- Primary Subject: Nintendo Amiibos (Consoles: Nintendo Switch / Switch 2)
- Key Update: An opinion feature argues that Nintendo’s physical Amiibo figures and NFC cards remain non-essential accessories that offer no critical gameplay value for casual or core players.
- Status: Confirmed / Opinion
- Last Verified: September 21, 2026
- Quick Answer: Amiibos unlock minor cosmetics, weapons, or campsite invites, but Nintendo keeps all core gameplay accessible without requiring players to purchase physical figures.
I've been a lifelong Nintendo fan. I started with the Game Boy Color Advance, then transitioned to the Nintendo DS, 3DS, Nintendo Switch, and now the Switch 2.
It's no exaggeration to say I've been playing Nintendo games for most of my life. Despite that, there's still one thing I can't seem to fully wrap my head around - and that's the concept of Amiibos. There are plenty of games that let you use them, but are they necessary?
I'll answer that: No, I don't think so. Hear me out...
Let's Be Real, Do We Really NEED Amiibos?
My gaming life has primarily revolved around Nintendo games. If I wasn't playing a Nintendo title on my console, I was in a mall arcade playing Mario Kart Arcade GP. But despite my love for all things Nintendo, I have never owned a single Amiibo.
I remember when they were first introduced, and the initial craze was sweeping through the community. Store shelves were sold out of these little figures, and I had no idea why.
There's only ever been one time I was slightly, and I mean slightly, tempted to buy an Amiibo. It was when I was playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons and wanted Judy on my island. But instead of buying her Amiibo card, I went on Nookazon and found her through the player community. Why would I spend real money when the player base made a better, more accessible way to find the villagers and items I needed?
Apart from that, I had absolutely zero impulse to purchase one, and that still rings true to this day.
I feel like Amiibos are completely non-essential to the actual gameplay experience, no matter what you play. You can finish every major Nintendo title, unlock everything you need, and have a full gaming experience without ever needing to use an Amiibo. Can they be useful? Sure. I know that for some games, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Amiibos can be used to get armor pieces or weapons. But are they a necessity? Absolutely not.
In my mind, Amiibos look great as shelf decoration for hardcore collectors. But if we're talking specifically about getting an Amiibo for gaming, I just don't see the point. Amiibos have carved out a unique niche for collectors and super-fans, but for the average player, they remain a solution in search of a problem. It's not like Nintendo is locking essential content behind these little figures and cards.
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Amiibos feel like glorified desk ornaments that are unnecessary to the core magic of Nintendo gaming. But hey, feel free to prove me wrong. I'll be waiting.
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