Nintendo Updates Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Amiibo Packaging: No Switch Mention Raises Questions

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Published on: September 03, 2023

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Nintendo Updates Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate Amiibo Packaging: Absence of Switch References Prompts Industry Buzz Nintendo’s iconic amiibo line continues to evolve, as the company has begun to quietly roll out refreshed packaging for its Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate amiibo figures.

The latest packaging update removes direct references to the Nintendo Switch and other legacy hardware, signaling a potential strategic shift in how Nintendo presents its widely popular NFC-enabled figures to consumers. The change was first highlighted by a member of the Famiboards forum, a respected community for Nintendo enthusiasts.

According to the report, recent shipments of Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate amiibo—specifically featuring Link, Luigi, and Donkey Kong—arrived at French retail locations with noticeably different packaging.

Rather than listing compatible platforms or specific games, the new layout opts for a neutral approach, simply stating that the amiibo can be used with “compatible software.” Photos shared online clearly show this more generic text, with notable omissions of any hardware icons or branding. Industry-focused social media accounts such as Amiibo News and Amiibo Alerts quickly amplified discussion around the new design.

In a previous version, the box listed all compatible platforms, including icons for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U, along with specific game tie-ins.

Now, the packaging avoids platform references altogether, focusing solely on the versatility of the amiibo product range. A retail employee in France, who reportedly first noticed the update, described the new backs as, “a lot more neutral, with no pictures and no mention of a specific game or console.” This move comes as Nintendo has largely phased out support for legacy systems like the 3DS and Wii U, focusing development efforts on the Nintendo Switch, its dominant current-generation console.

Notably, Nintendo’s eShop for older hardware has closed, and new titles are developed with the Switch as the primary target.

Removing specific platform references could streamline manufacturing for future releases and make packaging future-proof should new hardware enter the market. Reports of the updated packaging have surfaced in multiple regions, suggesting a widespread change to the amiibo production and branding process.

Nintendo has not issued an official statement regarding the reasoning behind the altered design as of publication. Since their debut in 2014, amiibo figures have cemented themselves as both powerful in-game unlocks and coveted collectibles, with millions sold worldwide.

Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch has played a significant role in sustaining amiibo popularity, frequently spurring new production runs synchronized with DLC fighter releases and franchise anniversaries. As always, the gaming industry will be closely watching how fans and collectors respond to these packaging updates.

Nintendo’s approach to its long-running amiibo series continues to reflect broader strategic adjustments in response to changing platform focus and hardware life cycles. Stay tuned for further developments regarding Nintendo amiibo packaging and compatibility.

For additional updates, follow official announcements and industry news channels.

Super Smash Bros Nintendo amiibo Smash Bros Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Switch Amiibo Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Looks To Be Updating Its Smash Bros. amiibo Packaging