Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge
| Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Official English logo For alternate box art, see therelated gallery. | |||||||||
| Developer | Nintendo Software Technology Corporation | ||||||||
| Publisher | Nintendo | ||||||||
| Platforms | Wii U Nintendo 3DS | ||||||||
| Release dates |  January 28, 2016[?] March 25, 2016 (early access)[?] April 28, 2016[?] April 28, 2016[?] April 29, 2016[?] May 2, 2016 (My Nintendo)[?] | ||||||||
| Languages | English (United States) English (United Kingdom) Japanese French (Canada) French (Europe) German Italian Spanish (Latin America) Spanish (Europe) | ||||||||
| Genre | Puzzle | ||||||||
| Ratings |
| ||||||||
| Mode | Single-player | ||||||||
| Format | Wii U:  Digital downloadNintendo 3DS: Digital download | ||||||||
| Input | Wii U: Nintendo 3DS: | ||||||||
| Serial codes | Nintendo 3DS: CTR-KPCJ-JPN Wii U: WUP-AP5J-JPN | ||||||||
- Everyone
- All ages
- Three years and older
- General
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge is a downloadable game for theWii U andNintendo 3DS systems. It was released in Japan on January 28, 2016, and was released in April 2016 internationally, making it the first installment in theMario vs. Donkey Kong series to not be released in North America first. In the United States, it was available for early access between March 25, 2016 and April 27, 2016, with the purchase of anyamiibo figure at Amazon, Best Buy, or GameStop. It is the seventh installment in theMario vs. Donkey Kong series and the first to feature amiibo support.[1] New toys are featured in the game, such asMini Rosalina,Mini Bowser,Mini Bowser Jr.,Mini Yoshi,Mini Diddy Kong, andMini Spek, while returning toys includeMini Mario,Mini Luigi,Mini Donkey Kong,Mini Peach, andMini Toad. The Wii U version of this title requires 318.6 MB to be installed, and the 3DS version requires 2,338 blocks (299.2 MB). However, the game was later removed from the Wii U and 3DS eShop services after their discontinuation on March 27, 2023, making it no longer possible for players to purchase the game, but players who purchased the title before this date can still play it as long as any version is on their Wii U device, their 3DS device, or both.
Gameplay[edit]
The main game is largely similar to previous installments in the series, in that the player controls a Mini Toy trying to reach the end of the stage. By scanning a compatibleSuper Mario franchise-related amiibo, the player can receive the corresponding toy to play as, while the Mini Spek is received by scanning any other amiibo. Each Mini Toy (with the exception of the Mini Spek) has a special ability that allows it to clear stages easier. At the end of each stage, players are given a score based on their performance, and by clearing it with a high enough score, the player earns a Gold Trophy for that stage. Instead of a regular level selection screen like in previous games, the player now navigates aNew Super Mario Bros.-styled map with the chosen Mini figure. Another difference is that the player only has to guide a single Mini to the end of each stage, unlike in other games where multiple had to be managed in order to complete a level.
Within certain main stages areamiibo Doors, which can only be accessed by the corresponding character on the door and unlock special stages themed around that character. Some stages also featureamiibo Tokens, which do not work in any other game and can only be obtained by using the abilities of the amiibo on the token.
The sound is in stereo, with no support for 5.1 surround in the Wii U version.
Characters[edit]
Mini Toys[edit]
Unlike in previous games, each of the Mini Toys have their own unique special abilities corresponding to them.
