Nintendo Amiibo: Everything You Need to Know

Friday, November 21st, 2014 was a BIG day for Nintendo fans here in the US.

In addition to Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire releasing on the Nintendo 3DS, Super Smash Bros. released for the Wii U.  Right along side the "smash hit" (no pun intended) were the Amiibo.

Amiibo Basic Info and Day 1 Haul

Amiibo figures are similar to Skylanders...They are cool, collectible, and function in-game.  While Skylanders work in Skylander games, Amiibo will be able to hop titles within the Nintendo framework.  Obviously, not all games will integrate Amiibo, some functionality will be minimal, most will fail in comparison to the content rich Smash Bros., but nonetheless it is a selling point.

The Amiibo figures work with NFC (Near Field Communication).  That funky looking gray rectangle on the Left Hand side of your game pad that seemed like wasted real estate...It is the NFC pad.  You use it to scan Amiibo into the respective games.  It works just like the Portal of Power in Skylanders.  The 3DS lacks this NFC pad and will have a peripheral device released at a later date to allot for Amiibo functionality on 3DS titles.

To cliff note that, the Amiibo look cool and offer in game functionality via NFC.  See, simple.

As of right now there are 29 Amiibo slated for release.  There have been no "Chase" or Special Edition made known at this point, although in a Twitter Q&A Nintendo would not discuss the possibility either way.  At this point in time, these figures will drop in 3 Waves.

Release Dates

Wave 1: Friday, November 21st, 2014.
Wave 2: December 2014 (I've seen 12-12 as a ship date on some sites)
Wave 3: February 2015

Pricing

All Amiibo have an MSRP of $12.99.

Characters By Wave

Wave 1 (Friday, November 21st, 2014) Includes 12 Characters:
-Mario
-Yoshi
-Princess Peach
-Link
-Donkey Kong
-Kirby
-Fox
-Pickachu
-Samus
-Villager
-Marth
-Wii Fit Trainer

Wave 2 (Mid December 2015) Includes 6 Characters:
-Luigi
-Captain Falcon
-Diddy Kong
-Zelda
-Pit
-Little Mac

Wave 3 (February 2015) Includes 11 Characters:
-Bowser
-Ike
-King Dedede
-Lucario
-Mega Man
-Meta Knight
-Rosalina & Luma
-Sheik
-Shulk
-Sonic
-Toon Link

Functionality 

Super Smash Bros. (Wii U)
--All Amiibo (as of this writing) are supported in Super Smash Bros.
-Level Up: Go up to Level 50 with your Amiibo
-Customize: Tweak Attack, Defense, and Speed Stats
-Fight: You + Amiibo, You vs Amiibo, Amiibo vs Amiibo
-Train: Increase Stats and Abilities

Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)
--10 Are Supported
-Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Link, Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon, Star Fox, Kirby, and Samus
--Each of the above unlocks a special character themed racing suit for your Mii

Hyrule Warriors (Wii U)
--All Amiibo are supported, but in limited capacities
-Link: Unlocks the Spinner from Twilight Princess
-Zelda: Get a 3 Star or Higher Weapon (Can be used ONCE DAILY)
-All Others: Unlock crafting material bonus, Rupee bonus, or 3 Star or lower weapon

*I will update this post with pictures and more information as it becomes available.*

You can keep up with all my Amiibo Unboxings here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWU7DXRZFRMvsY6jk49OYRYFnpoUI27w-

Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 1 November 13th, 2014

Here is an update to an older post where I outlined the 2 DLC Packs for Mario Kart 8!
http://www.1ofwiisdom.com/2014/08/mario-kart-8-dlc-link-acnl-new-courses.html
^You can take this link to see the tutorial on how to get the DLC^

Why the update?  DLC Pack 1 hits Thursday, November 13th, 2014!

Here is a recap:

New Characters:
-Tanooki Mario
-Cat Peach
-Link

New Karts:
-B-Dasher
-Blue Falcon
-Tanooki Kart
-Master Cycle

2 New Cups featuring 8 New Tracks

Egg Cup
-Yoshi Circuit (GameCube)
Excitebike Arena (New)
Dragon Driftway (New)
Mute City (New)

Triforce Cup
Wario's Goldmine (Wii)
Rainbow Road (SNES)
Ice Ice Outpost (New)
Hyrule Circuit (New)

Mario Kart 8 DLC: Link, ACNL, New Courses, and New Karts!

