2016 is shaping up to be a big year for the Pokémon franchise, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.
Although Nintendo has not made any kind of statement regarding Amiibo in Pokkén Tournament, the game’s page on the Nintendo site tells us a bit of information. Of the two bullet points in the description, the second simply reads “compatible with all amiibo accessories unlocking in-game items.” However, although it appears as though all Amiibo will be supported, there is no indication of how essential Amiibo are to the full gameplay experience.
The game’s description also includes confirmation that the Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card comes with the first edition of Pokkén Tournament for Wii U. Those who get the download version of the game will not receive the card. The Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card has its own page which also includes an extra note: that without the card, Shadow Mewtwo is usually only unlocked in the game after “you fulfill certain conditions” though those conditions are not listed on the page. It’s worth noting that this version of the game comes with a Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card but not a figurine; Nintendo has yet to confirm whether there will be a Shadow Mewtwo figurine at any point or whether any of the other playable characters will receive Amiibo versions.
Pokkén Tournament, along with the Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card, will be released exclusively for the Wii U on March 18. Nintendo also has plans to release a special Pokkén Tournament-themed controller that emulates the arcade game version’s controller.