Most of the attention devoted to Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has been focused on the latter, which makes sense as it is the new content. As the game gets closer to its release date, more details are emerging about Bowser's Fury. First, a few details about the story and gameplay for Bowser's Fury were revealed, and now there is information on how the Bowser and Bowser Jr. Amiibo will work in the game.
Nintendo announced that the Bowser and Bowser Jr. Amiibo would be restocked to coincide with the release of Super Mario 3D World. The company previously revealed some details about other Amiibo and how they will work in the game, with the Cat Mario Amiibo providing players with an invincible White Cat Mario power-up, while the Cat Peach Amiibo provides a random power-up for the player. When Nintendo revealed that information, it only alluded to the fact that other Amiibo were compatible, without saying what they did. Now, it turns out that the Bowser and Bowser Jr. Amiibo do something unique.
If players pick up the Bowser Amiibo and tap it in while playing Bowser's Fury, they will summon Fury Bowser, likely forcing an encounter with the King of Koopas. Using the Bowser Jr. Amiibo will set off a "shockwave attack," though just who is delivering the shockwave isn't immediately clear, it would make sense if it was Bowser Jr., as he does accompany the player in Bowser's Fury. These Amiibo don't have the same functionality in Super Mario 3D World, and will function like other regular Amiibo in that game.
With the addition of Bowser's Fury, players will have an entirely new world to explore, and while Nintendo has said Bowser's Fury isn't terribly long, it does appear to be a full experience. Adding in little touches like unique Amiibo functionality might not sway fans one way or the other, but it shows that Nintendo is thinking about ways to make the new content inviting. Allowing players to jump right into Bowser's Fury at launch is another good decision.
The push with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is definitely to get fans to the fun stuff right away, and with the addition of online co-op modes for 3D World and Bowser's Fury, there will be plenty for players to do right off the bat.
Nintendo is going all-in on the Mario 35th Anniversary celebrations, particularly around this release, with a new special edition for the Nintendo Switch using Mario's iconic color scheme. The new Switch variant releases on February 12, the same day as Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury drops. It will definitely be a busy day for Nintendo fans.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury will be available on Nintendo Switch on February 12.
Source: GameSpot