How to Make Your Own Amiibo Tags: A Beginner’s Cheat-Sheet (2023)
Amiibo cards are NFC tags that can be a perfect solution for gamers to access the information inside the toy amiibos easily. Purchasing individual amiibos may not always be budget-friendly. Also, most of the time, they can be limited in availability.
But here is some good news for you! Did you know you can create your own Amiibo cards at home? You can also tailor these cards according to your preferences.
If you are overwhelmed by making your own Amiibo cards, worry not!
We have curated a comprehensive step-by-step guide for DIY amiibo cards for you to enjoy a personalized and affordable gaming experience.
What is an amiibo?
Amiibos are game figures or toys that most gamers collect to unlock several features in a particular game. Most people are drawn to buying these because not only are they representations of their favorite game characters, but they are also functional.
These collectible cards are easy to make and allow players like you to unlock exclusive content and features in various games.
What is an Amiibo tag/card?
Before you start making your own Amiibo tag or card, knowing what these cards are is essential. Amiibo cards contain near-field communication chips commonly known as NFCs. These cards have data that can be recognized by consoles like Nintendo or Wii, allowing them to unlock unique content, characters, items, or features in compatible games.
One of the advantages of deciding to create your own Amiibo cards is the power of having control over your gaming preferences. The more personalized your cards are, the better they can cater to your gaming needs.
Step-by-step Process on Creating Your Amiibo Tags
Step 1: Gathering the Necessary Materials
To create your amiibo cards, you’ll need a few essential materials. These include:
- NFC Tags: These small chips store the Amiibo data and are embedded in the cards (preferably NTAG215).
- An Android phone with NFC capability
- Tagmo app and files
- Amiibo .bin files
- Cardstock or Thick Paper: This will be used as the base for your Amiibo cards.
- Printer: You’ll need a printer to print the card layout.
- Scissors or a Paper Cutter: These tools will cut the cards to the desired size.
- Clear Plastic Card Sleeves: These sleeves protect your Amiibo cards from wear and tear.
Step 2: Download an App for Writing the Spin Files
Some apps like Tagmo for Android phones or Amiiboss for iOS users will allow you to write the amiibo spin files into your NFC cards.
For iOS users:
Take your iPhone, open your camera app, and install the Amiboss application after downloading it to your phone.
For Android users:
The first step for Android users is to install Tagmo on your device. Though there are a lot of other writing software available, we will use Tagmo as a reference for an easy tutorial.
Step 3: Get the Key File
Take your NFC tag and find the key file for the particular Amiibo you want to mimic.
You can find keyfile data online through various sources, such as Amiibo trading communities or specialized websites.
For iOS users, you can also search in Google “amiibo bin 2021“; ensure that you will be directed to a Google Drive page. Find the file with the “key_retail.bin” name and hit the download button.
For Android users, go to unfixed-info.bin or locked-secret.bin. Then, download these files to your Android device.
Once you’ve obtained the Amiibo data, you can return to whatever application you use.
Step 4: Writing the Data onto NFC Tags
To transfer the Amiibo data onto NFC tags, you’ll need an NFC writer/reader. This is where the Amiiboss and TagMo come in. Here are the specific steps that you will follow depending on what writer app you are using.
For AmiiBoss users:
Open your Amiiboss app. Click the ‘Import Keyfile’ button located in the dashboard. Then, you will be redirected to your phone’s files. Find your recently downloaded ‘key_retail.bin’ key file and click to import.
To know whether or not you have successfully transferred the data to the AmiiBoss app, make sure to have a notification flashed on your screen that looks like this:
Go back to the “amiibo bin 2021” Google Drive to choose your desired mailbox. Then, hit download.
Once it is downloaded, go back to the application. Next, click the “Ready to Write” button. You will see that it will direct you to a page wherein you will add packages. Click the name of the amiibo that you recently downloaded.
Click the “Write” button. After that, a ‘Ready to Scan’ pop-up will flash on your screen. Grab your NFC tag and hold your iOS device near it.
Note that there might be times when you need to do this process a couple of times for your package to be written to your sticker.
Hack: Hold your sticker close to the back of your iPhone but not directly enough to touch the surface. You may move the sticker around the area if you are getting errors in the writing process.
For TagMo users:
Open your TagMo app. Go to ‘Settings’. Find and click the ‘Import Key’ button at the upper left side of the screen. Then, you will be redirected to your phone’s files. Find your recently downloaded ‘unfixed-info.bin / locked-secret.bin’ key file to import.
After importing, go to the NFC bank to get your Amiibo files. You can find a lot of links here, depending on your liking.
Click on the amiibo you want to download, and from there, you will see the file information, including the author, category, and the total downloads it already has. Find the ‘Download All Files’ button and click.
Go back to TagMo. Usually, the application will immediately read your recently downloaded link. If not, you can upload it to the app manually.
Open your link, and ready your NFC tag. Hit the ‘Write Tag’ in the application and place the NFC Tag under your device. And voila! Your NFC tag is now dedicated to whatever game link you have written into it.
