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, amiibo 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 amiibo 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.

amiibo in the form of cards based on the various characters of the were released alongside. 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. With a free update, amiibo can also be scanned with, allowing villagers to move into the town, as well as amiibo exclusive villagers such as Callie and Marie from Splatoon.

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 was sold alongside Happy Home Designer's release in 2015.

amiibo figures
On November 21, 2014, the first wave of Super Smash Bros. amiibo were released. This wave featured a majority of the main series' cast, including Villager. On August 24, 2015, Nintendo had a press release which revealed information about Happy Home Designer and a new Animal Crossing amiibo series. The first wave was released on November 13, November 20, and November 21 in North America, Europe, and Japan and Oceania respectively. An additional wave was released on December 17, January 22, January 29 and January 30, in Japan, North America, Europe and Oceania respectively. On November 14, 2015, several stores updated their amiibo store displays to include the previously unannounced Kapp'n, Timmy and Tommy Nook, and Rover amiibo. .These three amiibo alongside a variation of Isabelle wearing her summer dress were released on March 18, 2016 in Europe and North America (minus Isabelle who will be released in North America on 10 June.), March 19 in Oceania, and March 24 in Japan.

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.

Trivia

 * On October 28, 2015, Nintendo revealed the Animal Crossing Series 1 Cards were the best selling amiibo product in Japan and the 6th best selling product in North America.
 * Prior to the November 8, 2015 restocks by ToysRUs, the Villager amiibo was one of the most sought after amiibo in North America.
 * The Lottie amiibo figure was originally a Target exclusive in North America, people later discovered that Lottie had broken free from Target exclusivity about a month later.