Pokemon Rumble U NFC confirmed, figures pictured

Nintendo’s Pokemon Rumble U will indeed use the Wii U GamePad’s in-built NFC technology.

Serebii.net also has the first pictures of the game’s associated figures, which are somewhat smaller and limited in scope compared to the more impressive Skylanders selection.

The NFC tech is actually stored in the bulky figure base, which when put on the GamePad places the character in-game. The launch selection includes Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Piplup, Torchic, Lucario and Victini, with a rare” seventh SKU yet to be revealed.

Note that unlike rival games the Pokemon Rumble U figures are not mandatory, with players unable to unlock the same characters in-game without buying any figures.

Those who do purchase figures, however, will enjoy the benefit of in-game coin upgrades.