A new video just went up on the Japanese Nintendo account, opening with a look back at the number of amiibo released so far and some of the titles they can be used with. The opening leads to a reveal of a new amiibo based game. This will be the seventh entry in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, titled Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge. On January 28th, the downloadable game will release for both the Wii U and 3DS. Most notably, it appears that it will be available as a free download for those who purchase an amiibo after that date via a special voucher given from retailers. A code for both versions will be provided on said voucher, continuing the cross-availability seen in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars.
The title will support amiibo variants of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Rosalina, Yoshi, Bowser and Bowser Jr. as playable characters. All other amiibo will function in the game, but not as playable characters.
Mini Mario will play similarly to previous Mario vs. Donkey Kong entries: the player navigates the character via touch screen to a goal. Over 60 levels will be available at launch and each character will come equipped with special abilities to help the character navigate each course. You can check out the official Japanese trailer below for gameplay footage.
Written by Ricky Berg
When he isn’t writing for Nintendo Wire, Ricky’s anticipating the next Kirby, Fire Emblem, or if the stars ever align, Mother 3 to be released. Till then he’ll have the warm comfort of Super Smash Bros. to keep him going.
