Amiibo cards can be activated by simply touching the controllers NFC touchpoint, however, you may have to update your console first.
The Nintendo Switch is a well- renowned video game console developed by Nintendo. The console itself is a tablet that can either be docked for use as a home console, or used as a portable device. It is considered one of the best hybrid consoles.
The console’s software supports online gaming through internet connectivity, as well as wireless and hoc connectivity with other consoles.
The games and software for the Nintendo Switch are available both on physical flash-based ROM cartridges and digital distribution on the Nintendo eShop. In addition to that, you should bear in mind that you can use amiibo cards with the Nintendo Switch.
What are amiibo cards?
Amiibo are interactive figurines and cards that work in conjunction with your games. Users can activate their cards and figurines while playing compatible Nintendo Switch and Wii U software to uncover surprising new features.
Amiibo cards also have a range of effects depending on the game that you are playing. You can unlock new gaming modes, and customise your characters or weapons. Furthermore, gamers also get the ability to improve their amiibos’ to turn them into the perfect partners, or formidable enemies.
How to use amiibo cards on Nintendo Switch
Once you have acquired an amiibo card or figurine, you have to scan it to load its abilities into your game. To do so, you first have to ensure your console has the latest system update before you can start playing the amiibo compatible game.
Players then have to touch the amiibo to the NFC touchpoint, but you should be aware that this area is positioned differently for every type of controller. The table below highlights where you should touch the amiibo cards for each controller:
Controller | NFC location |
Joy-Con Controller | You will find the NFC touchpoint on the Right Stick |
Pro Controller | It is located over the Nintendo Switch logo at the top-center of the controller |
Nintendo Switch Lite users can find the NFC touchpoint on the right stick. Once you have touched the card or figurine to the NFC touchpoint, you can follow the prompts or instructions on your screen to discover the card’s abilities and effects.
Performing a system update
Your amiibo card or figurine may not activate if your console’s system is not up to date. It is also worth noting that the Nintendo Switch console must be connected online to download a system update.
In most situations, the console automatically downloads the most recent update, but you may have to do it manually. To do this, you can select the system settings on the home menu before scrolling down the list to find “System.”
Here, you can click on the system update option to commence the system update process. During this process, the system will perform a check to see if there is a new system update available.
If there is an update, the download process begins automatically.
Amiibo card prices
It is important to note that the price of amiibo cards depend on numerous factors, including the quantity of cards in the package, the type of card and the game. The table below lists some of the cards you can purchase as well as their approximate price:
Amiibo card | Description | Price |
Nintendo Amiibo Animal Crossing New Horizon Sanrio Collaboration Exclusive Pack | You can use these cards to invite cute and colourful Animal Crossing characters to your island and get Sanrio-themed items | |
Nintendo Mario Sports Superstars | By tapping one of these cards while playing Mario Sports Superstars, you will get a variety of fun bonuses | |
Nintendo amiibo Link | Scanning this card in game will allegedly give players random cooking or elixir materials as well as randomly generated gear, weapons or loot | |
Nintendo Metroid Dread amiibo 2-pack | This card grants Samus a missile and tank, increasing her missile capacity by 10. The card can also be used to replenish some missiles once per day |
NFC Reader and Writer Accessory
With the NFC Reader and Writer accessory, players can also use the amiibo cards with Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL and Nintendo 2DS. Keep in mind that the NFC accessory is sold separately and does not come with all products.
It is alleged that you can use this accessory for multiple systems. In other words, you do not have to purchase an NFC accessory for each of your consoles. However, this item cannot be used on the Wii U, as the pad already has a built-in NFC scanner.
The Nintendo NFC Reader and Writer is currently available for purchase on Amazon for approximately $103.75.