Rumor Mill: Super Smash Bros. Wii U Will Use NFC Figurines

Nintendo of France’s managing director Stephen Bole recently stated that Super Smash Bros. Wii U will utilize Nintendo’s freshly announced NFC figurines, but Nintendo UK was quick to try and discredit his statement.

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Speaking to the French site Le Fargo, Bole blatantly stated that the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. will use NFC figurines and E3 is the perfect opportunity to show this off. These are his official words according to Google Translate:

“E3 is also an opportunity to show the use of NFC technology in Nintendo consoles. The NFC will be used in the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros.”

Shortly after Bole’s announcement, Nintendo UK released this statement:

“On 8th May 2014, Mr Iwata announced the decision for Nintendo to release character figurines with built-in NFC functionality that are compatible with video games starting from this year-end sales season.There has, however, not been any specific announcements regarding which software titles for Nintendo platforms will use this functionality. We have no other announcements to make at this time.”

This very matter-of-fact statement doesn’t even attempt to deny the claim. It simply states that no official announcements have been made, which to be totally fair, is quite true. Given the several month difference in releases between the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game, this would absolutely make sense, especially if they are planning a pre-Christmas release. Why not release your biggest game of the year with collectible figurines to go along with it just in time for the holidays?

Many fans speculate that players will be able to save custom move sets to their NFC figurines and take them to a friend’s house for quick access. This also suggests the possibility of further customization, such as clothing and accessories for your favorite characters. Would small details like these make it worth the likely $5-$10 purchase for individuals figurines? The possibilities for the NFC technology are fantastic, but we really need to see some features worthy of the investment before we decide to hop aboard the hype train. My time spent with Pokemon Rumble U proves that NFC can offer a fun way to expand your game, but Nintendo still needs to convince consumers this is the “definitive” way to play their games before they can expect significant sales numbers.

What are your thoughts on NFC figurines? Would you be likely to purchase individual characters?

Miles Dompier is the chief editor and founder of What’s Your Tag?. He is a Seattle native who recently moved to the sweltering heat of Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a composer/voice actor. When he’s not up writing until his eyes bleed, he likes to play a Prince level of instruments and listen to terrible death metal. Follow his shenanigans on Twitter and be sure to join our gaming community; TEAM XBRO.