The Unexpected Horror Crossover
When Nintendo announced the Resident Evil amiibo line, collectors and horror gaming fans were caught off guard. The marriage of Nintendo's family-friendly figurine line with Capcom's survival horror franchise seemed unlikely, yet it has proven to be one of the most sought-after collections in the amiibo ecosystem. These figures represent a bold step into mature gaming territory for the amiibo brand, and they've captured the attention of both Nintendo enthusiasts and Resident Evil devotees alike.
The Resident Evil amiibo collection launched alongside the Nintendo Switch ports of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, breathing new life into classic survival horror experiences. What makes these figures special isn't just their detailed sculpts or the nostalgia they evoke—it's how they bridge two distinct gaming communities that rarely overlap in the collectibles space.
Available Figures and Release Timeline
Wave 1: The Classic Heroes
The first wave introduced collectors to three iconic characters from the series. Leon S. Kennedy, featuring his classic RPD uniform from Resident Evil 2, stands ready with his signature Matilda handgun. The attention to detail on this figure is remarkable, from the torn uniform to his determined expression. Claire Redfield arrived alongside Leon, sporting her Made in Heaven biker jacket and holding her Browning Hi-Power. The sculpt captures her fierce determination and compassionate nature that made her a fan favorite.
Jill Valentine rounds out the first wave, depicted in her S.T.A.R.S. uniform from the original Resident Evil. Her figure comes complete with her iconic green beret and shoulder-mounted radio, representing the character who started it all for many players. These three figures set a high bar for quality and authenticity that subsequent waves would maintain.
Wave 2: Expanding the Universe
The second wave brought fan-favorite characters Chris Redfield and Ada Wong into the amiibo fold. Chris appears in his boulder-punching glory from Resident Evil 5, complete with tactical vest and impressive muscle definition. Meanwhile, Ada Wong's figure showcases her elegant spy aesthetic from Resident Evil 4, draped in her signature red dress with her grappling gun at the ready.
This wave also introduced the first non-human character to the line: Nemesis. Standing noticeably taller than standard amiibo figures, the Nemesis figure is a impressive piece that captures the terror of the unstoppable pursuer from Resident Evil 3. The tentacles emerging from his body are rendered in sickening detail, making this one of the most visually striking amiibo ever produced.
In-Game Functionality
Unlike some amiibo that offer minimal in-game bonuses, the Resident Evil figures provide substantial benefits across multiple games. In the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, scanning the corresponding character unlocks exclusive alternate costumes that aren't available through normal gameplay. Leon's amiibo unlocks his noir detective outfit, while Claire's reveals her cowgirl costume—both fan favorites from the original releases.
The functionality extends beyond cosmetic changes. In Resident Evil Village, any Resident Evil amiibo grants players a daily resource bonus of ammunition, healing items, or currency. This creates an incentive to collect multiple figures from the line. Additionally, scanning Chris Redfield's amiibo in Resident Evil 5 unlocks the classic S.T.A.R.S. outfit, creating a nice callback to where his journey began.
Cross-Game Compatibility
Perhaps most impressive is how these amiibo function across Nintendo's broader ecosystem. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Resident Evil amiibo unlock special spirit battles themed around survival horror. Scanning Leon's amiibo triggers a challenging encounter against multiple Mr. Game & Watch fighters representing zombies, complete with appropriate music from Resident Evil 2.
The amiibo also work in unexpected places. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, scanning any Resident Evil amiibo spawns themed furniture items perfect for creating spooky island sections. From typewriters to item boxes with the classic green herb storage, these items let players bring a touch of survival horror to their peaceful island paradises.
Collector Value and Rarity
The Resident Evil amiibo have become some of the most valuable figures in the secondary market. The initial print runs were relatively limited, partly due to Nintendo testing the waters with mature-rated content. This scarcity, combined with the passionate Resident Evil fanbase, has driven prices up significantly for certain figures.
The Nemesis figure in particular commands premium prices, often selling for three to four times its original retail value. Its larger size meant fewer units per case shipment, and its impressive sculpt made it an instant favorite among collectors. The Claire Redfield figure has also appreciated considerably, largely because Resident Evil 3 Remake generated renewed interest in the character.
Interestingly, the Leon Kennedy amiibo remains relatively accessible despite his popularity. Nintendo appears to have learned from early shortages and increased production for subsequent waves, ensuring more fans could add him to their collections. Still, certain regional variants and first-edition prints carry premiums for completionist collectors.
Display and Presentation
What sets the Resident Evil amiibo apart visually is their packaging design. Unlike standard amiibo boxes featuring bright Nintendo colors, these come in special edition boxes with darker aesthetics. The backgrounds feature locations from the games—the Raccoon City Police Department for Leon and Claire, the Spencer Mansion for Jill, and the castle village for the Resident Evil 4 characters.
Many collectors choose to display these amiibo separately from their main collection due to the distinct theming. The figures look particularly striking under dim lighting, which emphasizes the dramatic poses and weathered details on the characters. Some fans have created custom dioramas featuring zombie figures and game-accurate environments, turning their Resident Evil amiibo into impressive display pieces.
Future of the Line
Speculation about future waves remains intense within the collecting community. Fans eagerly await figures of Ethan Winters from Resident Evil Village, Rebecca Chambers from Resident Evil Zero, and the iconic Albert Wesker. The success of the initial waves has proven there's substantial demand for mature-themed amiibo, potentially opening doors for other Capcom franchises like Devil May Cry or Monster Hunter to receive similar treatment.
Capcom has hinted at continuing support for the line, though no official announcements have been made. The upcoming Resident Evil 9 could provide the perfect opportunity to launch a new wave of figures featuring both classic and new characters. Given how well the existing figures integrate with multiple games, there's clear value in expanding the collection further.
Tips for New Collectors
For those looking to start their Resident Evil amiibo collection, patience and strategy are key. Major retailers often restock popular figures, particularly around game releases or Nintendo Direct announcements. Setting up stock alerts through websites like NowInStock or following amiibo-focused social media accounts can help you catch restocks before scalpers.
Consider starting with the characters most meaningful to your personal Resident Evil journey. If you cherish memories of playing Resident Evil 4, prioritize Leon and Ada. Hardcore fans of the original might focus on Jill and Chris. This approach makes collecting more personal and potentially more affordable than trying to acquire every figure immediately.
Don't overlook Japanese imports, which sometimes offer better availability and prices despite shipping costs. The figures function identically across regions, so there's no gameplay disadvantage. Just be aware that box text will be in Japanese, which matters for mint-in-box collectors but not for those who display their figures unboxed.
Conclusion
The Resident Evil amiibo line represents a fascinating collision of Nintendo's approachable collectibles culture with Capcom's gritty survival horror legacy. These figures offer more than just shelf appeal—they provide genuine gameplay benefits, impressive sculpt quality, and a unique way to celebrate one of gaming's most enduring franchises. Whether you're a longtime Resident Evil fan, an amiibo completionist, or simply someone who appreciates quality gaming collectibles, this line deserves a spot in your collection.
As the line continues to evolve and potentially expand, now is an excellent time to jump in. The combination of robust in-game functionality, collector demand, and genuine craftsmanship makes these some of the most worthwhile amiibo purchases available. Just remember to keep your displays away from any actual zombies—these figures can't actually save you from the undead.