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Switch 2 Will Officially Support NFC, and That Could Mean Big Things for Amiibo Fans

Switch 2 Will Officially Support NFC, and That Could Mean Big Things for Amiibo Fans

March 9, 2025 Off By Ibraheem Adeola

Nintendo has always loved sprinkling secrets and surprises into their hardware, but sometimes, the tech world beats them to it. Thanks to FCC filings, we now know that the Switch 2 will officially support NFC (Near Field Communication), just like its predecessor.

For those unfamiliar, NFC is the magical technology that makes Amiibos work, allowing players to tap their collectible figures onto the console to unlock in-game bonuses, skins, and even special items. Since the Switch 2’s right Joy-Con is confirmed to include this feature, Amiibo functionality is almost certainly here to stay.

Nintendo hasn’t made a big fuss about this yet, but for longtime fans of Amiibo rewards, exclusive content, and collectible figures, this is fantastic news. It also raises an exciting question: Could Nintendo be planning something new for Amiibos on the Switch 2?

Amiibo Lives On – But Will Nintendo Do More With It?

EA Sports FC on Nintendo Switch 2
Image credit: Nintendo

Amiibo has been a staple of Nintendo gaming since the Wii U, evolving through the 3DS and original Switch. At its peak, Amiibo was a massive craze, with limited-edition figures selling out instantly and resellers making a fortune.

But in recent years, Nintendo has been a bit… lazy with Amiibo. Sure, they still release figures for major games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but the days of truly exciting Amiibo integrations seem to be fading.

With Switch 2 featuring NFC, Nintendo has a chance to reignite the Amiibo hype. Maybe we’ll see:

  • Exclusive in-game content beyond simple skins and items
  • New interactive features, like Amiibo-based mini-games
  • A digital collection feature, where players scan Amiibos into a virtual museum
  • Integration with a rumored new online service or loyalty system

Given that Nintendo thrives on nostalgia, they might finally give Amiibos a fresh purpose on the Switch 2—especially if they plan to release a new wave of collectible figures alongside major upcoming games.

A New Joy-Con, but the Same Amiibo Tech

switch 2 reveal video
Image credit: Nintendo

Another interesting detail from the FCC filings is that the NFC sensor is once again located in the right Joy-Con. This is exactly how it worked on the original Switch, where players could tap their Amiibos onto the right analog stick to activate features in supported games.

The Switch 2 Joy-Con, however, is getting a major redesign. Instead of the classic rail-based slide-in system, Nintendo is rumored to be introducing a magnetic connection. If true, this could mean:

  • Easier attachment and removal of Joy-Cons
  • A sturdier and more reliable connection (no more Joy-Con drift drama?)
  • Potential new ways to interact with the system

What remains unclear is whether this new Joy-Con design will change how Amiibo scanning works. Will the right analog stick still be the default scan point, or will Nintendo tweak the process?

Will Switch 2 Bring Back the “Toys-to-Life” Trend?

The toys-to-life gaming craze was massive in the early 2010s, with franchises like Skylanders, Disney Infinity, and LEGO Dimensions cashing in on physical-digital collectibles. But as digital gaming evolved, the novelty wore off, leaving Amiibo as one of the last survivors of the trend.

With the Switch 2 supporting NFC, there’s potential for Nintendo to revamp the Amiibo concept and make it feel fresh again. They’ve already experimented with unique interactive toys, like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit and Nintendo Labo, so the idea of expanding Amiibo functionality isn’t too far-fetched.

Imagine a new line of Amiibo figures with deeper in-game integrations, or even special limited-edition Amiibos tied to Switch 2 exclusives. If done right, Nintendo could rekindle the collector’s excitement while making Amiibos more useful and rewarding than ever.

Nintendo’s April 2 Direct Should Reveal More

Switch 2 Will Officially Support NFC - Amiibo accessibility.
Image credit: Nintendo

While the FCC leaks confirm NFC support, Nintendo is still keeping the bigger picture under wraps. The upcoming April 2 Nintendo Direct is expected to showcase more about the Switch 2’s features, launch lineup, and accessories. Amiibo collectors, in particular, should pay close attention—if Nintendo has any major plans for Amiibo on the Switch 2, they’ll likely drop hints during this event. And if nothing is mentioned? Well, at least we know our Amiibo collections aren’t entirely useless just yet.

One thing’s for sure: Switch 2 is shaping up to be an exciting console, and with NFC support confirmed, the possibilities for Amiibo and future Nintendo collectibles are wide open.