventions and Trade Shows: These events often feature vendors selling rare and collectible Amiibo.
• Join Amiibo Communities: Connect with other collectors to share information, trade figures, and learn about potential sources.
• Consider Alternatives: If a particular Amiibo is prohibitively expensive, consider using Amiibo cards, which offer the same in-game functionality at a lower cost.

The Amiibo collecting hobby can be both rewarding and challenging. Understanding the dynamics of discontinuation, conducting thorough research, and connecting with other collectors are essential for success. Learn more about gaming trends and education at the Games Learning Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Discontinued Amiibos

1. How can I tell if an Amiibo is officially discontinued?

While Nintendo rarely makes formal announcements, signs like persistent out-of-stock status, significant price increases, and community consensus often indicate discontinuation. Check online forums and collector groups for the latest information.

2. What is the rarest and most expensive Amiibo?

The Qbby (BoxBoy!) Amiibo is generally considered the rarest and most expensive Amiibo, often fetching high prices on the secondary market due to its limited availability and niche appeal.

3. Are all first-wave Amiibo still in production?

No, many of the first-wave Amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series have been discontinued. Some popular characters like Mario and Link might still be available, but rarer ones are highly sought after.

4. Do Amiibo lose value over time?

While some Amiibo lose value due to overproduction or low demand, discontinued Amiibo typically increase in value due to their scarcity. The value depends on the character’s popularity and initial production numbers.

5. Are fake Amiibo illegal?

Selling counterfeit Amiibo is illegal as it infringes on Nintendo’s copyright. However, using homemade Amiibo cards for personal use is generally tolerated, though it violates Nintendo’s terms of service.

6. Can Nintendo detect fake Amiibo?

No, Nintendo cannot detect fake Amiibo because the game only reads the NFC data, which can be replicated on unofficial cards or tags.

7. Are Amiibo still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, Amiibo are still worth buying for collectors and gamers alike. They offer in-game bonuses and are valuable pieces of memorabilia. Whether they are “worth it” depends on your personal collecting goals.

8. Will Nintendo produce more of the discontinued Amiibo?

It’s unlikely that Nintendo will reproduce discontinued Amiibo, as they often create artificial scarcity to drive up demand for future releases. However, rereleases sometimes occur unexpectedly.

9. Where can I find discontinued Amiibo for sale?

Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon are the primary sources for discontinued Amiibo. Also, check local game stores, conventions, and collector communities.

10. How can I protect my Amiibo from damage?

Store your Amiibo in protective cases or display shelves away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Handle them carefully to prevent scratches or breakage.

11. Are Amiibo region-locked?

No, Amiibo are not region-locked. An Amiibo purchased in one region will work with a Nintendo console in another region.

12. What games are still compatible with Amiibo?

Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate still offer Amiibo functionality. Check the game’s documentation for specific features.

13. How many Amiibo can I use per day?

You can generally use each Amiibo once per day per Nintendo Account. Some games may have specific limitations or exceptions.

14. What is the best Amiibo to get for gameplay bonuses?

The best Amiibo for gameplay bonuses depends on the game you’re playing. Link Amiibo often provide valuable items in The Legend of Zelda games, while others offer unique character skins or unlocks.

15. Where can I learn more about the history and significance of Amiibo?

The GamesLearningSociety.org website offers resources and articles on the cultural and educational aspects of gaming, including collectible figures like Amiibo.