What Happens When You Delete Amiibo Game Data?
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Deleting amiibo game data removes the specific save information associated with a particular game from your amiibo figure. This action does not affect the amiibo’s overall ability to function, nor does it impact any user data like nicknames that you might have given it. It essentially cleans the amiibo’s memory related to that one game, allowing you to potentially use the figure with a different game that also supports read/write functionality, or to start afresh within the same game. The amiibo will return to a state where it no longer remembers your progress, character customization, or any other game-specific information it may have learned from that particular title.
Understanding Amiibo Data Storage
Amiibos utilize NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to interact with Nintendo consoles like the Switch, Wii U, and 3DS. These figures contain small chips that can store data, allowing for a two-way communication process. This interaction can involve:
- Reading data from the amiibo: Games can access pre-existing data on the amiibo to unlock in-game bonuses, items, or characters.
- Writing data to the amiibo: Games can save player-specific data, like character progression, customization, or settings, directly onto the amiibo. This is the data that can be deleted.
It’s important to understand that not all games utilize the write capability of amiibos. Many games only read data, granting the player a one-time reward. However, games that use the write functionality rely on this data saving ability to personalize the gameplay experience and offer progression linked to the amiibo.
Types of Amiibo Data
Amiibos store two key types of data:
- Game data: As previously explained, this is information about your progress in a specific game, such as character levels, equipment, customized settings, or other saved progress.
- User data: This is limited to the nickname you may have assigned to your amiibo. This nickname is used to identify your specific amiibo within certain games.
Deleting game data will only remove the first type of data. Resetting your amiibo, on the other hand, will wipe both game and user data.
Why Delete Game Data?
There are several reasons why you might want to delete game data from your amiibo:
- Switching Games: An amiibo can only save data for one game at a time. If you want to use your amiibo with a different game that also has read/write capabilities, you’ll need to delete the old game data.
- Starting Over: Maybe you want to restart your game progression with a fresh amiibo, without the carry-over from the existing data. Deleting the game data can help to achieve that.
- Troubleshooting: Occasionally, corrupted data can cause issues with your amiibo. Deleting and then rewriting the data can be a solution to potential problems.
How to Delete Amiibo Game Data
The process for deleting game data is simple:
- From the console’s HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Scroll down the menu on the left-hand side and select amiibo.
- Select the amiibo you wish to modify.
- Choose “Delete Game Data”.
- Confirm your choice when prompted.
It’s important to note that deleting game data is not reversible. Once deleted, that specific game’s saved data will be lost.
The Implications of Resetting an Amiibo
It is important to differentiate between deleting game data and completely resetting an amiibo. Resetting will remove all data from the amiibo. This includes any nicknames you’ve given your amiibo, as well as all the game-specific progress from any game where it has been used. If you have concerns about wiping all data from the amiibo, consider only deleting the game data, or avoiding resetting the amiibo altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amiibo Data
Here are some common questions about managing amiibo data:
1. Can an amiibo be used with multiple games?
Yes, amiibos can be used with multiple games, but only one game at a time can write data onto the amiibo. For games that don’t save data to the amiibo, a single figure can be used across different copies of the same game.
2. What does resetting an amiibo do?
Resetting an amiibo deletes all data, both game data and the user-given nickname. It returns the amiibo to its original state, as if it had never been used.
3. How is amiibo data stored?
Data is stored on an NFC chip inside the amiibo figure, which can be written to and read by compatible consoles.
4. Can you restore amiibo data?
No, you cannot restore deleted game data or data lost during a reset. Once removed, the data is gone.
5. What causes amiibo data corruption?
Data corruption can occur if the amiibo is not held steady against the NFC touch point during data writing processes.
6. Is it legal to copy amiibo data?
Creating and distributing copies of amiibo data is likely a copyright infringement. Making personal backups of your own amiibo data is a legal gray area.
7. Is it illegal to use spoofed amiibos?
Using spoofed amiibos is generally considered a form of piracy, and is against the terms of service with Nintendo. While it may not cause any direct harm to your console or saved data, it remains a legal issue.
8. What games save data to amiibo?
Games such as Super Smash Bros. and Animal Crossing series save data to amiibo. You can see a list on the official Nintendo website.
9. Can amiibos be rewritten?
Once data is written to an amiibo, it cannot be rewritten in the sense that you can permanently modify the original data. Deleting the game data or resetting will allow new data to be written on the amiibo.
10. How much data can an amiibo hold?
Amiibos have limited storage, and they hold only the required data for a specific game. Amiibos can only save data for one game at a time.
11. Can I delete game data, but not the nickname on an amiibo?
Yes, you can. Choosing to delete game data will not remove the nickname. Resetting the amiibo is the only way to remove the nickname.
12. How many times can you scan an amiibo?
Amiibos can generally be scanned once per day per Nintendo account. Some games may have their own limitations.
13. Can I use the same amiibo on multiple Nintendo accounts?
Yes, but progress for each user will be saved to different amiibos. If you are using an amiibo with a specific account’s saved data, it cannot be used again on the same account until the daily limitation has passed.
14. How do you know if an amiibo has data on it?
Typically, the game or console will prompt you if the amiibo is ready for data storage, or has saved data. The system may indicate if there is already saved data when you attempt to register the amiibo.
15. Why does my amiibo not work?
Ensure the amiibo is held steadily on the NFC touch point. If that doesn’t work, try resetting the amiibo or deleting the game data. If other amiibos work, but that particular amiibo does not, it may be defective.
By understanding how amiibo data is managed, you can effectively use your figures with various games and maintain a smooth gameplay experience. Remember to proceed with caution when deleting or resetting your amiibos, as lost data cannot be recovered.