| Character | Compatible amiibo | Ability |
|---|---|---|
 Mini Mario |          | Wall Jump:Jump off a wall upon moving close to one. |
 Mini Donkey Kong |      | Quick Climb:Climb up steep slopes. |
 Mini Peach |     | Floating Jump:Float over narrow gaps in the ground. |
 Mini Toad |  | Small Crawl:Duck and pass through small openings. |
 Mini Luigi |   | High Jump:Jump higher than other Mini Toys. |
 Mini Bowser (new) |      | Bowser Bomb:If Mini Bowser falls from a cliff, he will stomp the ground, destroying any rocks in the way. |
 Mini Rosalina (new) |   | Lunar Launch:Perform an exceptionally high jump next to high walls. |
 Mini Yoshi (new) |    | Eat Enemies:Eat small enemies. |
 Mini Diddy Kong (new) |   | Ledge Grab:If Mini Diddy Kong walks off a cliff, he will grab on to the ledge, instead of falling, and pull himself back up to safety. This won't work with ledges that are the same height as the fall. |
 Mini Bowser Jr. (new) |  | Spike Guard:Travel over spikes without getting hurt |
 Mini Spek (new) | Any figure besides those shown above. amiibo cards are unsupported. | None:Mini Spek does not have a special ability. |
Enemies[edit]
Worlds[edit]
In addition to the main stages in the game, there are also worlds themed around each character toy that can be unlocked by clearing certain stages via anamiibo Door, which can only be accessed by using the amiibo that corresponds with the character's icon shown on it.[2]
 | Main Main Levels These levels are meant to introduce the player to a new concept and are seen before the character-exclusive worlds. Levels Level 1 •Level 2 •Level 3 •Level 4 •Level 5 •Level 6 •Level 7 •Level 8 •Level 9 •Level 10 •Level 11 •Level 12 |
 | World 1 Barrel Blast Jungle Mini Donkey Kong's world, based onDonkey Kong Country Returns, withDK's treehouse featured in the background. Its main mechanic isBarrel Cannons. The music that plays is an arrangement of "DK Island Swing" fromDonkey Kong Country. Levels Donkey Kong 1 •Donkey Kong 2 •Donkey Kong 3 •Donkey Kong 4 |
 | World 2 Mine Cart Cove Mini Diddy Kong's world, based on the ruins levels fromDonkey Kong Country Returns. Its main mechanic isMine Carts. The music that plays is an arrangement of "Bonus Room Blitz" fromDonkey Kong Country. Levels Diddy Kong 1 •Diddy Kong 2 •Diddy Kong 3 •Diddy Kong 4 |
 | World 3 Egg Launch Land Mini Yoshi's world, based onYoshi's Woolly World. Its main mechanic isEgg Launchers that Mini Yoshi can ride in and can ricochet off walls after launching them. The music that plays is an arrangement of "Flower Field BGM" fromSuper Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. Levels Yoshi 1 •Yoshi 2 •Yoshi 3 •Yoshi 4 |
 | World 4 Boost Pad Bonanza Mini Mario's world, based onNew Super Mario Bros. Wii'sWorld 1. Its main mechanic isBoost Pads. The music that plays is the same arrangement of "Ground BGM" fromSuper Mario Bros. 2 heard in previous installments. Levels Mario 1 •Mario 2 •Mario 3 •Mario 4 |
 | World 5 Balloon Float Castle Mini Peach's world, wherePeach's Castle can be seen in the background. Its main mechanic isballoons that fly in the direction of the arrow once Mini Peach grabs onto one. The music that plays is an arrangement of "Peach's Castle" fromSuper Mario 64. Levels Peach 1 •Peach 2 •Peach 3 •Peach 4 |
 | World 6 Mushroom Hills Mini Toad's world. The main mechanic of these stages isBouncy Mushrooms that can be used to bounce the Mini Toy. The music that plays isWinding Ravine's music from theprevious game. Levels Toad 1 •Toad 2 •Toad 3 •Toad 4 |
 | World 7 Moonlight Mansion Mini Luigi's world, based on theLuigi's Mansion (series) games, with theGloomy Manor fromLuigi's Mansion: Dark Moon featured in the background. Its main mechanic iscandles that can be removed and placed in different spots to stun the Boos and reveal hidden blocks that can be passed through without a torch, but cannot be passed through with one. The music that plays is an arrangement of "Title Theme (Humming)" fromLuigi's Mansion. Levels Luigi 1 •Luigi 2 •Luigi 3 •Luigi 4 |
 | World 8 Air Tumble Rumble Mini Bowser Jr.'s world, which is based on thisNew Super Mario Bros. Wii's airship levels. The main gimmick isAir Fans that push the player across gaps, which alternate between turning on and off by tapping them. The music that plays is a cover ofBowser Jr.'s battle theme inNew Super Mario Bros. Wii. Levels Bowser Jr. 1 •Bowser Jr. 2 •Bowser Jr. 3 •Bowser Jr. 4 Mini Bowser Jr.'s levels are as well, and use an arrangement of Bowser Jr.'s battle theme as the background music. |
 | World 9 Fire Ride Fortress Mini Bowser's world, based onBowser's Castle. Its main mechanic isFire Blocks. The music that plays is an arrangement of "Bowser's Theme" fromSuper Mario 64. Levels Bowser 1 •Bowser 2 •Bowser 3 •Bowser 4 |
 | World 10 Gravity Galaxy Mini Rosalina's world, a space-themed world, with theComet Observatory in the background. The music that plays is an arrangement of both "Rosalina in the Observatory" and "Luma" fromSuper Mario Galaxy. The main mechanic of this world isGravity Wells. Levels Rosalina 1 •Rosalina 2 •Rosalina 3 •Rosalina 4 |
 | World 11 Star World The final world, unlocked after clearing all of the main stages. Its world map theme is an arrangement of "Star World (Map Screen)" fromSuper Mario World. Stages in this world can only be unlocked by collecting amiibo Tokens. Both songs featured in the levels are arrangements of "Athletic BGM" fromSuper Mario Bros. 3 and "Invincibility BGM" fromSuper Mario Bros., the latter of which is also used as the theme ofShimmering Gold Palace from theprevious game. Levels Star 1 •Star 2 •Star 3 •Star 4 •Star 5 •Star 6 •Star 7 •Star 8 •Star 9 •Star 10 •Star 11 |
Objects[edit]
Many of the items and objects fromMario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars return in this game. Players can collectcoins to increase their score, useHammers to defeat or stun most enemies excluding Boos and Thwomps, useRed Girders andPink Blocks to adjust the path of the Mini Toy, and so on. New to the game are amiibo Tokens and amiibo Doors, both tied to the diversity of Mini Toys in the game. amiibo Tokens each depict a specific Mini Toy, and can only be collected using the special ability of that Mini Toy. They are used to unlock levels in the final world of the game, the Star World. Similarly, amiibo Doors are alternate versions of theGoal Door that depict a Mini Toy and can only be reached using the special ability of that Mini Toy. amiibo doors replace Goal Doors in most stages, but in the game's main levels, they serve as an alternate exit that unlocks the world of the Mini Toy.
