Amiibo have been out in stores for a short period of time already, yet all consumers aren't sure of what exactly an Amiibo does. In a recent survey we've been running with hundreds of individuals on a general gaming website, well over 60% replied that they simply didn't know what an Amiibo was. This is problematic for Nintendo. Their potential buyers are simply unaware that their largest holiday push this year even exists, which rules them out from even considering making a purchase.

In comparison, just about 10% of those asked replied that they would be hopefully buying one or more Amiibo figures, and this figure simply isn't enough to support Nintendo's goals. While Amiibos deserve to sell, most gamers simply are not aware that they are even available- especially casual and family gamers, who would likely make up a majority of purchases. While this issue falls partially on Nintendo's marketing for Amiibos, which is very small and not up to par, we'll be sharing with you our top 5 reasons why you need to buy an Amiibo.


1. Because you don't need them to actually play the game.

Games like Skylanders and Disney Infinity have taken the concept of near-field communication (NFC) figures and run with it, all the way to the bank. Millions of these figures sell every year to people so they can play the new games when they come out. This in turn creates a 'pay to play' type of mentality, as players are literally forced to buy extras to play the game and to unlock characters. With Nintendo, this isn't the case.

Amiibos all unlock extra content in games rather than unlocking the game itself. In Mario Kart 8, which we detailed in our DLC Roundup, Amiibos unlock different racing outfits for Miis to wear. You can still play Mario Kart without the Amiibos, but having them gives you a nice bonus on top of the game.


2. You can use them across multiple Nintendo games.

That Mario Amiibo you just used in Mario Kart 8 to unlock a new costume may leave you wondering, "Was that it? Can't it do anything else?" In Mario Kart 8, it will only unlock a costume, but that same figure can be used for a handfull of other Nintendo games already, and with plenty more to come as well. Take Super Smash Bros., in both its 3DS and Wii U versions. That Mario Amiibo, or any other for that matter, can be trained and leveled up to fight against as a CPU.

While the game already has CPUs in it, the Amiibos take things to a whole new level. When you fight an Amiibo, it can level up to Level 50, and as it does, will learn and adapt to your fighting style. The Amiibos turn into fierce opponents, perfectly suited to a player's difficulty level due to the fact that they are training them. And the functionality of Amiibos exists in titles beyond Smash Bros. as well, with games like Hyrule Warriors giving you extras in game for scanning them on the Gamepad. The options are endless.


3. Amiibos are Quality Figures.

Admit it, everyone loves some gaming accessories, especially those of characters and games they enjoy. With every character in Super Smash Bros confirmed to have an Amiibo, and more from other series likely on the way, there's sure to be a figure to please everyone. And the figures themselves are all of very high quality for only $13 each. Even if you only use an Amiibo with a few games and then grow bored of it, that Link statue will still look amazing on your shelf, and always ready for the next game you use it with.

Amiibos can be decorated as well to fit your own personal preferences. Images of repainted and custom Amiibos have begun surfacing across the internet, and monochromatic painted Kirby's and more have been growing in popularity over a short period of time. Even if you don't love the figure for a character, all it takes is a little creativity to have an even more amazing product.


4. Amiibos are Portable.

Don't have a copy of Super Smash Bros for Wii U? That's alright, Nintendo has you covered. You can take your 3DS copy of the game to a friends house, provided they have the Wii U version of course, and use both your 3DS as a controller and your personal Amiibo as a partner in a two on two match. In fact, this type of playing is encouraged to the point where Amiibos level up faster in Smash Bros on systems other than your own! All of your friends will be in awe when you and your Fox Amiibo come over and Wombo Combo them off of the stage in style.


5. Amiibos aren't as common as you may think they would be.

Nintendo has recently been aware that some Amiibo figures have been undershipped, and rumours have surfaced that some figures may have shorter shelf lives. If you want an Amiibo, there is no better time to buy than right now. Currently you can find any released Amiibo easier than you will be able to next year if it is discontinued.

Amiibos are set up to be the next big thing for Nintendo, and with good reason- they were created in the right way. Far from the Pay to Play Skylanders and Disney Infinity figures, Nintendo managed to create a best of both worlds scenario and appeal to everyone all in one fell swoop. Amiibos may or may not succeed on the level Nintendo's inspirations did, but they certainly triumph over them in the quality department, and deserve to be bought by every Wii U and 3DS owner out there.