Unlock New Horizons: A Comprehensive Guide to Animal Crossing amiibo
The world of Animal Crossing is vast and ever-expanding, offering players endless possibilities for customization and community building. One of the most engaging ways to enhance your Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience is through the use of amiibo. These collectible figures and cards unlock a range of in-game features, from inviting specific villagers to your island to obtaining unique items. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about Animal Crossing amiibo, including their functionality, availability, and the exciting content they unlock.
What are amiibo?
Amiibo are interactive figurines and cards created by Nintendo that interact with compatible games via near-field communication (NFC). In the context of Animal Crossing, amiibo allow players to interact with their favorite characters in new and exciting ways. They come in two forms: figurines, which are physical representations of characters, and cards, which contain the same data but are more compact and often more affordable.
How do amiibo Work in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Using amiibo in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is straightforward. To use an amiibo, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch console. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit Resident Services: Ensure that Resident Services has been upgraded from a tent to a building.
- Interact with the Nook Stop: Access the Nook Stop terminal inside Resident Services.
- Select “Invite amiibo camper”: Choose the option to invite an amiibo camper.
- Scan the amiibo: Place the amiibo figure or card on the NFC touchpoint of your Nintendo Switch (usually the right Joy-Con controller or the center of the Pro Controller).
- Follow the Instructions: The game will guide you through the process of inviting the character to your campsite.
Key Features Unlocked by Animal Crossing amiibo
Animal Crossing amiibo unlock several exciting features in New Horizons, significantly enriching the gameplay experience:
Inviting Villagers to Your Campsite
One of the primary uses of amiibo is inviting specific villagers to your campsite. This allows you to meet and potentially recruit villagers that you might not encounter through normal gameplay. If you invite a villager to your campsite, they will stay for a few days. During this time, you can interact with them, complete tasks for them, and ultimately convince them to move to your island.
Recruiting Villagers to Live on Your Island
After inviting a villager to your campsite multiple times (usually three), you can convince them to move to your island if you have an open plot of land. This is a fantastic way to curate your island’s population with your favorite characters. Without amiibo, finding specific villagers can be a time-consuming and luck-dependent process. The Animal Crossing amiibo streamline this process, allowing you to invite and recruit villagers you genuinely want on your island.
Photopia Sessions
Amiibo also enable you to invite villagers to Photopia, a special island where you can create custom photoshoots. This feature allows you to pose with your favorite villagers and capture memorable moments. You can dress them in different outfits, place them in various settings, and create unique scenes. Photopia is a fun and creative way to interact with your amiibo and showcase your island life.
Obtaining Unique Items
Scanning amiibo can also unlock unique in-game items. Some amiibo provide special furniture, clothing, or other decorative items that are themed after the character associated with the amiibo. These items can add a personal touch to your island and home, allowing you to customize your space with exclusive content.
Types of Animal Crossing amiibo
There are several types of Animal Crossing amiibo available, each offering different functionalities and unlocking various in-game features:
Animal Crossing Series amiibo Figures
These are physical figurines of popular Animal Crossing characters. They are highly collectible and can be used to invite villagers to your campsite, recruit them to your island, and unlock unique items. Some of the most sought-after figures include Isabelle, K.K. Slider, and Tom Nook.
Animal Crossing Series amiibo Cards
Amiibo cards are a more affordable and compact alternative to the figurines. They function identically to the figures, allowing you to invite villagers, recruit them to your island, and obtain unique items. The Animal Crossing amiibo cards come in packs, with each pack containing a random assortment of villagers. This makes collecting them a fun and engaging experience.
Welcome amiibo Cards
The Welcome amiibo cards feature villagers who were introduced in the Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome amiibo update. These cards are particularly useful for inviting these specific villagers to your campsite and recruiting them to your island. They also unlock unique items themed after these characters.
Sanrio Collaboration amiibo Cards
These special amiibo cards feature collaborations with Sanrio characters, such as Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, and Cinnamoroll. Scanning these cards unlocks unique furniture and clothing items themed after the Sanrio characters, allowing you to create a unique and adorable Sanrio-themed island. These cards are highly sought after due to their exclusive content and charming designs.
Where to Find Animal Crossing amiibo
Animal Crossing amiibo can be found at various retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Here are some of the best places to look:
- Major Retailers: Check major retailers such as Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. These stores often carry a selection of amiibo figures and cards.
- Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are excellent resources for finding amiibo, especially older or rare ones. However, be sure to purchase from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit products.
- GameStop: GameStop is a reliable source for amiibo, particularly for pre-owned figures and cards. They often have exclusive promotions and bundles.
- Nintendo Official Stores: The Nintendo official store is a great place to find the latest amiibo releases and exclusive merchandise.
Tips for Collecting Animal Crossing amiibo
Collecting Animal Crossing amiibo can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Here are some tips to help you build your collection:
- Start with Your Favorite Characters: Begin by collecting amiibo of your favorite Animal Crossing villagers. This will make the collection process more enjoyable and personalized.
- Look for Deals and Bundles: Keep an eye out for deals and bundles that offer multiple amiibo at a discounted price. This is a great way to expand your collection without breaking the bank.
- Join Online Communities: Join online communities and forums dedicated to Animal Crossing and amiibo. These communities can provide valuable information about new releases, rare finds, and trading opportunities.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Some amiibo can be difficult to find, especially rare or limited-edition ones. Be patient and persistent in your search, and don’t be afraid to explore different retailers and online marketplaces.
- Protect Your Collection: Invest in protective cases or sleeves to keep your amiibo figures and cards in good condition. This will help preserve their value and appearance over time.
The Future of Animal Crossing amiibo
As Animal Crossing continues to evolve with updates and new releases, the role of amiibo is likely to expand as well. Nintendo has a history of supporting amiibo functionality in their games, and it’s reasonable to expect that future Animal Crossing titles and updates will continue to incorporate amiibo features. This could include new ways to interact with villagers, unlock exclusive content, or participate in special events.
Conclusion
Animal Crossing amiibo offer a fantastic way to enhance your Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience. Whether you’re inviting your favorite villagers to your island, creating memorable photoshoots in Photopia, or obtaining unique in-game items, amiibo add a layer of depth and personalization to the game. With a wide variety of figures and cards available, there’s an amiibo for every Animal Crossing fan. Start your collection today and unlock new horizons in your Animal Crossing adventure. The use of Animal Crossing amiibo truly elevates the gaming experience. [See also: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Tips and Tricks] [See also: Best Animal Crossing Villagers Ranked] [See also: How to Design the Perfect Animal Crossing Island]