When Nintendo fans woke up on September 19, 2025, they were greeted with a flurry of news that sent collectors and gamers alike racing to their favorite retailers. The latest Nintendo Direct showcase had just wrapped, and with it came a surprise: a brand-new lineup of amiibo figures for both the original Nintendo Switch and the hotly anticipated Switch 2. For those who thought Nintendo had quietly retired its NFC-enabled collectibles, this announcement was a clear message—amiibo are back, bigger (and pricier) than ever, and they’re not to be missed.
According to ScorpioLikeYou and GamesRadar+, preorders for these new figures went live immediately after the Direct, with listings popping up at Best Buy, Amazon, and Nintendo’s own UK shop. There’s a little something for everyone: Metroid fans can snag new Samus and Sylux figures, Kirby devotees get adorable double-packs, and Mario enthusiasts will soon have a pair of stunning Super Mario Galaxy collectibles to add to their shelves. But as any seasoned collector knows, these figures don’t stick around for long—resellers are always ready to swoop in, and history suggests that waiting is a risky game.
Let’s break down the lineup. The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond series leads the charge, with three new amiibo. The centerpiece is the Samus & Vi-O-La figure, a dynamic piece featuring Samus riding her new, Akira-inspired bike. Priced at $39.99 in the US and £24.99 in the UK, it’s set to release on November 6, 2025. Alongside it, fans can pick up a classic Samus figure for $29.99 (US) or £16.99 (UK), also dropping November 6. Rounding out the trio is Sylux, a mysterious character whose amiibo will be available on December 4, 2025, for the same price as Samus. Nintendo, ever the tease, has kept the in-game unlocks for all three figures under wraps, leaving fans to speculate about their digital perks.
Kirby Air Riders, exclusive to the Switch 2, brings perhaps the cutest—and most expensive—amiibo to date. The Kirby & Warp Star and Bandana Waddle Dee & Winged Star sets each retail for $49.99 in the US and £33.99 in the UK, with a release date of November 20, 2025. These aren’t just charming display pieces; scanning them grants players a Figure Player that can be trained and leveled up in-game. If you own both, you can even swap who rides which machine, adding a fun layer of customization. As GamesRadar+ puts it, “The Kirby Air Riders amiibos are the priciest figures out of this entire list, but also arguably, the cutest too.”
Super Mario Galaxy fans will have to wait a bit longer. The Mario and Princess Rosalina amiibo are set for release on April 2, 2026, each priced at $39.99 (US) or £24.99 (UK). These aren’t just for show, either. In the Super Mario Galaxy Switch collection, tapping Mario unlocks a Life Mushroom, while Rosalina grants a 1-Up Mushroom—small but meaningful bonuses for players revisiting these classics. As noted by GamesRadar+, “Tapping Princess Rosalina will give you a 1-Up Mushroom in-game, but if you’re a fan of the Galaxy series, it will make for a gorgeous piece of standalone merch too.”
Compatibility is always a concern when new hardware enters the scene, but Nintendo has tried to keep things simple (well, mostly). The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Super Mario Galaxy amiibo will work on both the original Switch and Switch 2, ensuring that longtime fans aren’t left out in the cold. However, the Kirby Air Riders figures are strictly for Switch 2, and their unique content is locked to that platform. Still, as ScorpioLikeYou points out, “like most amiibo, you can scan them in multiple games across Nintendo hardware. Just remember: the specific bonuses listed above are tied to their own games.”
For those keeping an eye on their wallets, the rising prices are hard to ignore. The Kirby Air Riders sets, at $50 each, are the most expensive amiibo yet. Even the Mario and Rosalina figures, at $40 apiece, are pricier than the average. It’s a trend that’s been building, with Nintendo also raising prices on select first-party accessories earlier this year. The new Pro Controller now retails for $89, and Joy-Con 2 packs have jumped to $99, according to GameSpot. It’s clear that as the Switch 2 era dawns, Nintendo is betting that fans’ passion for collecting—and their willingness to pay—remains strong.
This wave of amiibo isn’t launching in a vacuum. The Nintendo Direct also confirmed a packed release schedule for both Switch consoles. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 lands on October 2, 2025, with a free upgrade for Switch 2 owners. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond arrives December 4. Between those dates, fans can look forward to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Kirby Air Riders, all priced at $70 for Switch 2 editions. The original Switch isn’t being left behind, with its own versions of Pokémon Legends and Metroid Prime 4 at $60 each. As GameSpot notes, “Nintendo has six big game launches in a two-month span starting with the Mario Galaxy collection on October 2 and ending with Metroid Prime 4 December 4.”
Retailers have wasted no time capitalizing on the excitement. Amazon, Best Buy, and Nintendo’s UK store all opened preorders for the new amiibo and games on September 19. The Switch 2 itself is now widely available, with bundles featuring Mario Kart World and Pokémon Legends: Z-A drawing plenty of attention. For those still hunting for official accessories, it’s a mixed bag—carrying cases and some controllers are already sold out, but third-party options remain.
Of course, with great demand comes the inevitable challenge of scalpers and resellers. As ScorpioLikeYou warns, “if history has taught us anything, it is better to lock these in before resellers get frisky.” The unique poses of the Mario and Rosalina figures make them especially tempting targets, and collectors hoping to avoid inflated aftermarket prices are advised to act quickly.
For Nintendo, this latest amiibo wave is more than just a cash grab—it’s a signal that the company is doubling down on the collectible craze that’s defined the Switch era. By tying exclusive in-game content and elaborate figure designs to both new and classic franchises, Nintendo is ensuring that fans old and new have plenty of reasons to stay engaged. Whether you’re a die-hard Metroid fan, a Kirby devotee, or just someone who loves a good display piece, this amiibo lineup offers something to get excited about.
With preorders live and release dates set through spring 2026, the race is on. For collectors, the message is clear: act fast, or risk missing out on what could become some of the most sought-after Nintendo collectibles yet.