Step 5: Designing and Printing the Card Layout
Designing the card layout is an exciting part of the process, as it allows you to personalize your Amiibo cards. You can use graphic design software or online templates to create the card layout. Include the character’s image, name, and any additional information you want to display on the front and back of the card. Once the design is complete, print it on cardstock or thick paper.
If you want to have something linked to the real amiibo toys, you can also buy an ordinary action figure of your Amiibo link and stick the NFC sticker at the bottom.
Step 6: Assembling Your Amiibo Cards
Now that you have printed your card layouts, it’s time to assemble your Amiibo cards. Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out the individual cards. Be sure to trim them precisely to achieve a professional look. Once you have cut out all the cards, slide each one into a clear plastic card sleeve for added protection.
Step 7: Testing and Using Your Homemade Amiibo Cards
Before testing your homemade Amiibo cards on your Nintendo console, ensure that your console is compatible with Amiibo functionality. To use the cards, gently tap or place the NFC tag on the console’s designated NFC touchpoint. Follow the instructions provided by the game to unlock the associated content, characters, items, or features.
Step 8: Tips for Maintaining and Expanding Your Collection
To maintain your amiibo card collection, store them in a cool and dry place to prevent damage. Avoid exposing the cards to direct sunlight or excessive moisture. Additionally, consider creating backups of your Amiibo data and storing them securely. To expand your collection, you can continue exploring Amiibo trading communities and websites or create new designs for your unique characters.
Benefits of Making Your Own Amiibo Cards
Some may ask, “Why make your own amiibo when the end product is just a piece of paper rather than an interesting collectible figure?”
To answer that question, here are some of the advantages of making your amiibo from scratch:
Availability
Some amiibos are incredibly difficult to find. And, most of the time, these unavailable amiibos in the market may unlock really cool features in your game. For instance, the Ocarina of Time amiibo has the power to open awesome gear.
However, due to its limited stock out there, many players may need to obtain the unique gear for their game. But, if you know how to mimic this amiibo using your NFC chip, you can enjoy whatever the link gives you for your game.
Cost-Effective Solution
One of the primary advantages of DIYing an NFC Amiibo card is its cost-effectiveness. You will save tons of money when you decide to switch to this process. As mentioned in this guide, official Amiibo cards may often be pricey, especially when your game requires you to collect many characters.
With your own Amiibo cards with you, you can enjoy fantastic gaming perks and opportunities and enjoy a whole Amiibo experience without breaking the bank.
Convenience and Portability
While it is exciting and pleasant to watch your wide range of action figures lined up on your shelf, carrying them all at once may only sometimes be convenient. If you are a type of gamer competing in different locations, having to bring all your needed Amiibo toys is inefficient.
Another benefit of creating your own NFC Amiibo cards is their convenience and portability.
Instead of carrying an extensive collection of physical figures, you can store a vast library of characters on your NFC-enabled device or cardholder.
Expanding Your Collection
The official Amiibo card lineup, while impressive, may include only some characters or variations you desire.
Making your own NFC Amiibo cards enables you to expand your collection to include characters that are unavailable in official releases.
You need a little research and the right tools at your disposal. Through this, you can unlock access to a broader range of characters, variations, and even fan-made designs. It adds versatility and exclusivity to your gaming collection, enhancing your gaming experience.
Sharing the Experience
Creating your own NFC Amiibo cards has so many advantages! Not only do you enjoy them yourself, but it’s also an extraordinary chance to spread the joy of the Amiibo experience to others. You can create custom cards as gifts for friends or engage in trading with fellow collectors.
This communal aspect fosters a sense of camaraderie and adds a social dimension to the Amiibo card phenomenon.
Key Takeaways
By following this comprehensive guide, you can create your own Amiibo cards and unlock a world of personalized gaming experiences.
Making your Amiibo cards provides a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing individual cards while allowing you to customize your collection according to your preferences.
Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting unique designs and discovering new content as you dive into the world of Amiibo customization. Start creating, and let your imagination soar!
FAQs
- Q: Can I rewrite my Amiibo tags?
A: Yes, most Amiibo tags can be rewritten multiple times. However, it’s important to note that rewriting the tag will erase and replace the existing data with the new data you’re programming. Make sure to back up any important data before rewriting an Amiibo tag.
- Q: Why is my amiiboss folder not showing up in iOS Folders?
A: There could be a few reasons why the amiiboss folder is not showing up in iOS Folders. Firstly, ensure that you have installed the amiiboss app correctly and have given it the necessary permissions to access files.
If the folder still doesn’t appear, try turning off and on your device or restarting your device a couple of times. If the issue persists, it’s recommended to contact the Amiiboss support team for further assistance.
- Q: Can I just allow my phone to tap Amiibos into my gaming console?
A: It depends on the capabilities of your phone and the gaming console you’re using. Some smartphones have built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities that allow you to tap Amiibo tags directly onto your phone and use them with compatible games.
However, not all gaming consoles support NFC functionality. So, checking if your console is compatible before attempting to use your phone as an NFC writer/reader for Amiibos is essential.
Additionally, specific apps or software may be required to enable this functionality, so research and follow the steps for your particular phone and console combination.