E3 2014: Nintendo NFC figures named Amiibo, launch with Smash Bros

Nintendo has revealed a little more about its toys-to-life figures during its E3 Digital Event.

The NFC figures announced last month will be named Amiibo, tying in with the well-known Mii avatars, and as previously announced will be modelled on multiple Nintendo characters.

The figurines interact with the game through NFC tech built into the Wii U GamePad, transmitting data into the game and storing data for the featured character. The latter will change over time as the figure is used more in games.

Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime revealed that Smash Bros for Wii U will be the first title to use this tech, arriving in time for Christmas. Players will be able to use their Amiibo figures to call in characters that can either fight for them or alongside them, training that character up with every battle.

He also confirmed that multiple games are in development that will use Amiibo, including updates for previously released titles such as Mario Kart 8.

The system is similar to that of Skylanders and Disney Infinity, which already have unique functionality on Wii U thanks to the GamePad’s NFC chip.

More detail on Amiibo is expected to be released soon.

— 

E3 2014 – Live! Breaking news and up-to-the-minute developments: HERE