Amiibo

Amiibo (stylized as amiibo) is a series of figurines designed to interact with the Wii U, and with use of a peripheral, the 3DS. The figures represent characters from different Nintendo franchises. The amiibo figurines can be placed on the Wii U gamepad, a Nintendo DS peripheral, or the touch screen of a new Nintendo 3DS which allows them to store and transmit data contained in the figures between a variety of games. The amiibo figures can also receive data from the gamepad. The amiibo figures were inspired by the Trophies of the Super Smash Bros. series. The figurines are being sold at an MSRP of $12.99.

Samus had her figure released on the same day as the Wii U game. Zero Suit Samus's amiibo was released in North America in September 2015.

Games
The amiibo figurines have been announced in conjunction with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and as such are based on the character models in that game. Using the amiibos, the player can use a unique fighter which can fight alongside the player in-game, and has a customisable move set. The character data can then be sent back to the amiibo and retain its enhancements. The game will feature a level system for the characters, with a maximum character level of 50. The Samus amiibo figure can be used in Mario Kart 8, ''One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X, Ace Combat 3D Cross Rumble +, amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits and Yoshi's Woolly World to unlock Metroid''-relevant features.

Metroid Prime: Federation Force allows the usage of amiibo. Samus and Zero Suit Samus can be scanned in the Campaign and Blast Ball to unlock Paint Jobs based on the Varia Suit and Zero Suit for the Mechs that the Federation Marines use, as well as give extra AUX ammo. Mario characters' amiibo can also be used in either mode to unlock skins for the Mech suits relevant to that character.

Metroid: Samus Returns will also feature amiibo functionality. The two previously released Samus amiibo will work. Additionally, a new figure of Samus in her classic Metroid II: Return of Samus cover pose, and a Metroid amiibo with a squishy texture will be released. The Smash Bros. Samus amiibo automatically replenishes Missiles and and unlocks a gallery of concept art to view after beating the game. The Zero Suit Samus amiibo will unlock a Reserve Tank that automatically replenishes health and a Sound Test mode in the Gallery that unlocks after beating the game. The Samus Returns Samus amiibo unlocks an Aeion Reserve Tank that automatically replenishes her Aeion, and Metroid II artwork for the gallery. Finally, the Metroid amiibo unlocks a marker on the Map showing the location of the closest Metroid, and a Fusion Mode that unlocks after beating the game once, and enables the Fusion Suit from Metroid Fusion to be worn on subsequent playthroughs.

Federation Force website

 * ADD MORE FIREPOWER WITH amiibo:"Need a little extra muscle? Tap the Samus or Zero-Suit Samus amiibo™ figures to get more auxiliary ammo to take on Federation Force missions."


 * LOOKIN' GOOD, SOLDIER!:"Want to stand out on the field? Tap compatible amiibo figures to get special paint jobs for your Mech in Blast Ball. In addition, the Samus and Zero Suit Samus amiibo figures let you get in-game weapon upgrades."

About amiibo (Federation Force manual)
"You can unlock specialized paint jobs by selecting the amiibo option within the paint-job menu and then using a compatible amiibo."

Metroid: Samus Returns notification
"The amiibo option has been unlocked in the map menu."

Trivia

 * At least one figure erroneously gave Samus an Arm Cannon on both arms. Similar aesthetic defects have been observed in amiibo figures of other characters.