The fact that they are supported by multiple games (and the ability to patch Amibo into existing games) there is a lot of potential. I even read that Nintendo are in talks with 3rd parties who seem interested in the concept. Another thing going for them is, that unlike Skylanders figures, Nintendo icons will also make nice collectables.

Blunder? They are already a raging sucess. Especially if they keep adding new games to them.

well activision wanted to partner with them for an exclusive deal, but nitendo had no interest

I'm pretty sure they'll do great. It's certainly not a blunder, that's for sure.

But, DLC across multiple games with 1 character is a reasonable enough reason for me to buy them, let alone them being collectible!  I have 2 (and soon 3) games that support them. If I get Link, I get a DLC weapon, Mii outfit and ability to train,customize and level up my Amiibo in smash in various ways.

Starfox could support them too.

I wouldn't say blunder, as the Nintendo faithful will buy them from the start, but they do seem underwhelming. I'd be surprised if they posed a real threat to Skylanders and Infinity.

Without a dedicated game to serve as a hub, they simply come across as non-essential DLC packs tied to a toy. Yes, they can be used across multiple games, but is the DLC really worth the cost? Unless someone really wants the toy, will the DLC drive people to buy it?

Seems to me this is more to pull more money from those who buy everything Nintendo produces than it is to gain new customers.

I still don't know why they didn't release a game dedicated to them prior the Amiibo release date... Only reason why I can think of is for 2 reasons... 1) They wanted to attract a larger audience other than just kids and 2) They didn't want consumers to think it's just dedicated to one game (Like Skylander's is dedicated only to their games), rather it's for ALL your Nintendo games that feature that character...

I already reserved 2 (Link and Luigi) and I plan to get Ike when he comes out and Samus when they release a Metroid game....

I don't see them being a big blunder though, these toys still sell like hotcakes and it's pretty beneficial for Wii U and 3DS owners...

as long as you buy more of their stuff (first party games)

Well, thats really the only reason why anyone even buys a Nintendo console these days or even in the past really, so yea. But Nintendo did also say that they are working with third party developers (who ever is left lawl) to integrate amiibo into their games as well! So maybe games like Monster Hunter and Youkai watch might have amiibo integration as well

Indeed. It's like buying DLC one time and getting it for every game on the system. Also you get a beautiful figurine. And while there's no Amiibo game right now, you bet your ass there will be one eventually, in the Wii U's lifetime. There will probably be a 3DS version of it as well, to help sell the New 3DS, since that comes with the NFC reader built in. They might even make separate Amiibo games for Wii U and 3DS, or semi separate games with unique features like with Smash.