Are Amiibo Discontinued? The Truth About the Future of Nintendo’s Collectible Figures

Are amiibo discontinued? That’s a question many Nintendo fans are asking themselves. The popular toy-to-life figures have been a staple of Nintendo’s hardware lineup since their debut in 2014. However, in recent times, rumors have been swirling that Nintendo is discontinuing the production of these figures. Some collectors have even reported difficulty finding certain amiibo in stores or online. So, what’s the deal? Has Nintendo really stopped making amiibo?

For those unfamiliar, amiibo are small, collectible figures that interact with Nintendo games in various ways. They contain NFC technology, allowing them to be used with compatible games and systems. Fans have been using amiibo to unlock special content, gain bonuses, and even access whole new areas in their favorite games. Since their inception, amiibo have been highly sought-after by collectors and gamers alike. But now, some people are worried that the era of amiibo may be coming to a close.

Nintendo has remained tight-lipped on the subject, leading to speculation and confusion among fans. Some people believe that the popularity of amiibo has waned in recent years, leading Nintendo to cut back on production. Others point to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting disruption to global supply chains as a reason why amiibo might be harder to find. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the future of amiibo is uncertain. So, are amiibo discontinued? Only time will tell.

History of Amiibo

Amiibo is a series of interactive toys created by Nintendo that allows users to connect with their favorite characters from various Nintendo games. The idea behind the Amiibo line is to bring even more immersion and interactivity to the already incredible gameplay that has become a hallmark of Nintendo games.

The Amiibo line debuted in late 2014 with the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, which featured compatible figurines. The first wave of amiibo figures included characters such as Mario, Pikachu, Link, and Samus Aran. This initial release was a massive hit, selling out almost instantly and sparking an ongoing craze that has since seen hundreds of amiibo figures produced.

  • Amiibo quickly grew to include nearly every major Nintendo character, from Mario to Zelda, and beyond
  • The toys are designed to be a fun and interactive way to engage with your favorite Nintendo games
  • The Amiibo line has remained popular over the years and has been celebrated by both casual players and hardcore fans alike

With such a massive amount of figures available, it can be easy to get lost in the frenzy of collecting them all. However, despite their continued popularity, there have been rumors circulating in recent years that the Amiibo line may be coming to an end.

While there has been no official announcement from Nintendo that Amiibo is being discontinued, there have been less frequent releases of new Amiibo figures recently. Nevertheless, the Amiibo line remains one of the most exciting and interactive ways to engage with your favorite Nintendo characters, and we can’t wait to see what new figures will be released next.

Amiibo history is short but packed with success, and its future remains exciting for gamers and collectors alike.

Stay tuned to see what Nintendo has in store next!

Amiibo Sales Figures

Since their launch in 2014, amiibo have become a popular collectible among gamers and Nintendo fans alike. The figures are small, plastic toys that come equipped with near-field communication technology, allowing them to interact with compatible Nintendo games and unlock exclusive content.

  • The most popular amiibo to date is the Super Smash Bros. Link figure, which has sold over 5.7 million units worldwide.
  • The second best-selling amiibo is the Super Smash Bros. Mario figure, with over 5.3 million units sold.
  • Rounding out the top three is the Super Smash Bros. Pikachu figure, which has sold over 3.7 million units.

According to Nintendo’s latest financial statements, as of December 31, 2020, amiibo sales had reached 164.76 million units worldwide. This is a significant increase from 2019, when total amiibo sales were reported at 62 million units.

The following table shows the top 10 best-selling amiibo figures as of December 31, 2020:

Amiibo Figure Total Units Sold (Millions)
Super Smash Bros. Link 5.7
Super Smash Bros. Mario 5.3
Super Smash Bros. Pikachu 3.7
Super Smash Bros. Yoshi 3.3
Super Smash Bros. Kirby 2.9
Super Smash Bros. Donkey Kong 2.8
Super Smash Bros. Peach 2.4
Super Smash Bros. Luigi 2.1
Super Smash Bros. Bowser 1.9
Super Smash Bros. Zelda 1.8

It is important to note that not all amiibo figures are created equal. Certain figures are rare and highly sought after by collectors, while others are more common and less in demand. This can have an impact on their overall sales figures.

