amiibo carries into the Switch 2 lifecycle

Nintendo's collectible figures are not going anywhere. The 2026 amiibo wave shows the line continuing strongly into the Switch 2 era, with releases that add genuine novelty to the familiar NFC formula. This year's figures experiment with combining designs and, for the first time, articulation.

The wave spans several of Nintendo's biggest franchises, timed to key game releases and giving collectors reasons to keep an eye on preorders throughout the year.

The 2026 lineup

Three releases anchor the wave:

The Splatoon Raiders Series, arriving July 23, 2026, brings Frye, Shiver, and Big Man as a triple pack priced at $24.99. The Deep Cut trio combines at the base to form one large display piece.
The Kirby Air Riders Series, out July 2, 2026, offers a King Dedede and Tank Star two-pack at $54.99.
The Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Series adds Mineru's Construct on September 17, 2026, at $34.99, notable for articulated arms, a first among Nintendo's NFC figures.

Mineru's Construct works with Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, giving it functional value across multiple games.

Why the wave stands out

The combining Splatoon figures and the articulated Mineru show Nintendo pushing amiibo design forward rather than coasting on the format. A trio that physically assembles into a single display and a figure with poseable arms both offer something the flat, static amiibo of years past did not, which is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps a mature collectible line fresh.

For collectors, the wave is a reminder that amiibo remain a core part of Nintendo's hardware ecosystem even as the Switch 2 takes over. Reports of Mario Galaxy, Star Fox, and other figures circulated in late-2025 previews but were not confirmed in the verified 2026 release list, so those remain unconfirmed for now.

The confirmed trio, though, gives fans plenty to look forward to, blending nostalgia with the practical bonus of in-game functionality. As amiibo enters its second console generation, the 2026 wave suggests Nintendo still sees value in giving its figures new tricks.