- Coins
- Hammer
- Girder
- Red Girder
- Long Spring
- Movable Pipe
- Pink Block
- Color Switch
- Color Block
- Goal Door
- Rock
- Spikes
- Split Pipe
- Cannon Kong
- Circus Kong
- amiibo Token
- Golden amiibo Token
- amiibo Door
- Invisible block
Contraptions[edit]
Each of the worlds that requires a specific Mini Toy to access features one primary new object, which are referred to as contraptions.[3][4] There are ten worlds that are only accessible with a specific Mini Toy, and therefore ten contraptions. The only mechanical connection linking the contraptions is that the player can tap all of them to some effect, though six of them additionally represent this interaction option with a button. Contraptions are often thematically linked to the Mini Toy that unlocks the world they first appear in but are always thematically linked to that world. All of these objects, except for the Balloon and the Egg Launcher, appear in the Star World's levels later in the game.
- Barrel Cannon in Barrel Blast Jungle
- Mine Cart in Mine Cart Cove
- Egg Launcher in Egg Launch Land
- Boost Pad in Boost Pad Bonanza
- Balloon in Balloon Float Castle
- Bouncy Mushroom in Mushroom Hills
- Candle in Moonlight Mansion
- Air Fan in Air Tumble Rumble
- Fire Block in Fire Ride Fortress
- Gravity Well in Gravity Galaxy
Help menu[edit]
The player can open a help menu by tapping on a question mark icon at the bottom right of the map screen. The help menu serves the same purpose as theHelp Mode from previous installments, in that the player can use it to view tips related to gameplay. In addition, the player can access a sequence with the game's credits.
In the 3DS version of the game, the bottom screen numbers each of the tips and provides a name for each. Compared to the Wii U version, in the 3DS version the equal signs and the arrows shown in various tips are of a dark shade of blue instead of white, the "Scrolling" tip shows a 3DS instead of a Wii U Gamepad, with the picture of the level even differentiating slightly, and the "Tap to Run" tip shows a 3DS stylus instead of the Wii U stylus. The fourth tip in the Wii U version showing that the Mini Toy can be swapped by scanning another amiibo is not in the 3DS version, though its description is merged into the one of the following tip, which is the fifth tip in the Wii U version, but tip 4 in the 3DS version. This means that the Wii U version has 9 tips while the 3DS version has 8.
The table below lists all tips offered in the help menu, along with the pictures that accompany them in-game. These tips also appear in this order on loading screens in the Wii U version. The 3DS version has no loading screens, so the tips can only be seen through its menu in the map screen.
| Picture | Tip |
|---|---|
Gold Trophy | Collect all the coins and reach the door quickly to earn a Gold Trophy. |
Resources | Objects like Red Girders use up resources when they are placed. Gain resources back by picking objects back up. British English version:Placing objects uses resources. Gain resources back by retrieving objects. |
Scrolling | On large levels, use the Left Stick or Right Stick to look around. 3DS version:On large levels, use the Circle Pad or C Stick to look around. |
 | You can swap Mini Toys while playing a level or from the level map by touching an amiibo to on the Wii U GamePad.(Not present in the 3DS version) |
amiibo Swap Screen | You can see a demonstration of each Mini Toy's special power from the amiibo swap screen. 3DS version:You can see a demonstration of each Mini Toy's special power and swap amiibo on the amiibo swap screen. |
amiibo Tokens | Collect amiibo Tokens using the Mini Toy's power to unlock levels in the Star World. |
Gold amiibo Tokens | Collect a Gold amiibo Token to earn five amiibo Tokens! 3DS version:Collecting a Gold amiibo Token will net you five amiibo Tokens! |
Tap to Run | Tap a Mini Toy to give it a brief burst of speed. British English version:Touch a Mini Toy to give it a brief burst of speed. |
Pipe Direction | You will exit a vertical Pipe walking the same direction you were when you entered. |
References to other games[edit]
- Like in past games, thehammer appears, with the classic theme music.
