Does the Switch Have an Amiibo Reader? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! The Nintendo Switch family of consoles, including the original Switch, the Switch OLED, and the Switch Lite, all come equipped with a built-in NFC reader specifically designed to read amiibo figures and cards. This functionality allows players to unlock a range of in-game features, content, and bonuses, making amiibo a valuable part of the Nintendo Switch gaming experience. The location of the NFC touchpoint varies slightly depending on the console and controller you are using, but the core function remains consistent across all models. This integrated system allows for seamless interactions between your amiibo collection and your favorite games.
How Does the Amiibo Reader Work?
The amiibo reader works through Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Each amiibo figure or card contains a hidden RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip. When you place an amiibo near the designated NFC touchpoint on your Nintendo Switch console or controller, the system scans this chip. This allows the console to identify the specific amiibo and respond accordingly within the game, unlocking different actions, characters, items or special functions depending on the game and amiibo being used. This process is generally quick and seamless, enhancing the interactive gaming experience.
Locating the NFC Touchpoint
The location of the NFC touchpoint is crucial for successfully scanning your amiibo. Here’s where you’ll find it on each Switch device:
- Joy-Con Controllers: The NFC touchpoint is located on the right control stick of the right Joy-Con. This is the most common location players use for scanning amiibo.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: On the Pro Controller, the NFC touchpoint is situated over the Nintendo Switch logo at the top-center of the controller.
- Nintendo Switch Lite: Similar to the Joy-Cons, the NFC touchpoint on the Switch Lite is also located on the right control stick.
Understanding these locations will help you quickly and efficiently use your amiibo with various Nintendo Switch games. Whether you have a full-sized Switch, an OLED model, or a Switch Lite, you have everything needed to enjoy the perks of amiibo.
Interacting With Amiibo
Using amiibo with your Nintendo Switch games is straightforward. When a game prompts you to use an amiibo, you’ll be guided on when and where to scan it. Generally, you’ll need to select an in-game option that mentions amiibo, then touch the amiibo figure or card to the appropriate NFC touchpoint. The game will then recognize the amiibo and provide you with the relevant in-game bonuses or features.
Registering and Nicknaming Your Amiibo
Before using your amiibo in certain games, you might want to register it to your user profile on your Switch. This process also allows you to give a nickname to your amiibo. To do this:
- Ensure your system has the latest system menu version.
- From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Scroll down the menu on the left-hand side and select amiibo.
- Select Register Owner and Nickname.
- Hold an amiibo figure to the NFC touchpoint when prompted.
This will link your amiibo to your user account. Note that only one Nintendo account can be assigned to an amiibo at one time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I Need an External Reader to Use Amiibo with my Switch?
No, you do not need an external reader for your Nintendo Switch. The NFC reader is built into the right Joy-Con, Pro Controller, and Nintendo Switch Lite, making it convenient to scan your amiibo directly without any additional hardware.
2. Can I Use Amiibo Cards and Figures?
Yes, you can use both amiibo figures and amiibo cards with your Nintendo Switch. The NFC technology recognizes both formats. Whether it’s a figurine or a card, both function seamlessly on the Switch.
3. Can I Use Amiibo on Any Switch Game?
While many Switch games support amiibo functionality, not all do. The game itself needs to be designed to use the technology. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom all make extensive use of amiibo. Check the game packaging or online listings to confirm if amiibo is supported.
4. What Do Amiibo Do in Games?
The function of an amiibo varies from game to game. In some cases, they unlock special in-game characters, in others they provide helpful items or weapons, or even access to unique cosmetics. Certain amiibo, especially those in the Super Smash Bros. series, can be trained as AI companions in that particular game.
5. Can an Amiibo Be Used with Multiple Games?
Yes, an amiibo can be used with multiple games, but they can only save data for one game at a time. If you wish to use an amiibo in a different game that stores read/write data, you’ll need to erase the old data on the amiibo before it can be used with the other.
6. How Do I Reset the Data on an Amiibo?
To reset the data on an amiibo, go to System Settings, select “amiibo”, and then choose “Reset amiibo.” Follow the onscreen prompts to erase any previously saved data. This will allow the amiibo to be used again from scratch in a new game.
7. Can My Amiibo Learn and Adapt?
Yes, in games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, amiibo characters can be trained. As you battle against them, they learn your fighting style and adapt. However, they do not learn complex combos or tricks. They mainly learn to use the moves you use more often.
8. Can I Play as My Amiibo?
In the case of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the amiibo characters appear as a Figure Player (FP) in the game and act as a companion. However, you cannot directly control them in battle.
9. Can I Use My Phone as an Amiibo Reader?
While some apps exist for amiibo emulation on certain mobile phones that utilize NFC, they require specific apps and .bin files to function and this is not a officially supported feature. For the best and most seamless results, use a genuine amiibo figure or card with the built-in reader on your Nintendo Switch.
10. Can I Use a Flipper Zero Device as an Amiibo Reader?
Yes, Flipper Zero devices can emulate amiibo, but this method is more involved, needing the correct software, .bin files, and careful execution. This is generally for more advanced users with a technical understanding.
11. How Many Amiibo Can I Scan Per Day?
Generally, you can use each amiibo figure once per day (per Nintendo Account) to receive standard bonuses. However, some games may have other rules regarding scanning or rewards and some amiibo can provide new things every time, like the Zelda amiibo in Tears of the Kingdom.
12. Can I Use Time Skip Glitches to Scan Amiibo Multiple Times?
Yes, altering the Nintendo Switch clock can allow you to rescan amiibo multiple times in certain games. However, this method could have consequences for certain games that track time, so use with caution.
13. Why Are Amiibo Sometimes Hard to Find?
Amiibo can be hard to find due to their high demand and the fact that some are released as store exclusives. Nintendo does continue to produce and reprint many amiibo, but sometimes shortages do occur.
14. Do Old Amiibo Still Work on Newer Games?
Yes, generally older amiibo are still functional in newer games. For instance, previous Zelda series amiibo will work in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
15. What Benefits Do Amiibo Cards Provide?
Amiibo cards offer several benefits, particularly in games like Animal Crossing. They can be used to invite villagers to your island, assign them to specific jobs, save furniture designs, and allow special interactions.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch provides a fully integrated amiibo experience. With built-in NFC readers on all models, using amiibo is simple and convenient, providing an array of in-game features and benefits. Understanding how to scan and register amiibo will allow you to get the most out of the interaction with your favorite Nintendo titles. Whether you are an avid collector or a casual player, amiibo enhance the overall gaming experience.