While amiibo integration into a Nintendo Switch title is nothing new, the inclusion of amiibo in NBA 2K18 is rather odd considering the game is a third-party AAA title. The game’s page in the Nintendo Store lists amiibo as technology that will be incorporated into the game.
Whether this means that Mario will be playing with Steph Curry, or that Waluigi will be on the Lakers is unclear. But with those long legs and purple outfit, I’m sure Waluigi would feel right at home.
amiibo have not been discussed as being a part of the main-line sports entries, but they could bring costumes to the game as well as allow players to save their custom characters onto the figure’s nfc tags, allowing players to bring their custom characters over to another console. I’ll have my fingers crossed but I doubt the Mushroom Kingdom crew will be available as playable characters this time around. Though I would pay a lot of money to see Samus bring it to the court.
NBA 2K18 will be available on September 19, but on September 15 if you pre-order the game. The game will be releasing on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. You can check out recent screenshots from the game here, as well as the list of songs that will be available in the game here.