Historical Precedent: Wii U to Switch Transition

To understand how amiibo will function on Switch 2, I need to examine Nintendo's track record when transitioning console generations. When the Nintendo Switch launched on March 3, 2017, Nintendo maintained full backward compatibility with all amiibo released since the platform's 2014 debut. Every single amiibo figure and card designed for Wii U and 3DS worked seamlessly with Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 2.

This universal compatibility made business sense: Nintendo had sold millions of amiibo by 2017, and collectors had invested hundreds or thousands of dollars in their collections. Breaking compatibility would have alienated this dedicated fanbase while providing no technical benefit. The Switch's NFC reader (built into the right Joy-Con) used the same NFC Type 2 Tag technology as its predecessors, ensuring effortless continuity.

Your existing amiibo collection will work with Switch 2

Key insight: Nintendo has never discontinued amiibo compatibility across console generations, suggesting Switch 2 will follow this pattern.

NFC Technology in Switch 2

While Nintendo has not officially announced Switch 2 specifications as of February 2026, industry analysis and patent filings suggest the console will retain NFC functionality with potential enhancements:

Expected NFC Features

  • NFC Type 2 Tag Support: The same standard used in all current amiibo, ensuring backward compatibility
  • Improved Read Range: Patents filed by Nintendo in 2024 reference "enhanced proximity detection," potentially allowing scanning from slightly greater distances
  • Faster Communication: More powerful hardware could reduce scan times from ~2 seconds to under 1 second
  • Multi-Tag Reading: Speculative feature that might allow scanning multiple amiibo simultaneously (unconfirmed)

Controller Integration

Based on leaked accessory designs and FCC filings, Switch 2's controllers (tentatively called "Joy-Con 2") will include NFC readers in the right controller, maintaining the same placement as current Joy-Cons. This ensures existing muscle memory translates directly, and docked gameplay remains compatible with amiibo.

Confirmed Compatible Amiibo

While official confirmation awaits Nintendo's formal announcement, I can reasonably predict amiibo compatibility based on precedent and technical feasibility:

100% Expected Compatibility

  • All Super Smash Bros. Series: 89+ figures spanning every Smash Ultimate character
  • The Legend of Zelda Series: 25+ figures including Link variants, Zelda, Guardians, and Champions
  • Super Mario Series: 40+ figures covering Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and extended cast
  • Splatoon Series: 20+ figures including Inklings, Octolings, and Splatoon 3 idols
  • Animal Crossing Series: 500+ cards plus figures of Isabelle, Tom Nook, and villagers
  • Pokémon Series: 15+ figures including Pikachu, Lucario, Mewtwo, and Detective Pikachu
  • Metroid Series: Samus variants and Metroid figures from Samus Returns and Dread
  • Fire Emblem Series: Marth, Roy, Ike, and other lords from the tactical RPG franchise
  • All Other Nintendo Franchises: Kirby, Star Fox, F-Zero, Xenoblade, and more

This encompasses approximately 800+ unique amiibo products released between 2014-2026, representing Nintendo's entire amiibo library. Given the technological simplicity of maintaining NFC compatibility and the business incentive to support existing collections, discontinuing support for any amiibo line would be unprecedented and illogical.

Enhanced Features for Switch 2

Beyond basic compatibility, Switch 2 games may introduce enhanced amiibo functionality leveraging the console's improved hardware:

Potential Enhancements

  • High-Resolution Textures: Amiibo-unlocked costumes or items could feature 4K textures matching Switch 2's rumored graphics capabilities
  • Expanded Data Storage: While current amiibo use minimal writable storage (most data is read-only), Switch 2 games might utilize more sophisticated save data on figures
  • Dynamic Lighting Effects: Games could implement real-time lighting changes when amiibo are scanned, such as in-game statues materializing with particle effects
  • Cross-Game Progression: A hypothetical "Nintendo Ecosystem" could allow amiibo to carry progression or rewards across multiple Switch 2 titles

Speculative: Amiibo 2.0?

