A UK website is selling an “NFC Toy Emulator” called the Amiiqo.
The Amiiqo, which isn’t authorized by Nintendo, stores information on amiibo characters and can be used in place of the figures. It would function as a back-up. Currently you have to erase the saved data from your amiibo to use it in different games. A device like the Amiiqo would mean that instead of erasing the data, you could load a different version of that amiibo.
However, the site also claims that you can use the Amiiqo to store amiibo data downloaded from the Internet. Which is to say, it could be used to hold pirated information for over 200 characters.
“The image can be from a ‘blank’ (new, unplayed) figurine but also from a Amiibo that was already levelled up or with power-ups, making it a super effective cheat system,” reads the Amiiqo site, a refreshingly honest take on a device that is probably going to get someone sued.
The Amiiqo works with a companion Android app, which is used to transfer the amiibo data to the device. The Amiiqo is then used in place of a figure on the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS. It will bring up the latest used figure, and you can cycle through your whole collection with the press of a button.
A back-up device for amiibo data isn’t a bad idea, but considering that this device is unauthorized and bordering on copyright infringement, I don’t think the Amiiqo is going to be long for this world. There’s a certain allure of exclusivity that comes with amiibo collecting, and the Amiiqo undermines that.
In a statement to Polygon, Nintendo said, “Nintendo actively monitors threats to its product security and the unauthorized use of its intellectual property. Nintendo will vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights and will work to protect its greatest assets, its beloved characters and products.”
If you would like to flirt with danger, the Amiiqo is up for pre-order right now. The Bonus Bundle costs $77.19 and ships on August 21. The regular Amiiqo costs $49.62 and won’t ship until September 4. The website promises a 7-day money-back guarantee so by all means, trust this strange website with your bitcoins and credit card numbers.
Here’s a video of the Amiiqo in use with the Wii U:
Amiiqo on Wii U! by contact734