Impact of amiibo on Nintendo games

Nintendo’s amiibo figures were first introduced in 2014 and quickly became a hit among gamers. These small, collectible figurines contain NFC chips that can be scanned to unlock new features in various Nintendo games. Since their debut, amiibo have had a significant impact on Nintendo games in several ways:

  • Enhanced gameplay – amiibo figures can introduce new characters, modes, power-ups, and items to many Nintendo games. For example, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a player can use amiibo to train an AI fighter and customize its moveset, level, and personality. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a player can use amiibo to obtain exclusive weapons, armor, and even a companion wolf. By using amiibo, players can enjoy a fresh and personalized experience with their favorite games.
  • Increase revenue – amiibo can generate additional revenue for Nintendo. According to the company’s financial report, amiibo sales reached 6.5 million units in the fiscal year 2020, contributing to a profit of $248 million. Moreover, amiibo can leverage fan demand, especially for rare or limited edition figures, to fuel excitement, publicity, and hype around new game releases.
  • Cross-promotion – amiibo can promote other Nintendo products and franchises. Many amiibo figures depict iconic or popular characters from various Nintendo games and series, such as Mario, Link, Pikachu, and Samus. By collecting and using amiibo, fans can explore multiple Nintendo worlds and deepen their attachment to the brand. Additionally, some amiibo are compatible with non-game products, such as amiibo cards that can be used with Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Mario-themed cereal boxes that unlock special content.

In-game examples of amiibo usage

These are some of the notable examples of how amiibo can enhance Nintendo games:

Game Amiibo function Effect
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Train a fighter Customize the fighter’s moveset, level, and personality. Gain experience points and rewards.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Unlock items Receive exclusive weapons, armor, and items, such as the Epona horse or Wolf Link companion.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Invite a villager Summon a villager to your island. Obtain furniture and clothing items.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Unlock costumes Get costumes based on the amiibo character, such as a Yoshi or Bowser outfit.

Conclusion

Overall, amiibo have had a significant impact on Nintendo games by enhancing gameplay, increasing revenue, and promoting cross-franchise interaction. Amiibo continue to be popular among gamers, and Nintendo plans to release new figures and features in the future. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore fan, amiibo can add a layer of fun and creativity to your Nintendo experience.

Popular amiibo characters

Since their initial release in 2014, amiibo figures have become a popular item among gaming communities. These figurines depict a range of characters from various Nintendo franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon. Here are some of the most popular amiibo characters:

  • Mario
  • Link
  • Pikachu
  • Samus Aran
  • Donkey Kong

These are just a few examples of the many amiibo figures that have been produced. Each character has their own unique design and functionality within compatible games.

One of the most sought-after amiibo figures is the original release of the Villager from Animal Crossing. Due to its scarcity, this particular figure has become highly collectible and can fetch high prices on the secondary market.

Popular Amiibo Characters Series Functionality
Mario Super Mario Series Unlocks new content in compatible games
Link The Legend of Zelda Series Unlocks new content in compatible games
Pikachu Pokémon Series Unlocks new content in compatible games
Samus Aran Metroid Series Unlocks new content in compatible games
Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Series Unlocks new content in compatible games

Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just a fan of Nintendo games, amiibo figures are a fun way to enhance your gaming experience. With a variety of characters to choose from and new releases coming out periodically, there’s sure to be an amiibo figure that appeals to your interests.

Amiibo Community and Collectors

The amiibo craze has been sweeping the gaming community since their release in 2014. Fans of various franchises, such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, and many others have been collecting these small figurines that can interact with their favorite games. They come in different shapes and sizes, and every new batch of amiibo releases has fans eagerly waiting to see which characters are included.

  • Amiibo Trading: There is an active amiibo trading community where collectors will trade or sell their amiibo with other collectors. This is not limited to just within the United States; there is an international market for amiibo trading.
  • Amiibo Collectors: Some collectors have thousands of figures, while others simply collect a few of their favorite characters. The rise of amiibo collecting has also led to customizing figures with unique paint jobs and designs.
  • Amiibo in Gameplay: The amiibo figures themselves unlock special in-game content. In some games, they give the player access to new levels or characters while in others, they provide new items and upgrades to players.

For a complete collection of amiibo figures, collectors would need to purchase hundreds of figures, many of which are no longer being produced by Nintendo. The scarcity of certain figures and the desire to complete a collection has led to some figures being sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the secondary market. With rumors of amiibo production coming to an end, collectors have been scrambling to purchase any missing figures before the prices skyrocket even further.

