Decoding the Daily Amiibo Limit: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve jumped into the wonderful world of Amiibo, Nintendo’s line of interactive figures and cards that bring a whole new dimension to your gaming experience. One of the first questions on every player’s mind is usually, “How many Amiibos can I actually use in a day?“

The simple answer is this: You can use each individual Amiibo figure or card once per day, per Nintendo Account. This means that if you have a collection of 20 different Amiibo, you can scan all 20 of them across your Nintendo games in a single day. The key is that each Amiibo can only be used once.

However, as with most things Nintendo, there’s always a bit more nuance to it than that. Let’s dive deep into the specifics and clarify all those burning questions you might have about Amiibo usage!

Understanding the One-Amiibo-Per-Day Rule

The core principle is straightforward: each unique Amiibo (figure or card) can be used one time per day, per Nintendo Account. This resets at midnight based on the time zone set on your Nintendo Switch console. Here’s a breakdown of what this means in practical terms:

• Individual Amiibo Count: You can use as many different Amiibo as you own in a single day. There isn’t a global limit on the number of Amiibo scanned.
• Per-Account Limitation: The daily usage limit is tied to your Nintendo Account. This means if you have multiple Switches linked to the same account, using an Amiibo on one Switch will prevent you from using it on another that day.
• Game-Specific Implementation: Some games might have their own internal cooldowns or limitations on what rewards you receive from Amiibo scans. This isn’t the Amiibo itself, but rather a specific restriction placed by the game developers.
• Exceptions to the Rule: Certain Amiibo, like the Wolf Link Amiibo in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, have special mechanics. You can use Wolf Link repeatedly on the same day as long as he is still alive in-game.

Factors Affecting Daily Amiibo Usage

While the one-Amiibo-per-day rule is central, keep these factors in mind:

• Game Compatibility: Not all games support Amiibo functionality. Make sure the game you’re playing is compatible with Amiibo to begin with.
• Read/Write vs. Read-Only: Some Amiibo write data (like training data in Super Smash Bros.) while others are read-only (providing items or unlocking content). Games that write data to an Amiibo will likely have more restrictions on usage.
• Unique Rewards and Loot Tables: Games often have a loot table associated with each Amiibo. You might not always get the exact item you want on the first scan, requiring multiple attempts over several days to unlock everything.
• In-Game Events and Progress: Some games require specific in-game progress before certain Amiibo functionalities unlock. Don’t be surprised if you can’t access everything immediately.

Maximizing Your Amiibo Experience

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your Amiibo collection:

• Plan Your Scans: Decide which Amiibo are most important to use each day based on the items or bonuses they provide in your current game.
• Utilize Multiple Consoles (Carefully): If you have multiple Nintendo Accounts and consoles, you can potentially scan the same Amiibo multiple times per day by switching accounts. Be mindful of which account is set as primary and DRM authentication.
• Research Specific Games: Look up what each Amiibo offers in your favorite games. Knowing the potential rewards helps you prioritize your daily scans.
• Be Patient: Unlocking all content through Amiibo can take time due to the daily limit and random loot drops. Enjoy the process and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get what you want right away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about using Amiibo that are often asked:

Q1: How many Amiibo cards can you use at once?

You can scan as many different Amiibo cards as you own in a single day. The restriction is that each individual card can only be used once per day.

Q2: Can you use an Amiibo on more than one Switch?

Yes, you can use an Amiibo on multiple Switches, but the effect will be limited. For games that don’t save data to the Amiibo, you can use it on multiple copies of the game without issues. However, for games that do save data, using it on one Switch will make it unavailable on others until the next day. Also, bear in mind that any console that is not the primary console requires an internet connection for DRM authentication.

Q3: Can Amiibo be used on multiple games?

Yes! An Amiibo can be used across multiple games. However, it can only save data for one game at a time. If you want to use it with a different game that saves data, you’ll need to delete the existing game data from the Amiibo.

Q4: Can you reprogram an Amiibo?

Yes, you can reprogram an Amiibo by deleting the existing data. In the System Settings menu on your Nintendo Switch, navigate to amiibo, then select the Amiibo you want to reset and choose either Delete Game Data (to remove data from a specific game) or Reset amiibo (to erase all data).

Q5: In Tears of the Kingdom, how can I scan Amiibo more than once per day?

Generally, you cannot scan an Amiibo more than once per day in Tears of the Kingdom. However, the Wolf Link Amiibo is an exception. You can scan it repeatedly during the same day as long as Wolf Link doesn’t die in-game.

Q6: Are Amiibo cards single-use?

No, Amiibo cards are not single-use. You can use them as many times as you want, but each card is limited to one scan per day per Nintendo Account.

Q7: Can 2 Switches use the same account?

Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles. However, only one Switch can be designated as the primary console. On non-primary consoles, games downloaded with your account can only be played using your account and require DRM authentication.

Q8: Can you use two Amiibos in one day in Animal Crossing?

In Animal Crossing, you can only invite one Amiibo camper per day. The game’s mechanics prevent you from scanning additional Amiibo on the same day for campsite invitations.

Q9: Can Nintendo detect fake Amiibo?

No, Nintendo cannot detect fake Amiibo. The Switch system recognizes the data on the NFC chip, regardless of whether it comes from an official Amiibo or a third-party product.

Q10: Can Amiibo villagers move to your island in Animal Crossing?

Yes, you can invite Amiibo villagers to move to your island in Animal Crossing. By scanning an Amiibo card at the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services, you can invite a villager to your campsite. After inviting them three times and fulfilling their requests each time, they’ll agree to move in.

Q11: How long do Amiibo cards last?

Amiibo cards last indefinitely. The card itself simply contains the character data, and the game tracks the visits and request completion.

Q12: Do Amiibos learn after Level 50 in Super Smash Bros.?

In Super Smash Bros., Amiibo continue to learn and adapt even after reaching Level 50. At this level, they become more responsive to being defeated, adjusting their strategies based on their losses. You can find more information on game learning at Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Q13: How many secondary Switches can you have?

You can have as many secondary or non-primary Nintendo Switch units as you like, all connected to the same Nintendo Account.

Q14: Can you use Amiibo if your island is full in Animal Crossing?

Yes, even if your island is full in Animal Crossing, you can use Amiibo to invite a villager to your campsite and then convince them to move in, replacing one of your existing residents.

Q15: Do Amiibo coins work the same as figures?

Yes, Amiibo coins function identically to Amiibo figures. They contain the same NFC chip with the same data, allowing you to unlock the same in-game content and features.