Amiibo

Amiibo is a line of near field communication (NFC) devices for Nintendo's platforms. Primarily in the form of interactive figurines based on notable Nintendo characters, amiibo can be scanned by the Wii U or 3DS while the player is playing a compatible game to enhance the gaming experience. For example, in games such as Mario Kart 8, amiibos unlock bonus content; other games can access the amiibo's NFC tag and store data, such as with Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, where scanned amiibos appear as in-game fighters that can level up, learn new techniques, and get customized. However, one amiibo can only hold save data for one compatible game at a time.

During Nintendo's Nintendo Direct on April 1, 2015, it was announced that amiibo in the form of cards based on the various characters of the would be released the same day as. These cards, just like their figurine counterparts, can be scanned to allow for the enhancement of the game, allowing the player to design a room for the character depicted on the card scanned.

The Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS models are both natively compatible with amiibo. Older 3DS models, on the other hand, are not, and to ensure compatibility, a separately sold NFC reader peripheral is planned to be released alongside Happy Home Designer in Fall of 2015.

amiibo cards
On August 5, 2015, Nintendo posted an announcement on their official Japanese amiibo product page stating that the second series of amiibo cards, originally set to release on September 30th, had been postponed until further notice due to the overwhelming popularity of the initial set. Rather than begin the printing process of series two, Nintendo will continue production of the first series of cards, with a second shipment expected in late August.