Unveiling the Holy Grail: What’s the Rarest Amiibo?

The undisputed champion of rare amiibo, the figure commanding astronomical prices and eliciting fervent searches from collectors worldwide, is none other than Qbby (BoxBoy!). This unassuming, minimalist figure from the BoxBoy! series has achieved legendary status, far surpassing other more visually impressive or popular character amiibo. Its scarcity, coupled with its unique charm, has made it the rarest and most expensive amiibo out of all 206 figures ever released.

The Mystique of Qbby: Why is BoxBoy! So Rare?

Several factors contribute to Qbby’s exceptional rarity. First and foremost, its limited production run made it difficult to obtain from the start. Unlike amiibo featuring iconic Nintendo characters like Mario or Link, Qbby hails from a smaller, niche title on the 3DS eShop. This naturally led to a smaller production quantity, as Nintendo likely anticipated lower demand.

Secondly, the game’s relative obscurity added to the challenge. While BoxBoy! is a critically acclaimed puzzle game, it didn’t achieve the mainstream popularity of many other Nintendo franchises. This meant fewer people were actively seeking out the Qbby amiibo, further suppressing initial sales.

Finally, the scalper market played a significant role in inflating Qbby’s price and rarity. As demand grew and supply dwindled, opportunistic resellers capitalized on the situation, buying up available stock and listing it online at exorbitant prices. This created a vicious cycle, driving prices even higher and making Qbby increasingly inaccessible to the average collector. Now, several years after its initial release, expect to pay several hundred dollars to own a version of this sought after amiibo.

Beyond Qbby: Other Notable Rare Amiibo

While Qbby reigns supreme, several other amiibo are considered rare and valuable. Here are a few standouts:

• Gold Mario: Released as a Walmart exclusive, the Gold Mario amiibo quickly became a sought-after item due to its limited availability and striking appearance.

• Rosalina and Luma: Demand far outstripped supply when this amiibo was first released, leading to widespread shortages and inflated prices. Even getting it imported from Japan would set collectors back a significant sum.

• Wolf Link: Originally bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, the Wolf Link amiibo could also fetch a high price on the secondary market, although Best Buy has restocked it at times.

• Bowser Jr.: Released as a Toys “R” Us exclusive, this amiibo became increasingly rare after the retailer’s closure.

• Lucario: Lucario was also a Toys R Us exclusive, much like Bowser Jr.

• Little Mac: Little Mac’s amiibo was originally an Amazon exclusive.

• Villager: Villager’s original amiibo from the original launch wave of Super Smash Bros. amiibo are especially rare due to a printing error on the character’s forehead.

The Allure of Amiibo Collecting: More Than Just Plastic

Amiibo appeal to a wide range of collectors, from casual fans to hardcore completionists. The figures themselves are well-designed and often feature intricate details, making them attractive display pieces. Beyond their aesthetic value, amiibo also offer in-game functionality, unlocking special content, bonuses, or character customization options.

The hunt for rare amiibo adds an element of excitement and challenge to the collecting experience. Tracking down elusive figures, negotiating with sellers, and finally acquiring a coveted amiibo can be incredibly rewarding. For many collectors, amiibo represent a tangible connection to their favorite Nintendo games and characters.

Factors Influencing Amiibo Rarity

Several factors contribute to an amiibo’s rarity:

• Exclusivity: Amiibo released as store exclusives (e.g., Walmart, Toys “R” Us) are often produced in limited quantities, making them harder to find.
• Production Runs: The number of amiibo produced directly impacts their rarity. Smaller production runs inevitably lead to higher prices on the secondary market.
• Character Popularity: While popular characters often have larger production runs, unexpected demand can still lead to shortages and inflated prices.
• Discontinuation: Once an amiibo is discontinued, its availability decreases, and its value typically increases.

The Future of Amiibo Collecting

While the amiibo craze may have cooled down slightly since its peak, the collecting community remains active and passionate. New amiibo are still being released alongside major Nintendo titles, and older figures occasionally receive restocks.

The availability of amiibo can fluctuate, making it important to stay informed about upcoming releases and potential restocks. Online communities, social media groups, and dedicated amiibo tracking websites can provide valuable information and help collectors find the figures they’re looking for.

The world of amiibo collecting offers a unique blend of aesthetics, functionality, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, the hunt for rare and valuable amiibo can be a rewarding and engaging experience. And while the educational value might seem obscure, the problem solving and community engagement aspects of the hobby resonate with the core principles of the Games Learning Society and their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amiibo

Here are some frequently asked questions about amiibo:

1. What is an amiibo? An amiibo is a figurine of a Nintendo character that contains an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. When scanned on a compatible Nintendo console, the amiibo can unlock in-game content, features, or bonuses.

2. How do amiibo work? Amiibo use NFC technology to communicate with Nintendo consoles. When an amiibo is placed on the NFC touchpoint of a compatible console (Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, or Nintendo Switch), the console reads the data stored on the amiibo’s chip and triggers an in-game action.

3. Are amiibo region-locked? No, amiibo are not region-locked. You can use amiibo purchased in any region on any Nintendo console, regardless of its region.

4. Do all games support amiibo? No, not all games support amiibo. Check the game’s packaging or online documentation to see if it is compatible with amiibo.

5. What kind of in-game content can amiibo unlock? Amiibo can unlock a variety of in-game content, including:

   • New characters or costumes
   • Special weapons or items
   • Bonus levels or challenges
   • Character customization options

6. Can amiibo data be overwritten? Yes, amiibo data can be overwritten. However, some amiibo data may be locked to a specific game or console, preventing it from being overwritten.

7. Are amiibo still being produced? Yes, Nintendo continues to release new amiibo alongside major game releases.

8. Where can I buy amiibo? Amiibo are available at major retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Target. You can also find amiibo on online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist.

9. How much do amiibo cost? The retail price of most amiibo is typically around $12.99 – $15.99 USD, but rare amiibo can sell for significantly more on the secondary market.

10. What is the rarest Super Smash Bros. amiibo? While many Smash Bros. amiibo are highly sought after, the original print of Villager due to a printing error on its forehead is often considered among the rarest, especially if it’s still in its original packaging.

11. How can I tell if an amiibo is rare? You can check online price guides and amiibo collecting communities to get an idea of an amiibo’s rarity and value. Factors to consider include its availability, production run, and demand.

12. Why are some amiibo so expensive? The price of an amiibo is determined by supply and demand. Rare amiibo with limited availability and high demand can command exorbitant prices on the secondary market.

13. Are amiibo worth collecting? Whether or not amiibo are worth collecting is a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy the aesthetic appeal of the figures, the in-game functionality they offer, and the thrill of the hunt, then amiibo collecting can be a rewarding hobby.

14. What upcoming amiibo are planned? As of late 2024, Sora from Kingdom Hearts is the only official upcoming amiibo slated for release. However, look for Nintendo to announce more in the future, most likely tied to flagship releases.

15. Do Japanese amiibo work in the US? Yes, amiibo are region free, so a Japanese amiibo will work with a US Nintendo Switch, Wii U, or 3DS.