Nintendo’s amiibo were introduced with the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U on December 6, 2014. The initial launch featured a collection of 12 figures and has since grown to over 200 figures and several series of cards. These amiibo can add additional functionality in certain games or simply serve as a displayable collectible item. As the last fighter for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been announced, it seems very likely that the end of amiibo is drawing near. Being someone that owns a majority of them, I’ve gone through my collection and picked out a few to represent three categories: best functionality, most unique, and best looking. Which amiibo is the best?
Fun fact: The plural form of amiibo is still amiibo!
Best Functionality: Animal Crossing amiibo Cards
Super Smash Bros. uses amiibo for creating trainable “figure players” that you can fight with or against, while games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe grants outfits for your Mii. Many games are compatible with amiibo, but I believe the Animal Crossing amiibo cards make the biggest difference when it comes to gameplay. Being able to scan any villager to come live on your island is a huge game changer, saving both time and Nook Miles Tickets! With an allure comparable to collecting Pokémon cards, combined with the cuteness of Animal Crossing, these cards have created demand unable to be met by Nintendo, which at times has even resulted in fans even making their own. With series 5 announced, hopefully we can all have Raymond on our islands soon.
Most Unique: Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo
Several amiibo made of yarn accompanied the release of Yoshi’s Woolly World. Blue, green, and pink yarn Yoshi amiibo along with a yarn Poochy amiibo were quickly grabbed off store shelves. Unlike its blue and pink counterparts, green Yoshi saw the release of a Mega Yarn Yoshi amiibo that was exclusive to Toys R Us stores in the US. This amiibo stands tall at nearly 8 inches and makes for the perfect cuddle buddy after you’ve scanned it.
Best Looking: Ivysaur
This category probably varies depending on whom you ask, but I believe that the Ivysaur amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series is the best looking. Its details, pose, and vibrant colors stand unmatched by any other. Though it does have a clear support, it does not distract the eye while allowing it to appear more lively.
Honorable Mentions
Earlier released amiibo were famous for their “meme-worthy” face details, but the Player 2 Bayonetta amiibo from the Super Smash Bros. series has shown how much Nintendo has improved in the face department. Below you can see a comparison of Bayonetta and Marth, who was released in the very first wave in December 2014. Boo from the Super Mario series of amiibo is here simply because it glows in the dark and the Guardian from The Legend of Zelda series of amiibo is here because of its posable limbs. Each of these amiibo offer something that others cannot.
Out of the whole amiibo collection, it was very hard to pick one for each of these categories. Nintendo has done a wonderful job producing this line of collectibles, notably providing fans a figure of their favorite character (with many never having a physical representation before) through the Super Smash Bros. line.
Tell us what you think! Do you agree with these choices or do you have a different opinion? Let us know down in the comments or continue the discussion in our Discord!
Source: Nintendo