Really good for Nintendo. I've never doubted the profitability of Amiibo, only that it wouldn't do anything to help out the Wii U's sales. Nintendo's whole merchandising area is severely under-served.

Nice.

And to everyone saying that amiibo needs a dedicated game to show its value, I disagree. I'm not saying that there won't be one, or that it won't help sales of amiibos and Wii Us.

BUT, for me, the value proposition of an amiibo is already good. I much prefer a collection of figures (doing Fire Emblem and Zelda, may grab Star Fox and Metroid ones too), that adds a little bit to multiple games, than one that is only utilised by one series.

That I can take Link, train him in Smash, get a costume in Mario Kart, get an item in Hyrule Warriors, and whatever else comes along, is preferable to me than a Skylanders style 'physical DLC' approach.

I know many people argue that it's still physical DLC, but the difference is (to me at least) none of the amiibos are currently being used in a way that makes them essential to the game, they are currently completely optional. And that, I think, is a big difference to how Skylanders and Disney Infinity work. An Infinity style game, would harm the optional element of the Amiibos. Unless it was a free download, or was £25 with 2 amiibos, or something.

And for those saying that it's a nice shot in the arm in terms of revenue, but that it won't increase sales; now I've seen that Marth etc are going to be added into Codename STEAM, I want to get the rest of the figures, and also Codename STEAM (I've a feeling that they will be scannable into the new Fire Emblem too). For people who've already bought into amiibos, it increases the value proposition of new software, whilst simultaneously increasing the value proposition of the amiibos themselves.

Well, those faces indicate that it is a crossover game. 

So, a Free to Play crossover exclusive to a Nintendo platform? 

Great numbers. I had no doubt they'd do well. I can imagine people buying them even if they don't have a wiiu or a 3ds. I may buy a pikachu at some point.

I've said that before and I'll say it again: I have no problem with a company copying ideas from another company. Sony could try to do it too, but I don't think it'd do that well. Ninty characters are more iconic. Anyway, great idea, Activision. Everyone expected Skylanders to flop big time and instead it became one of the most profitable franchise ever. Ninty with characters that people care for can easily make much more money.

I bet 99% of those that bought them don't even own a Wii U :^)

To be fair those Disney Infinity figures are pretty tempting.

That's impressive. I've only got Samus and Captain Falcon myself, I missed out on a Shulk pre-order because they went within seconds. I'm hoping to get hold of Ness and Duck Hunt Duo, but a little worried about getting my pre-order in...

Can't you also play it without a console? I thought there was one version that just plugged into your TV.