Amiibo figures have NFC chips built into their base, allowing them to be scanned by your Switch controller when they are nearby. The data on these chips is read, and if it’s compatible with the game you’re playing, you’ll unlock various content and features.Learn more.

The use of an Amiibo figure can vary depending on which character it represents and the game you’re playing. For example, if you’re playing “Splatoon 3” and scan a “Splatoon” series Amiibo, you can unlock special gear items that are otherwise unobtainable. If you’re playing “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and scan a “Zelda” series Amiibo, you may receive helpful items or unique armor sets.

In certain games, like “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” you can also use Amiibo figures to save player data and preferences, transferring them to another Switch console. This feature is particularly useful when playing at a friend’s house.

The general rule for Amiibos is that if the character isn’t from the game you’re playing, the figure will either have no effect or a generic effect. For example, scanning a “Splatoon” Amiibo in “Tears of the Kingdom” would only yield some generic food items. While still helpful, it is not as exciting as unlocking game-specific content.