- Mini Luigi and Mini Peach's abilities originated in this game.
- Mini Bowser's ability originated in this game.
- Mini Yoshi's ability originated in this game.
- Mini Mario's ability originated in this game.
- TheWarp Pipe sound is the same as in this game.
- The music that plays in the main night-themedlevels (Level 7 and onward) is a variation of the music ofArea 3-DK from this game.
Nintendo 3DS eShop description[edit]
- American English version
Make minis march like never before in this free download. Tap an amiibo™ figure to guide 1 of 11 minis across more than 50 levels. Use minis and their unique abilities, like Yoshi™ who can eat enemies or Rosalina who launches to high places, to reach the exit. But watch out! Mine carts, ghostly Boos and other new obstacles lurk around every corner.To get started, simply tap any compatible amiibo figure. Or, by tapping specific amiibo figures, you can guide minis that have their own unique abilities and exclusive set of levels. These specially designed, character-themed levels include their own look, remixed music and obstacles for you to master, which comes in handy the more you play. Earn in-game amiibo tokens with different minis to unlock even more difficult challenges.
- British English version
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge is based on the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. Enjoy this fast-paced puzzle game where you can manipulate the environment with the Touch Screen to safely guide your character past various environmental hazards and enemies to the level exit.If you have an amiibo (sold separately), you can play ingenious puzzles that require super-quick wits and fast reflexes to beat. Your aim is to guide the clockwork Mini Toys towards the Goal Door in each stage, using the Nintendo 3DS Touch Screen to position all sorts of items, such as Girders, lifts and springs to help them on their way. Mini Toys will keep on moving automatically, so plan the safest route possible and use every tool at your disposal to stop them from falling into traps - or into the clutches of enemies!
Promotion[edit]
ThePlay Nintendo website features askill quiz on the subject ofMini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge.
Reception[edit]
| Reviews | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release | Reviewer, Publication | Score | Comment |
| Wii U | Shanker Varma,Cubed3 | 8/10 | "Anyone with an amiibo should download this to try it out, especially if he or she enjoys puzzle games and/orMario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars. Everything has been created with the same care that is found in other Nintendo titles and each of the abilities gives their collectible counterparts probably their best use yet. The mission to get gold trophies means that even the most hardened gamers will find a challenge, while those looking for a more relaxing time can complete each stage at their own pace. This makes it accessible to a range of people, as skill isn't an immediate barrier to enjoyment. The only real barrier is the cost of amiibo, but it could be enough to tip those who were interested in buying one over the edge. Anyone who already has a sizeable collection is sure to relish the extra content that is now available for no additional charge." |
| Wii U | Thomas Whitehead,Nintendo Life | 7/10 | "As a free app that provides an incentive to explore amiibo, Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge is a good effort. It offers a nice taster for those with non-Mario-themed toys, with 12 levels to tackle, and adds enjoyable twists and extra content for those with the correct figures. It's a fun if not premium experience, with some rather uninspired level designs mixed in with moments of greater quality - for amiibo fans it's well worth a look." |
| Aggregators | |||
| Compiler | Platform / Score | ||
| GameRankings | 70.00% | ||
Gallery[edit]
- For this subject's image gallery, seeGallery:Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge.
Multimedia[edit]
- For the complete list of media files for this subject, seeMultimedia:Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge.
Title screenStaff[edit]
- Main article:List of Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge staff
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ミニマリオ Mini Mario ando Furenzu Amiibo Charenji | Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge |
References[edit]
- ^GameXplain (January 12, 2016).Nintendo just announced Mario & Donkey Kong: amiibo Challenge for the Wii U eshop! http://fb.me/5BtcaKBH7.X (English). Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^NintenDaan (January 30, 2016).[Mini Mario & Friends: aC] Wii U First Look.YouTube. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
- ^Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge Items.Play Nintendo. Retrieved 25 July 2025. (Archived March 24, 2025, 02:37:26 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
- ^"Using objects and contraptions, you'll guide each one through its level to the goal as it walks continually along the path!" – 2016.Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge North American Wii U digital instruction manual.Nintendo (English). Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^Nintendo (January 13, 2016).ミニマリオ ＆ フレンズ amiiboチャレンジ｜任天堂 http://nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/ap5j/index.html. English. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
External links[edit]
 | The Cutting Room Floor has an article onMini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge. |
 | Wikipedia has an article onMini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge. |
