Wait! These haven't been modded... yet.
Nintendo's answer to Skylanders and Disney Infinity, amiibo figures hit the market in November last year and have been going strong ever since. Compatible with various games for the Wii U and (new) Nintendo 3DS, these NFC-enabled toys were introduced to add some extra bonuses to games like Super Smash Brothers and to unlock extra storage space in the figurine's tag.
While intended to pave the way for future card games, the biggest hype right now focuses not on what they do - but on how they look. Custom amiibos have hit the craft market as hard as custom My Little Pony figures, and people are painting, sculpting, and refinishing these little figures into new works of art.
(source)
From the artist, omikujii:
"My personal Zelda Amiibo recolor. She has so many small details I’m fairly sure she took the longest to make so far. I also warmed up her hair because the color on the amiibo was a dreadful color (and had a strange amount of damage) I need to do a little bit more clean up on her, but goodness she took a toll on my eyes."
(source)
Not always just a straight repaint, many of these little figures are built up again by scratch. From the artist, chibisilverwings:
"The Lucas amiibo FINALLY done. Not an easy one for me, but I think probably one of my best human sculpts. I made his upper body, shirt, hands, arms, face, hair etc. and his right leg/shoe. The left shoe and shorts are from a Villager amiibo.This is the kind of customization we have been waiting for!!!"
(source)
From the artist:
"My personal Peach Amiibo painted in the red costume colors (aside from the pink frill, I liked it better as a white), like the Link one I used a mix of Acrylic and Enamel paints."
(source)
This was one of the better uses of enamel paints that I've seen on these figures, and next to the "chrome" editions, make up some of the most polished finished products out there.
The following trio of Kirby amiibos were all done by the same artist - appropriate considering the number of fancy hats this pink marshmallow can acquire in SSB.
(source)
While they may look like a next-level attempt to craft a complete set, these cuties were customs for an eBay listing and have since been sold.
(source)
And that's a shame. I have a personal affection for the minute details, and I am really digging this Samus visor.
(source)
One of the most impressive mods in this show is this custom child Link wielding a Master Sword many times bigger than him.
(source)
A completely remake of the vanilla adult Link, this one took 4 hours to finish... and unfortunately, is just not for sale.
(source)
Here's a comparison look at how he started out and how he ended up looking. Pretty damn impressive.
(source)
Some of the nicest-looking amiibo mods are the ones with the simplest changes, like this sculpted Link hat on our favorite pink poofball.
(source)
Taking some elements from SSB4, this tanuki Mario is subtle, and the additions almost look like they've always been there.
(source)
From the artist:
"Mario 64 was really magical, I remember the wing cap amazing me when I got it the first time. Flying is awesome."
(source)
This was not the first Light Suit Samus to pop up on the internet but it was one of the nicest-looking ones, and nicely photo-documented as well!
(source)
This Pikachu 2-star uniform by onicognito is chock-full of details - the tiny little sai absolutely kill me with cute.
(source)
From the artist, earlgreymartini:
"My second amiibo customisation is complete!
With how rare Marth apparently is, slapping a whole bunch of paint on it might make a few people seethe, whoops~
I didn’t want to so much recolour him as tweak the colours a bit, so the front panels of his tunic and his cape fade into purple, and the inside of the cape is a more vivid shade of fuchsia.
Marth’s model is known for having a rather… awkward face, so I took the time to give him some lips, some shading on the nose and some rose in his cheeks."
(source)
The details on this Daisy version of Princess Peach are to die for; a custom job from Richard, who referenced back to Melee for this brown-haired look.
(source)
Some customizations don't even have to be permanent. One crafty modder plushietoon made these adorable additions to her amiibos:
"Ok, finally got a proper start into “customizing” my current Amiibos!
…well it is more like making them mini clothes that are removable."
(source)
A fan favorite, Dark Link doesn't make a very long appearance in Ocarina of Time, but he's managed to continue cropping up in modded Link figures over the years.
(source)
This Fierce Deity version of Link also doesn't appear for very long, but when he does, it certainly makes a statement. Majora's a snap with this baby.
(source)
From the artist, chibisilverwings:
"I’ve learned never to stop myself when I’m on a roll. Here you have it! My first amiibo that’s actually MINE. Tough Cosplay Pikachu!"
(source)
It's not enough for DK to make it to the party, Cranky also manages to make an appearance (and looking pretty happy about it... for once).
(source)
While not exactly an amiibo, these epic custom wings on this Disney Infinity version of Maleficent make her fit right in.
(source)
While Captain Falcon may be known for his punches, this prettied-up version look likes he's ready to kick a soccer ball... daintily.
(source)
While hardly the definitive collection of all things modded amiibo, it's clear artists are taking well to an entirely new generation of toys to switch up - often for the better. It'll be interesting to see how business will boom when Nintendo really starts picking up the in-game uses for these babies.
(source)
And last but not least, check out this hilarious repaint to bring you DANKEY KANG - loaded for bear and eager to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.
(source)