Holy Sweetness!

I can not begin to explain to you how happy I am and how cheesy my giant smile must look.  I am sitting at work and just saw the news of the new DLC for Mario Kart 8!

Mario Kart 8 DLC Tutorial (By Request)

It is still early, and we haven't heard anything official from Nintendo America, but here is what I understand thus far:

DLC Pack 1 $7.99
-Release Towards the end of November 2014
--Karts: 4 New Karts
--Courses: 8 New Courses
--Characters: 3 New Characters Link, Tanooki Suit Mario, Cat Suit Peach

DLC Pack 2  $7.99
-Release May 2015
--Karts: 4 New Karts
--Courses: 8 New Courses
--Characters: 3 New Characters: ACNL Villager, Isabelle, Dry Bowser

DLC Bonus:
-Bonus 1: 8 Different Colored Yoshis
-Bonus 2: 8 Different Colored Shy Guys
--Bonus 1 and 2 go with the purchase of the two respective DLC
---You can get both DLC Packs for the reduced rate of $11.99

While the new characters and karts are cool and somewhat expected, what I am the most excited abotu is the NEW TRACKS!  This is HUGE and adds even more replay value and fun to an already stellar game on the Nintendo Wii U!

*Update: After my initial post this has all been confirmed and we have prices.  I have added them to the post.  I had a lot of people asking "How do I get the DLC" etc, so I have made a tutorial video.  It should help you out...

I also realize I didn't showcase the new "Mercedes" Free DLC at the end...I will do so in an upcoming recording.  Stay tuned!

Luigi Death Stare from the Blue Falcon

Mario Kart 8 Unboxing with GameStop Pre-Order Poster & Review

What?  Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Wii U
Where Did You Get It?  GameStop
What Did It Cost?  $59.99 Plus Tax
Promotions?  Free Mario Kart 8 Poster with Pre-Order
Promotion 2: Free Nintendo Game with the Registration of MK8 in Club Nintendo
What Was Stock Like?  Well Stocked!

Unboxing Mario Kart 8 and Checking out GameStop's Pre-Order Poster

I have waited a long time for this game!  I am a huge fan of the Mario Kart 8 Series and could not wait to get my hands on this title!  I picked up 2 copies, one for myself and one for my Nephew since it tied in perfectly with the last day of school (props to Nintendo for the Friday release!).

My Nephew and I logged a lot of time playing Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 together...In fact, it would be easy to say Mario Kart Wii is the reason I got into wanting to record gameplay footage.  Every night we raced there was some epic comeback or insane ending...We always finished with, "I wish we would have recorded that."  So, I started recording!

I was miffed we didn't get the free Blue Shell/Spiny Shell like Europe did, but Club Nintendo does offer a free game with the registration of Mario Kart 8.  These aren't bottom shelf, $5.99 games either...They are premo, Nintendo Titles!  The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD, Pikmin 3, Wii Party U, and New Super Mario Bros. U are the 4 titles you can choose from...I always encourage people to sign up and register their hardware and software with Club Nintendo for reasons just like this, not too mention the other cool prizes.  I am currently torn between Wind Waker HD and Pikmin 3...

The other thing that miffed me was the total lack of advanced notice on pre-order, or day of purchase bonuses...I waited a long time for announcements, or a potential blue shell equivalent here in the US and all that turned up was GameStop's poster.  As it turned out, Walmart and Target both had Wii Wheels going with the game...but I was unaware of those until the Sunday before release.  Toys'R'Us has the BOGO40%, which is great, provided there is another title you want to pick up.  That said, I went for the pre-order bonus glory in GameStop's Poster.

It isn't the flashiest thing, but it is neat and will look great hanging.  It measures 11" x 17" for those wanting to frame it...Although, since it is double-sided that will kill off one display angle.  I suppose though, most will have a favorite side and can mount it facing outwards.

