The Joker amiibo stands as one of the most meticulously sculpted pieces in the entire Super Smash Bros. Ultimate collection. Released in September 2020 as part of the Fighters Pass lineup, the figure translates Ren Amamiya's kinetic dynamic poses from Persona 5 into a static PVC collectible. Beyond its shelf appeal as a display piece for Atlus fans, the figurine functions as a trainable CPU fighter and unlocks special Mii Fighter costume content in Nintendo's crossover fighting game.
Collectors and competitive players often overlook the technical nuance of how this figure handles data storage, physical molding, and in-game training. Understanding its market trajectory, figure features, and training mechanics gives collectors a clear edge whether they're hunting for a mint-in-box sample or configuring an unbeatable Figure Player (FP).
Sculpting and Figure Aesthetics
The physical design of the Joker amiibo captures the phantom thief mid-motion. Sculpted atop a stylized black base common to the Smash Bros line, Joker leaps forward with his signature coat flaring behind him while brandishing a dagger.
- Dynamic Posture: Unlike static standing figures in early waves, Joker utilizes translucent plastic support elements to maintain balance during his airborne lean.
- Paint and Texture Details: The matte finish on his school uniform contrasts with the glossy sheen of his combat boots and mask. Fine elements like the buttons on his jacket and the pattern of his gloves remain crisp despite the small scale.
- Packaging Variations: North American (NA), European (PAL), and Japanese boxes feature identical inner plastic blister shells, though the cardboard backing text varies by region. Collectors tracking value usually prioritize unblemished NA packaging.
In-Game Integration and Functional Value
Scanning the Joker amiibo into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch unlocks two primary features: a customizable Figther Player (FP) and bonus content.
When you tap the figure to the right Joy-Con thumbstick or the NFC touchpoint on the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, the game reads the NFC chip embedded in the base. You can feed your FP snacks to boost stats, equip special skills, and watch it learn from your playstyle. Over time, the figure adapts to local competitive habits, mirroring aggressive edge-guarding or neutral spacing strategies.
In addition to training an AI clone, scanning DLC fighter figures provides system-level recognition, though alternate Mii Fighter costumes tied to the character typically require purchasing the corresponding Challenger Pack from the Nintendo eShop.
Training an Unbeatable Joker Figure Player
If you want your Joker FP to dominate local tournaments or casual matches with friends, default training won't cut it. Figures inherit both good habits and terrible flubs from their trainer.
- Clean Slate Sparring: Fight your Joker FP in 1-on-1 stock matches without items. Avoid spamming smash attacks or unfair stage hazards, because the AI will mimic those inefficient loops.
- Punish Window Conditioning: Teach the FP to punish whiffs by executing precise shield grabs or short-hop aerials when you deliberately miss an attack.
- Gun and Rebel's Guard Integration: Use Joker's specialized neutral B and down B mechanics consistently during early training tiers so the FP learns to absorb hits for Arsene meter generation and utilize spacing bullets effectively.
- Feed Sparingly: Use stat-boosting snacks earned through Spirit Board battles to balance attack and defense stats without tipping the character into unfair custom stat weights that ruin natural learning algorithms.
Market Value, Rarity, and Collecting Strategy
Securing a Joker amiibo has grown increasingly complex since its initial production run. Because third-party collaborations involving Atlus and Sega rely on limited production windows, secondary market pricing fluctuates based on active inventory.
Loose figures without packaging generally trade between $18 and $25 USD, appealing primarily to players who want the functional NFC capabilities. Factory-sealed, pristine box variants command higher premiums, frequently ranging from $30 to $50 USD depending on regional scarcity. When shopping on secondary marketplaces like eBay or specialized collector sites, inspect listing photos carefully to verify that the plastic blister hasn't separated from the cardboard backing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Joker amiibo compatible with games outside Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
The figure is natively designed for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While some games offer generic daily bonuses for scanning any NFC figure, Persona 5 spin-off titles on Nintendo hardware do not feature direct amiibo integration for this specific model.
How do I reset my Joker amiibo if its training habits become messy?
Go to system settings within Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, navigate to the amiibo menu, and select the option to reset figure data. This wipes stored owner names, equipment, and learned fighting styles back to factory default.
Does the Japanese version of the figure work on North American consoles?
Yes. All amiibo figures are region-free. A Japanese import figure functions identically on a North American or European Nintendo Switch system.
Can I train the figure without taking it out of the box?
No. The NFC chip inside the base requires direct physical contact with the console reader, and thick cardboard backing combined with internal plastic shielding prevents reliable scanning through unopened packaging.