Some analysts speculate Nintendo might introduce "Amiibo 2.0" figures with enhanced NFC chips offering more storage or additional sensors. However, this seems unlikely given:

  • Nintendo's commitment to simplicity and backward compatibility
  • The added manufacturing cost would increase retail prices
  • Fragmenting the amiibo ecosystem into "old" and "new" versions alienates collectors

More probable: Nintendo continues the current amiibo format while introducing new character figures and card series tied to Switch 2 launch titles.

Predicted New Amiibo Lines

Based on Nintendo's release patterns and rumored Switch 2 launch titles, several new amiibo lines seem likely:

Mario Kart 9 Series

If Mario Kart 9 launches alongside Switch 2 (as Mario Kart 8 did with Wii U in 2014), expect a new wave of Mario Kart-themed amiibo featuring:

  • Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser in racing suits
  • New character additions (potentially Pauline, Nabbit, or Toadette variants)
  • Vehicle-themed stands or dynamic poses

Functionality would likely unlock custom kart parts, character skins, or bonus race tracks exclusive to amiibo owners.

3D Mario (Mario Odyssey 2 or New IP)

Nintendo's flagship 3D Mario titles traditionally receive robust amiibo support. A sequel to Super Mario Odyssey or a brand-new 3D Mario adventure could introduce:

  • Mario in new capture transformations (T-Rex Mario, Lava Mario, etc.)
  • Cappy as a standalone amiibo
  • New capture-based NPCs or bosses

Splatoon 4 or Splatoon DLC

The Splatoon franchise has consistently released new amiibo with each installment. Splatoon 4 (or major Splatoon 3 DLC for Switch 2) would almost certainly feature:

  • New Inkling and Octoling variants with updated hairstyles
  • New idol group characters (following Deep Cut from Splatoon 3)
  • Exclusive gear sets unlockable via amiibo scanning

Metroid Prime 4

After years of development, Metroid Prime 4 is expected to launch near Switch 2's release window. Potential amiibo include:

  • Samus in her Prime 4 suit design
  • New antagonists or bosses from the game
  • Classic Metroid creature amiibo (Ridley variant, Space Pirate, etc.)

Functionality might unlock concept art galleries, difficulty modifiers, or exclusive weapon skins.

The Collector's Perspective

For dedicated amiibo collectors, Switch 2's backward compatibility offers peace of mind. Your existing collection—whether 10 figures or 500 cards—will retain full functionality in Switch 2 games. This preserves the investment of both money and display space dedicated to amiibo over the past decade.

Should You Buy Amiibo Now?

Given near-certain backward compatibility, purchasing amiibo before Switch 2's launch carries minimal risk. In fact, buying now may be advantageous:

  • Avoid Launch Shortages: New console launches often create supply chain strain, potentially causing amiibo restocks delays
  • Lock in Current Prices: Popular amiibo may see price increases as Switch 2 hype builds
  • Complete Your Switch 1 Collection: Any amiibo you want from the Switch era will work on Switch 2, so there's no reason to wait

What We're Still Waiting to Learn

Until Nintendo's official Switch 2 reveal (expected in early-to-mid 2026), several questions remain:

  • Day-One Amiibo Support: Will launch titles include amiibo functionality, or will it be added post-launch via updates?
  • Legacy Game Compatibility: If Switch 2 supports backward compatibility with Switch 1 games, will amiibo function in those older titles?
  • New Manufacturing Partnerships: Will Nintendo introduce new figure manufacturers or card printers, potentially affecting quality or availability?
  • Digital Amiibo: Could Nintendo introduce a "digital amiibo" system allowing players to purchase NFC data without physical figures? (Speculative and unlikely given Nintendo's toy-focused strategy)

Conclusion

Based on historical precedent, technical feasibility, and business logic, amiibo collectors can confidently expect full backward compatibility on Switch 2. Nintendo's decade-long commitment to the amiibo platform, combined with the negligible cost of maintaining NFC support, makes discontinuing compatibility virtually impossible. As Switch 2 approaches, collectors should feel secure in their investments, knowing their carefully curated libraries will enhance the next generation of Nintendo gaming just as they have since 2014.

The future of amiibo looks bright—your collection is safe, functional, and ready for Switch 2's launch.