The front side features a slash cut design with the Mario Kart 8 logo on one side and Mario in his anti-gravity kart on the other.  The dividing line is some race track advertisements.

The back side features another slash cut styling with snapshots of several of the new tracks meshed with the load screen style art.

I personally would have preferred a very simple poster.  Perhaps a blown up version of the cover art itself on one side and the back side featuring all the track names, characters, and items.  I suppose I value information and a helpful snapshots a bit more than modern styled art, but to each his own.  It was free, it is Mario Kart related, and I really can't complain.  I do hope though that Club Nintendo will offer up a 2 or 3 Poster Set as I described: Cover Art, Tracks and Items, and Characters.

The game gets a special Red Case which is rare and cool, despite me personally being a fan of the standard Wii U Blue.

The instruction manual is basically 1 page and in full color, but lacks detail.  I still miss the old mega-thick, informative manuals of old.

That said, this game is great!  The hours of fun and infinite reply value make it a steal.  It will deliver solidly as a gift of any sort and will likely maintain a perch at the top of the charts as word continues to spread with peer influence.  Mario Kart 8, in my opinion, is an example of software that moves hardware.

If you don't own a Wii U, the Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundles is the way to go and a tremendous value.  You will not regret purchasing this game.

I have currently played about 3 hours of Multiplayer with my Nephew and logged another 2-3 in the solo Grand Prix.  The new tracks are outstanding!  The graphical prowess of the Wii U definitely impresses...the retro cups featuring tracks born on the Wii version (like Moo Moo Meadows) are stunningly different...you can pick up the feel, lines, and sounds...but graphically they are like night and day.  I never had issues with the graphics on Mario Kart Wii, but Mario Kart 8 absolutely blows it out of the water.

When you factor in the infinite replay of Mario Kart Wii, but now have new, never before played characters (The Koopalings) AND the customizable karts and bikes like in Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS, you have opened up the door for tons of options and the chance to literally squeeze every last .001 off your time trial records.  This feature will be very much appreciated by hard core players.

The online mode has a great, simple interface that will get you racing in no time.  You can hop on regionally, worldwide, with friends, or via tournament.  You can also set up private rooms etc. to keep the action close to home, or within your circle of friends.

I've yet to play Battle Mode, but my Nephew and I should do that tonight.

This game seems to me an improvement over Mario Kart Wii and that game has yet to get boring to me...I envision a full run from this game as well.  Hardcore players will love the new elements and characters to master while breaking records, and casual players will enjoy the pick-up-and-go play style that the series is known for....Mario Kart 8 can be your weekend retreat for a good time, or an obsession hunting quicker times and Tourney wins.

Regardless your age, skill level, or penchant for video games, Mario Kart 8 will entice everyone to get involved...even if it is just as a spectator.  There is so much built in to the visuals, it is a little overwhelming at times trying to take in the surroundings AND win the race.

This is truly a must own for any Wii U Owner, Mario Kart fan, or gamer in general.  If you don't have a Wii U, this is reason enough to get one!

Myself and my Nephew will be playing this one for years to come...Thanks to Nintendo for delivering up yet another first party smash hit!

Nintendo Direct February 13th, 2014: Notes from 1ofWiisdom

Nintendo Direct February 13th, 2014

Hey Everyone, 

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Nintendo Direct Viewing!

I am pretty stoked about this Nintendo Direct because I called it...

I had anticipated not only that we would get a release date for Mario Kart 8, but that we would see the actual Nintendo Direct right before Valentine's Day!  I can get confirmation for this from a few folks I made the prediction too...Pretty cool go get both of them right!

The worst news from the ND is that we have to wait until Friday, May 30th, 2014 for Mario Kart 8.  The best news, imo, from the ND is that the Koopalings are going to appear as playable characters in MK8.  If you haven't picked up on it yet, I am VERY EXCITED about Mario Kart 8.

Don't get me wrong though, there was some other very exciting news in this rendition...

Without further ado, here are my quick notes from the broadcast...Please note they are just rough notes that I literally type out while watching the ND.  You can use them as a guide to where the info you might be most interested is within the video (it is fairly long at 40+ minutes).  

