The Amazing World of Amiibo
By Anthony S. and Bailey O.
Do you know what an amiibo figure is? If you don’t, then get ready to be amazed. amiibo is actually a gaming feature for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games that uses action figures. You might be asking yourself: What do amiibo figures do? Well I have an answer. It depends on which type of amiibo figure you are using. Let’s say you are playing Mario Kart 8. If you are using Mario, and you tap him on your Wii U GamePad, then it might give you bonus points. These action figures contain sensors on the bottom of them. When you place them on the top of your Wii U or Nintendo 3Ds, it automatically unlocks the character and shows up on your screen in the game you’re playing. If you’ve ever heard of Skylanders, it is basically the same thing, but without the portal. Instead of the characters being dinosaurs, and scary animals, the characters are Nintendo characters like Mario, Yoshi, Sonic, and Puff. One thing that you must consider about amiibo is that there are only three games compatible with amiibo so far, which are Hyrule Warriors, Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
The first set of action figures was released on November 21, 2014 in the United States. Coming February 2015, there will be more amiibo figures added to use on the games. Unfortunately for 3DS users, the Nintendo 3DS is not able to fully function with amiibo yet, but will be compatible soon using a peripheral device that will be released in 2015. Nintendo will also be releasing more games compatible with amiibo, including: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Yoshi’s Wooly World, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, and Mario Party 10.
So, what do you think? Amiibo is a great way to enjoy your Wii U, and eventually the 3DS, gaming. You get the awesomeness of Skylanders mixed with the great gaming that you like on the Wii U. Get amiibo, and you’ll really be amazed. The amazing world of amiibo is just one step away.