Amiibo Emulator Android: Amiibo is Nintendo’s popular line of character figurines that can interact with certain games on Nintendo platforms like the Switch, Wii U, and 3DS. By scanning an amiibo with your system’s NFC reader, you can unlock special in-game bonuses, items, or even characters in some games. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to actual amiibo figures which can be expensive or hard to find. This is where amiibo emulators for Android come in – they allow you to “scan” amiibo data files on your phone to mimic having the real figurine!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using amiibo emulators on your Android device, including:
- What are amiibo emulators and how they work on Android
- The best amiibo emulator apps for Android
- Where to find amiibo data files to scan
- How to use amiibo emulators for games like Super Smash Bros, Zelda, Mario Kart, and more
- Troubleshooting tips for common issues with amiibo emulators
So whether you want to unlock all the goodies from your favorite amiibo characters or simply try out these figures virtually, read on to transform your Android into the ultimate amiibo machine!
What Are Amiibo Emulators and How Do They Work on Android?
Amiibo emulators allow you to use “virtual” amiibo figures by scanning their data files. They work by storing the data from actual amiibo on your device, then using the NFC capabilities built into most modern Android phones to beam that data to your Switch, Wii U, or 3DS.
This tricks the console into thinking you’re scanning a real figure! The game reads the data and unlocks the same bonuses and features as if you had the physical amiibo.
On Android, most amiibo emulator apps use your phone’s internal NFC chip and antenna to communicate with game consoles. Some may also require an external NFC reader/writer accessory attached to your device if your phone lacks NFC support.
When setting up an amiibo emulator, you first need to source the data files containing info from real-world amiibo. Then the app stores them on your device so you can select/scan them whenever needed.
The Best Amiibo Emulator Apps for Android
There are a few decent options when it comes to amiibo emulator apps for Android. Here are some of the top choices:
TagMo – One of the most popular amiibo emulator apps, TagMo has a clean interface and wide compatibility with various Android devices. It can read/write amiibo dump files in multiple formats.
AmiiBomb – Made specifically for scanning amiibo on the Nintendo Switch, AmiiBomb has a nice Material Design UI and handy features like amiibo auto-scanning.
Joy-Con Droid – While designed mainly for Switch controller support, Joy-Con Droid also has integrated amiibo emulation. It’s handy for using amiibo during Switch local multiplayer.
AmiiScan – A simple but effective app for scanning amiibo files. AmiiScan has broad support for Android 5.0+ devices.
NFCRemote – Designed for reading/writing NFC tags in general, NFCRemote can also be used for amiibo emulation. It requires a separate NFC reader, however.
When choosing an app, make sure your device is compatible and that the app supports scanning the console you want to use (Switch vs Wii U for example). Also, look for one with an easy-to-use interface and reliable scanning capabilities.
Where to Find Amiibo Data Files
To use character data with an amiibo emulator, you need the actual data files from real amiibo figures. These can be found online if you search for “amiibo dumps” or “amiibo files”.
Popular sources include:
- /r/Amiibomb – A subreddit dedicated to amiibo data files. Users share dumps here.
- Amiibo Life – A website that hosts hundreds of high-quality amiibo dumps.
- NFC Bank – Another site hosting amiibo data files covering characters like Mario, Link, Splatoon, and more.
- AC Amiibo – For data files specifically related to Animal Crossing amiibo cards and figures.
The data can usually be downloaded as .bin or .json files representing info from an actual amiibo’s NFC chip. Be sure to only use reputable sources to avoid corrupted or malicious files.
How to Use Amiibo Emulators for Popular Games
Here are some quick tips for using amiibo emulators with various Nintendo games:
Super Smash Bros Ultimate – Scan character files to unlock FP/spirits or battle them as CPU fighters.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Scan files for unique weapons, armor, and materials from characters like the Guardian or Link.
Mario Kart 8 – Unlock themed Mii costumes and racing suits for characters.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Scan villager files to invite them or design files for special patterns.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses – Unlock rare/bonus items, weapons, songs, and units.
Splatoon 2 – Gain special in-game gear and clothing associated with specific amiibos.
Kirby Star Allies – Get bonus points, puzzle pieces, figures, and rare keychains.
Metroid Dread – Scan for missile and energy tanks, concept art, and Metroid/Samus figures.
Work your way through the game’s amiibo features menu to see available bonuses. The process for scanning is the same as using real figurines. Make sure to save after scanning so unlocks remain active.
Troubleshooting Common Amiibo Emulator Issues
Having trouble getting your amiibo emulator working properly? Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Update the app and phone OS to the latest versions for compatibility.
- Turn off battery optimization for the app if scans randomly fail.
- Try an external NFC reader if your phone lacks built-in support.
- Reboot the console and phone before trying again if scans fail consistently.
- Position the phone’s NFC antenna over the console’s reader during scans for better connectivity.
- Download files again if certain characters aren’t unlocking bonuses correctly.
- Adjust the phone case if it’s too thick for the NFC connection or blocking the antenna.
- Use TagMo or another app instead if your current choice has buggy scanning.
With some tweaking, you should be able to get consistent results from your amiibo emulator. This lets you enjoy all the unique extras unlocked by your favorite amiibo characters.
Conclusion:
Amiibo emulators for Android open up a whole new world of amiibo functionality if you don’t have the actual figures. Apps like TagMo make it easy to scan data files on your phone to simulate real collectibles. With the amiibo data sourced online from community sites, you can unlock cool bonuses in Switch, Wii U, and 3DS games. Give your favorite virtual amiibo a try and see all the extras they bring!
