Nintnedo revealed their figuring project, known as amiibo, during their E3 digital event. It works similarly to Skylanders and Disney Infinity figures, where each figure comes with a special chip, recognized by the Wii U GamePad.
Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime annonced that when you touch amiibo to the GamePad, the character data gets downloaded into the game you’re playing, which then sends information back to the figure, which allows for new gameplay possibilities, such as leveling up the figures.
The first set of toys will be getting a release alongside Super Smash Bros. later in the year. In Smash Bros. for Wii U the figures will have their own unique stats and fighting style, and will also evolve as a fighter, as it develops its own attributes and skills.
According to Reggie, the amiibo figures will be released for other Nintendo games, such as Mario Kart 8, in addition to more to come.
More details on amiibo will be revealed soon.