The Metroid amiibo Unlocks New Skins in Metroid Prime: Federation Force

Metroid Prime: Federation Force was a multiplayer-focused Metroid spin-off released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the series, however its reception amongst fans was… heated, to say the least. It didn’t launch alongside any amiibo but did include some amiibo functions in the form of new skins for the multiplayer Blast Ball mode and some powered-up costumes for the main campaign. An interesting new development has come to light when players scanned the brand new (squishy) Metroid amiibo that launched with Samus Returns – it unlocks new skins in the game without requiring an update. For singleplayer mode you’ll get a Metroid-themed suit that makes Repair Capsules come in packs of 5, and in the multiplayer mode you’ll get a Metroid paint job.

The fact that this functionality is already in the game would seem to imply that the Metroid amiibo was in the works all the way back then. It could be that it was planned to release alongside Federation Force but was delayed due to either production issues (further refinements being needed for optimum squishiness) or because of the vocally negative reception to the game. Another plausible theory is that Next Level Games are in possession of a time machine.

You can see the other Blast Ball mode skins here:

Thanks Nintendo Wire for reporting. Screenshots via Lila.