New amiibo figures coming in 2016

Nintendo has announced plans to release new amiibo figures in the first half of 2016, while also adding new in-game functionality.

When the physical version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD launches on March 4, it will include a Wolf Link amiibo figure based on the same character from the classic game. Purchasing this bundle will currently be the only way to get this amiibo figure. When tapped to the Wii U GamePad controller, this lupine opens the Cave of Shadows, a challenging new bonus dungeon. After completing the Cave of Shadows, players can save their remaining hearts to the Wolf Link amiibo, and then use those hearts inside the Cave of Shadows to replenish life energy. Some of the data stored on the Wolf Link amiibo figure can also be used with The Legend of Zelda game for Wii U, which launches this year.

Further, other amiibo figures in the Super Smash Bros. series like Link, Toon Link, Zelda, Sheik and Ganondorf will work with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. By tapping the Link or Toon Link amiibo, players can replenish their arrows. Tapping Zelda or Sheik will refill the player’s hearts, while, in a devious twist, tapping the Ganondorf figure will make Link take double the damage.

On March 18, new amiibo figures in the Animal Crossing series will also launch in stores, including characters like Timmy & Tommy, Kapp’n and Rover. Digby will also be made available as a stand-alone amiibo. The next series of Animal Crossing amiibo cards also launches in March, bringing the grand total of available amiibo cards to be used in games like Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival for Wii U and Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer for Nintendo 3DS to 300.

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will also use amiibo features. When the sports game launches, both Mario and Sonic amiibo figures will be compatible. By tapping the Mario or Sonic amiibo figures to the New Nintendo 3DS system, players can boost Mario and Sonic’s outfits with that character’s power for the day.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon, some of the Pokémon amiibo will be made available again at select retailers. Fans should be on the lookout for Charizard, Jigglypuff, Greninja and Lucario to once again return to shelves right next to Pikachu.

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