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.

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 in Fall of 2015.