E3 2014: Nintendo's Take on Skylanders Is Called Amiibo

Update: Following its Digital Event this morning, Nintendo provided a list of future games that will support Amiibo. In addition to Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart 8, Yoshi's Woolly World, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and Mario Party 10 will also make use of Amiibo, although Nintendo didn't share any specifics.

Original Story: Nintendo has officially unveiled its own take on Activision's super successful Skylanders series, and it's called Amiibo.

Amiibo is described as a Toys to Life product--like Disney Infinity or Skylanders--and will launch later this year alongside Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Players are able to press a real-life action figure against the Wii U GamePad to conjure up a character in Super Smash Bros. that can assist you, spar against you, or even take part in Amiibo vs. Amiibo fights. Information on each Amiibo is stored in the toy itself, and allows it to level up through battle, learn new tactics, and customize its special moves. Nintendo says that a well-trained Amiibo in Super Smash Bros. will make for a formidable opponent.

The first range of Amiibo figures will feature Nintendo favourites Pikachu, Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Kirby, Animal Crossing's Villager, Samus, Link, Wii Fit Trainer, and Donkey Kong. Wait, Wii Fit Trainer gets a figure at the start and Luigi doesn't?

Nintendo will also release a peripheral in 2015 that will allow Amiibo figures to work with 3DS titles. Alongside Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U, Amiibo will support Mario Kart 8, though Nintendo is yet to explain how that will work. Many upcoming Nintendo games will also support the service.

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