Amiibo Rarity Price Range (USD)
Common $10-$20
Uncommon $20-$50
Rare $50-$100
Very Rare $100+

The amiibo community and collectors are passionate about their hobby. With the end of production for many figures, collectors are faced with the prospect of never being able to complete their collection. If you’re a fan of Nintendo games and haven’t started collecting amiibo yet, now may be the time to start before it’s too late.

Availability of Discontinued Amiibo

With the increasing popularity of amiibo, many fans and collectors are concerned about the availability of discontinued figures. Nintendo has a history of producing limited quantities of certain figures, which can lead to scarcity in the market. Here are some important things to know about discontinued amiibo:

  • Discontinued amiibo are no longer in production by Nintendo, which means they can become very expensive and difficult to find for collectors.
  • It’s still possible to find discontinued amiibo from certain retailers, but the prices may be marked up significantly.
  • Re-selling discontinued amiibo has become a lucrative market for many sellers, both online and offline.

Here’s a table of some of the most highly sought-after, discontinued amiibo:

Amiibo Figure Release Date Discontinued Date
Villager November 2014 February 2015
Little Mac December 2014 June 2015
Captain Falcon November 2014 June 2015

If you’re a collector, it’s important to keep track of which amiibo are discontinued and to act fast when you find them. Although some amiibo may be difficult to find, there are still many options available for collectors, such as trading with other collectors or purchasing from online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon.

Future of Amiibo Technology

As amiibo fans and collectors know, there has been concern over whether or not certain amiibo are discontinued as some are becoming increasingly difficult to find. However, it’s important to note that while certain amiibo may be out of production, this doesn’t mean that the amiibo technology itself is going away. Here are some future possibilities for amiibo technology:

  • Expanded Compatibility: The current amiibo technology is limited to Nintendo consoles and handheld devices. However, there’s potential for amiibo to be compatible with non-Nintendo devices in the future. This could include smartphones, tablets, and even other gaming consoles.
  • Improved Interactivity: Amiibo are entertaining and collectible, but the technology could go further in terms of interactivity. This could include increased customization options, online multiplayer features, or even virtual reality capabilities.
  • Cross-Platform Integration: Currently, there are some games that allow you to use amiibo on multiple Nintendo consoles. However, there’s potential for amiibo to be used across various gaming platforms. This could mean that an amiibo player uses on the Nintendo Switch could also be compatible with a PlayStation or Xbox console.

While it’s impossible to say with certainty what the future of amiibo technology holds, the possibilities are exciting. Whether it’s expanded compatibility, improved interactivity, or cross-platform integration, it’s clear that amiibo technology is here to stay.

For a complete list of currently available amiibo figures and their compatibility with games, check out this table:

Amiibo Figure Compatible Games
Mario Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party 10, Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, and more.
Zelda The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Hyrule Warriors, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and more.
Metroid Metroid: Samus Returns, Metroid Prime: Federation Force, and more.
Pikachu Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Detective Pikachu, and more.
Animal Crossing Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival, and more.

It’s worth noting that this table only includes a few examples of amiibo compatibility. The actual list of compatible games is much larger and continues to grow as Nintendo releases new titles.

FAQs: Are Amiibo Discontinued?

1. Are all Amiibo figures discontinued?
No, only certain Amiibo figures have been officially discontinued by Nintendo.

2. Which Amiibo figures are discontinued?
Some of the discontinued Amiibo figures include the Villager, Little Mac, and Marth.

3. Can I still buy discontinued Amiibo figures?
Yes, you can still find discontinued Amiibo figures for sale online or at various retailers, but they may be more expensive due to their rarity.

4. Will there be new Amiibo figures released in the future?
Yes, Nintendo occasionally releases new Amiibo figures for different games and franchises.

5. Why did Nintendo discontinue some Amiibo figures?
Nintendo may discontinue Amiibo figures due to low demand or to make way for new releases.

6. Are all Amiibo figures limited edition?
No, not all Amiibo figures are limited edition, although some may be labeled as such.

7. Are Amiibo cards still being produced?
Yes, Nintendo still produces Amiibo cards for various games, such as Animal Crossing and Super Smash Bros.

Closing Notes: Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for taking the time to read our article on whether or not Amiibo figures are discontinued. While some figures have been discontinued, there are still plenty of them available for purchase online and in stores. Don’t forget to check out the latest releases from Nintendo and keep an eye out for any new Amiibo figures or cards that may be coming soon. Thanks again and visit us again for more gaming news and updates!