Amiibo Cards and Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A Comprehensive Guide
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The world of amiibo and Animal Crossing: New Horizons can feel like a vast, interconnected web. Understanding which amiibo cards work with the game, and how they work, is crucial for getting the most out of your island life.
So, to answer the burning question: Do all amiibo cards work with New Horizons? The answer is no. While Animal Crossing amiibo cards series 1-5 are compatible with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, other amiibo cards, like those from the Zelda or Mario series, are not compatible with New Horizons.
This article dives deep into the nuances of amiibo compatibility, exploring which amiibo cards unlock which features, and addressing common questions.
Understanding Amiibo Compatibility in New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons primarily supports Animal Crossing-branded amiibo cards and figures. These cards are designed to interact with specific features within the game, primarily involving inviting villagers to your island.
The key is recognizing that not all amiibo are created equal in terms of their functionality within a specific game. While a Zelda amiibo might unlock special items in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, it won’t have the same effect in New Horizons.
Key Features Unlocked by Compatible Amiibo Cards
Inviting Villagers to Your Island
The most significant function of Animal Crossing amiibo cards in New Horizons is the ability to invite villagers to your island. This is a multi-step process:
- Using the Campsite: Scan the amiibo card at the Resident Services terminal to invite the villager to your island’s campsite.
- Crafting Requests: The villager will request that you craft an item for them. Fulfill their request.
- Repeat Invitations: You need to invite the same villager to the campsite a total of three times, fulfilling their crafting requests each time.
- Moving In: After the third invitation, the villager will agree to move to your island. If your island is full, you can choose which current resident you want to ask to move out to make space.
Photopia Fun
Scanning an Animal Crossing amiibo card also allows you to invite that villager to Harvey’s Island in Photopia. This lets you create fun and personalized photoshoots with your favorite characters, dressing them up and arranging scenes to your liking.
Differentiating Between Amiibo Figures and Cards
It’s important to distinguish between amiibo figures and amiibo cards. While both serve the same function of interacting with the game, they come in different forms. Amiibo figures are physical figurines, while amiibo cards are trading card-sized cards with a chip embedded within.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, both amiibo figures (specifically those of Animal Crossing characters like Isabelle or the Villager) and Animal Crossing amiibo cards can be used to achieve similar results, such as inviting villagers to your island.
Addressing Concerns About Fake Amiibo Cards
The prevalence of fake amiibo cards is a common concern among players. While it might seem like a risky endeavor, the game itself cannot distinguish between a legitimate amiibo card and a well-made fake. As long as the data on the fake amiibo card is accurate and mimics the official amiibo data, the game will treat it as genuine. However, buying fake amiibo cards from a seller may be risky. Always look for reputable retailers to purchase from.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which amiibo cards specifically work with New Horizons?
Animal Crossing amiibo cards series 1-5 are compatible with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This includes all numbered series cards and the Sanrio collaboration cards.
2. Can I use my old amiibo cards from Animal Crossing: New Leaf?
Yes, amiibo cards that worked with Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome amiibo will also work with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The compatibility is consistent across these games.
3. Do Zelda amiibo cards work in New Horizons?
No, Zelda amiibo cards are not compatible with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Only Animal Crossing-branded amiibo cards and figures work with the villager invitation features.
4. How many times can I use an amiibo card in New Horizons?
You can use each amiibo card once per day to invite a villager to the campsite. You need to invite the same villager three separate days before they’ll agree to move to your island.
5. What if my island is full?
If your island is full, when you invite a villager via amiibo card, you will be prompted to choose a current resident to ask to move out to make room for the new arrival.
6. Are Animal Crossing amiibo cards still being produced?
While the initial production runs have ended, you can still find amiibo cards through online retailers and second-hand markets. Keep an eye out for potential restocks or special promotions.
7. Can I use amiibo figures instead of cards?
Yes, amiibo figures of Animal Crossing characters, such as Isabelle or the Villager, can also be used to invite those characters to your island in the same way as amiibo cards.
8. What are the benefits of using amiibo cards versus finding villagers randomly?
Using amiibo cards allows you to specifically target and invite your dream villagers to your island. Without amiibo cards, you are reliant on random encounters at the campsite or on mystery island tours.
9. Where can I buy Animal Crossing amiibo cards?
Animal Crossing amiibo cards can be found at major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon, although availability can vary. Check online marketplaces like eBay as well, but be cautious about counterfeit cards.
10. Are the amiibo cards region-locked?
No, amiibo cards are not region-locked. A card purchased in one region will work with a Nintendo Switch console from any other region.
11. Can I use amiibo cards to get special items in New Horizons?
While amiibo cards primarily invite villagers, scanning them at Harvey’s Island in Photopia unlocks posters of those characters, which can be purchased through the Nook Shopping app.
12. How many different Animal Crossing amiibo cards are there in total?
Including promotional cards, there are a total of 509 Animal Crossing amiibo cards. The numbered and Welcome amiibo series are sold in blind booster packs.
13. What do special amiibo cards do in Animal Crossing?
Special amiibo cards, like those from the Sanrio collaboration, unlock unique villagers and themed items within Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They function the same way as regular cards, allowing you to invite these special characters to your island.
14. Are amiibo coins legal?
The question of the legality of amiibo coins (unofficial replicas of amiibo) is complex. While some sources suggest they constitute a form of digital piracy, others debate the ethics of purchasing these items after supporting the official release.
15. Do old Amiibos work on Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, old Amiibos work on Tears of the Kingdom. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has amiibo support, including previous Zelda amiibo figures.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of amiibo and Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires understanding which cards are compatible and how they function. By focusing on Animal Crossing-branded amiibo cards, you can unlock unique villagers and enhance your island experience. So, go forth and build the island of your dreams, one amiibo scan at a time!
To further your understanding of the intersection between gaming and education, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.