* * * * * * *

Nintendo Direct 2-13-2014

Iwata presents direct to you…

Little Mac joins Super Smash Bros.

-Coming 2014

3DS

Mario Golf World Tour

-Customize Mii with 8 types of items

Gloves, golf balls, and clothing…change abilities

Win tourneys at castle club to advance

May 2^nd, 2014

Kirby Triple Deluxe

-Easy to pick up and play

-Copy abilities for lots of different actions

-Lots of collectibles…Keychains

--Star Stones, help you progress…find them all for special bonus

-Special Waddle=helpful items in times of need…Street Pass for better items and key chains

May 2^nd, 2014

Yoshi’s New Island

-Adv thru each stage with Baby Mario…attacked by enemies = timer to get baby Mario back…no time limit=explore each stage=giant eggs act as egg dozers

-Metal Egg Dozers by eating Metal Shy Guy

-Yoshi’s transformations

--Jackhammer, submarine, via gyro

--Super Yoshi via star…flies thru levels and along walls

--Flap Down Wings, Flutter Wings…helps beginners

March 14hth, 2014

3DS eshop

-FPS like Steel Diver (2011), competitive FPS by staying step ahead of competitor

-7 Single Player Missions

-Free Version Steel Diver Sub Wars=2 basic types, enjoy beginning on single player and all multiplayer

-Upgrade to paid…more subs and all single player

-Today, after ND

1^st Time 3D

Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball

-Rusty Slugger Sport’s Shack

--Lots of mini games including Umpire like “Make the Call”

-Buy from in-game menu…haggle the price…lower it significantly

-April 2014, Free

Pokemon Battle Trozei

-700+ Appear in the game

-Red and Blue to X and Y

-Catch and become your own for use in battle

-Connect type advantage together etc…

-UP to 4P

-March 20^th, 2014

Erik NOA

3DS Exclusive

-Professor Layton & the Azran Legacy

-Emmy Altva, Layton’s assistant

-Feb 28^th, 2014

-Street Pass to keep you playing

-Treasure Hunts by hiding items

--Points for many items

Capcom-Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

-Big leap forward for series

-take on foes in dynamic new ways

-hunt with friends on 3DS via Internet

-Early 2015

Weapon Shop de Omasse

-Level 5 developers

-Mange weapon shop inside traditional RPG

-experience humble life of an RPG shop keeper

-Rhythm game component

-February 20^th

Soccer RPG  InaZuma Eleven

-Middle School

-RPG in school and soccer practice

-Improve team members with stat boost and leveling up

-Pass shoot and duel to determine possession

-Team ups etc                      

-Available Today after ND

Renegade Kid

-Treasurenauts

-Moon Chronicles

--FPS adventure

Shovel Knight

-Side Scrolling Action Game in 8 Bit

Nicalis

-1001 Spikes

--Inspired by 8 bit NES games…killer package

VBlank Retro City Rampage

-GTA reflash

Lots of new titles

Wii U Ubisoft

-Child of Light

-RPG inspired by fairy tale

-Princess retrieve three sources of lights

-April 30^th, 2014

Iwata 1^st Party updates

-DK Country Tropical Freeze

--New Trailer

-Online Leader Boards

-2/21/2014

NES Remix

-Collects best moments from NES games

-Volume 2, NESRemix 2…pulled from later NES Titles

-Full Bonus Game

--Super Luigi Bros!

---Luigi Goes R to L in World 1-2, but includes all levels from the game

--High Jump for Luigi is available

-April 25^th, 2014

GBA to Virtual Console, announced Jan last year

-Finally re-releasing them this spring, starting in February

-Metroid Fusion

-Mario & Luigi Super Star Saga

-Yoshi’s Island Super Mario Advance 3

-Over time, continue to release more titles

Mario Kart 8!!!

-New Characters, not expected

-New Trailer

-Koopalings!!!

-up, down, and all around new 3D courses

-May 30^th, 2014

Monolith Soft

-Battle Scene Sneak Peak

-Xenoblade Chronicles battle system, but more polished

Bayonetta 2

-New footage from Platinum Games

-Later 2014 Launch

End of ND

* * * * * * *

So, I have to ask, what are you most excited about?