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The Nintendo amiibo we’re still waiting for
These are the treasured Ninty characters still waiting to get the toy treatment.
Nintendo character amiibo figures.
© Nintendo
While most of the most recognisable faces – Mario, Peach and others – are already well represented on shelves, there are still a few classic Nintendo characters and franchises which haven't been immortalised in plastic yet. Below are the ten amiibo we demand to see sooner rather than later. Take note, Nintendo – our wallets are ready.
Tingle (The Legend of Zelda)
Groose (The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword)
At the start of Skyward Sword, Groose is little more than a cowardly bully who pushes Link around to make himself feel important, but part-way through the adventure he sees the error of his ways and transforms into a valuable ally. Groose's touching change of heart and goofy appearance means that he's something of a fan favourite with Zelda lovers, but Nintendo has been curiously reluctant to give him another shot at fame. A bold and brash amiibo representation would be the ideal way to redress the balance.
Slippy Toad (Star Fox)
Slippy Toad is a whizz with a spanner but pretty useless in the cockpit of an Arwing – you'd think that Fox McCloud would know to leave him at home rather than invite him along to do battle with the forces of Andross. He's constantly getting into bother, forcing Fox and his team to step in and save him on multiple occasions throughout the Star Fox series. Despite his ineptitude in combat, Slippy is one of the most popular Star Fox pilots and would make the ideal amiibo accompaniment to the forthcoming Star Fox Zero, which takes off on Wii U later this year – fingers crossed stock does a barrel roll down to the shops soon.
Birdo (Super Mario Bros. 2)
One of the most disturbing characters in Nintendo's back catalogue, Birdo made her first appearance in Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES. Over the years there has been much talk about Birdo's gender. Nintendo did at one point officially state that the bow wearing 'she' was in fact a 'he', despite the fact that Birdo can quite clearly lay eggs out of its gaping nose-mouth-maw cavity, but has since gone back on this.
Professor Layton (Professor Layton series)
Rarely seen without his trademark top hat, and expertly aided by his loyal assistant Luke, Professor Layton has starred in a series of acclaimed brain-teasing puzzle titles over the years. Equipped with a sharp eye and surprisingly handy in a tight spot, Layton would make a popular amiibo release – largely because his adventuring days appear to be behind him, as developer Level 5 has 'retired' the professor from active duty. Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy was pitched as the final outing with Layton as the main character, so let's pay tribute to him properly with an NFC-packing figurine.
Federation Force Trooper (Metroid Prime:Federation Force)
The announcement of Metroid Prime: Federation Force at this year's E3 was something of a low-point for Nintendo fans, who have been demanding a 'proper' new Metroid for years. Cute, kiddy and distinctly lacking in Samus Aran, Federation Force has gotten plenty of hate over the past few weeks, so Nintendo desperately needs to win people over. Creating a truly amazing amiibo character for the game seems like the best bet, if you ask us.
Muddy Mole (Mole Mania)
9-Volt (WarioWare series)
Doshin the Giant (Doshin the Giant)
One of the most obscure titles in Nintendo history, Doshin the Giant originally began life on the Japan-only Nintendo 64DD system before crossing over to the GameCube, and getting an eventual European release in 2002. An early Nintendo take on the classic 'God Sim' genre, Doshin places you in the shoes of a giant who can help or hinder the population of an island. His evil alter-ego Jashin would also make a pretty cool amiibo, so this could be two for the price of one.
Ghost Bustin’ Luigi (Luigi’s Mansion)
Luigi already has two amiibo figures – his Super Smash Bros. outfit and his Super Mario one – but we'd love to see a figure which incorporates the iconic Poltergust 3000 from the beloved Luigi's Mansion series. This new amiibo could also showcase Luigi's almost permanently scared expression, making it different enough from his other figures to be worth another purchase.
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