Nintendo Amiibo Figures Not Immune To Price Hikes

Nintendo amiibo figures are a way that the company offers collectible items that also double as a gaming accessory. They were created as interactive tools that connect to the system: 3DS, Wii U, Switch, and now Switch 2. Many of the figures and cards will unlock new content, features, and abilities within the game that players cannot get otherwise. In a way, it is like a DLC with a collectible figure attached to it. Each only works with the game they are built to pair with.

Amiibo were already a little bit gimmicky, and perhaps not necessarily worth their price in the grand scheme of things. But they are fun, enjoyable collectibles that can bring joy and a little extra interactivity for fans and their consoles. Unfortunately, that fun hobby is now becoming a lot more expensive, according to leaks and rumors. These rumors come courtesy of the Gamestop website itself, and have been pointed out by known leaker Wario64 as well as many gaming outlets.

How Much Is The Increase?

According to the site posting, Legend of Zelda amiibo will be going up from $19.99 to $29.99, and Street Fighter amiibo from $29.99 to $39.99. This is despite them being listed on Best Buy at a lower price earlier this month. Therefore, it is possible that there was a mistake or that the price is a placeholder. However, it could also be a response to the changing economy and tariff taxes, with the rise in price being mandated by Nintendo. Nintendo itself has said nothing about amiibo pricing in the North American region, nor have they even added the amiibo to North American My Nintendo Stores.

Not much has been announced about what the amiibo will do, but according to Nintendo Life, “The Zelda amiibo will allow you to unlock a special fabric for Link’s paraglider as well as weapons and materials for your adventure. As for the SF6 amiibo, you’ll be able to save and load your character’s outfit, control style, and also receive special items.” This sounds pretty similar to the past. Tulin, Yunobo, Sidon, and Riju amiibo are listed under The Legend of Zelda characters, while Luke, Kimberly, and Jamie amiibo are listed under Street Fighter 6 characters, all for the Switch 2 game versions.

Keep in mind, it is essential to remember that Nintendo has not confirmed anything, so the prices may not be raised the way the Gamestop listing implies.

Final Thoughts

Nintendo continues to stir up controversy, and this price increase, if real, is just adding even more fuel to the fire. Nintendo Switch 2 appears set to be a great system, one that should sell as well, if not better, than the original Switch, which was the second-best-selling console of all time. That is a lofty standard, but the system has the potential.

The problem is, if Nintendo continues to alienate fans, regardless of whether their reasoning is sound or not (inflation is a thing, and prices do go up), they need to strike a balance before fans look elsewhere for their gaming. They hold a strong niche market, but it does not make them invisible. Fair or not, fans can pull away if they feel mistreated, and that is the last thing Nintendo would want. On their own, each change is relatively minor. When taken as a whole, though, it causes controversy. However, the amiibo price increase, if it happens, will hopefully not be the straw that broke the camel’s back.