Remember that feeling of finding a rare collectible that actually meant something? That’s exactly what Nintendo is bringing back with their newly announced 2025-2026 amiibo lineup, and it’s not just another wave of figures—it’s a strategic shift that could redefine what these collectibles represent.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Super Mario Galaxy series amiibo confirmed for 2025 release
- Kirby Air Ride characters making their amiibo debut
- Surprise Resident Evil franchise inclusion
- Multiple unannounced franchises still under wraps
- Pre-order information expected in coming months
The Collector’s Dream Come True
Nintendo is finally listening to what collectors have been asking for: meaningful additions to their collections. The Super Mario Galaxy announcement alone represents a shift toward celebrating Nintendo’s most beloved gaming eras rather than just current releases.
What makes this different? These aren’t random character choices. Each franchise selection tells a story about Nintendo’s gaming legacy. According to The Verge’s technology coverage, Nintendo is strategically targeting both current players and nostalgic collectors with this expanded lineup approach.
The Kirby Air Ride inclusion is particularly telling. This GameCube cult classic has maintained a dedicated fanbase for nearly two decades without any sequels or significant merchandise. By giving these characters the amiibo treatment, Nintendo acknowledges that some games live on through their communities long after their initial release.
Why Retro Gaming Fans Should Pay Attention
If you’ve been holding onto your GameCube or Wii, this news hits differently. The Resident Evil amiibo inclusion marks the first time Nintendo has partnered with a major third-party horror franchise for these collectibles. This opens up possibilities we haven’t seen before.
Think about what this means for future collaborations. If Resident Evil characters can get amiibo treatment, what stops other iconic third-party franchises from joining? This could be the beginning of amiibo becoming a universal gaming collectible standard rather than just a Nintendo-first platform.
The timing is also significant. We’re entering what many call the “retro renaissance,” where gamers are increasingly valuing physical media and collectibles from specific gaming eras. As Nintendo’s investor reports have indicated, the company is paying closer attention to collector markets and secondary sales trends than ever before.
What This Means for Your Collection Strategy
If you’re serious about collecting, this announcement should change how you approach amiibo. The days of treating them as simple game enhancements are over. These new releases represent something more substantial: pieces of gaming history.
Here’s how smart collectors should approach this lineup:
- Prioritize the unexpected: The Resident Evil figures will likely become the rarest, given their departure from Nintendo’s typical family-friendly focus
- Watch for pre-order patterns: Nintendo has learned from past shortages and will likely stagger releases to manage demand
- Consider display value: These aren’t just functional items—they’re conversation pieces that represent specific gaming moments
The multiple unannounced franchises create an interesting dilemma. Should you save budget for surprises, or focus on the confirmed releases? My advice: start with what speaks to your personal gaming history, then leave room for unexpected additions.
The Business Behind the Collectibles
Nintendo isn’t just throwing darts at a character board. Each amiibo release represents careful market analysis and franchise strategy. The Super Mario Galaxy figures, for instance, arrive as rumors swirl about potential remasters or sequels in development.
This creates what collectors call the “anticipation premium”—where collectibles released alongside renewed franchise interest tend to appreciate faster. It’s the same phenomenon we saw with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom amiibo, which became instant grails for serious collectors.
The expanded 2025-2026 window also suggests Nintendo is moving toward more predictable release schedules rather than surprise drops. This benefits collectors who need to budget and plan their acquisitions rather than reacting to unexpected announcements.
The bottom line:
Nintendo’s 2025-2026 amiibo lineup represents a fundamental shift from supplementary gaming accessories to meaningful collectibles that celebrate gaming history. For collectors, this means prioritizing figures that resonate with your personal gaming journey while recognizing the investment potential of unexpected franchise crossovers.
Start setting aside your amiibo budget now—this could be the most significant collector-focused release wave we’ve seen since amiibo launched nearly a decade ago. The real value isn’t just in owning these figures, but in preserving the gaming moments they represent for future generations.
