Note: I don't sell these, just a humble reviewer...
NaMiio
Review by: Legendary Wizball
Many thanks to Sam at www.namiio.com for providing the review unit.
What is it?
The NaMiio is a USB RFID card reader. It allows an end user to backup data from
any Amiibo figurine and restore it to a NaMiio token - essentially a separate RFID
chip. The device and accompanying software functions successfully with every
Amiibo released so far, including the Amiibo / Skylander hybrids that shipped with
Skylander Superchargers for Nintendo platforms.
What is included for your USD $65.00?
-NaMiio USB RFID card reader
-one metre mini-USB to USB cable
-two NaMiio tokens
-sheet of token inserts
Setup:
The NaMiio is very easy to setup and install:
1. First, download the latest version of the software from www.namiio.com.
2. Next, download the latest version of the extras file. This contains the unique ID for
all Amiibo figurines currently available. Whilst not essential, this file will allow the
NaMiio to correctly identify the figurine that has been written to the token. To install
this file, simply place it inside the NaMiio folder.
3. Connect the NaMiio to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The NaMiio
officially supports Windows 7, 8 and 10. I managed to install and run the software
successfully using Windows XP after downloading some additional software from
Microsoft when prompted to do so. There is no MacOS X version - although the
NaMiio functions as expected using Parallels software.
Using the NaMiio: Backup and Restore
1. Place a Amiibo figurine on the NaMiio.
2. Select BACKUP and save the data on your figurine as a .BIN file.
3. Place a token on the NaMiio.
4. Select RESTORE and choose the .BIN file to be written to the token.
Using the NaMiio: Powersaves (Cheat Function)
1. Place an Amiibo figurine or token on the NaMiio.
2. Select APPLY CHEAT and then select the game this Amiibo or token will be used
in. Currently, Super Smash Bros WiiU, Super Smash Bros 3DS and Mario Party 10
are supported. You can also reset the Amiibo or token.
3. Depending on the game chosen, you can then select the type of cheat to apply (for
example special moves in Super Smash Bros WiiU).
4. Select YES when asked to CONFIRM CHEAT SELECTION.
Who is the NaMiio for?
The NaMiio will appeal mainly to collectors for two reasons. Firstly, you can backup
a figurine?s data and restore it to a token without needing to use the toy itself. The
figurine can then remain on a shelf in pristine condition. Sadly, almost all Amiibo
need to be removed from their boxes to be read by the NaMiio as well as the WiiU
and 3DS due to a magnetic strip on their base. The sole exception is the recently
released Shovel Knight Amiibo. Secondly, should the RFID chip inside any figurine
fail, you can simply restore that character?s data to a token and continue to use them.
Some will undoubtedly dismiss this device as merely a method of pirating Amiibo
figurines - essentially, downloading the required .BIN files from the internet without
needing to purchase the original toy. This assumption misses the point with regard to
the Amiibo franchise. Much of the fun and enjoyment in this series comes from
purchasing and displaying the physical toys. To simply use a token in place of the real
figurine removes much of the excitement from the experience.
Verdict:
The NaMiio is a fantastic piece of hardware, especially for dedicated Amiibo
collectors. The device operates flawlessly and the software user interface is both
simple to use and uncluttered.
Pros:
-easy setup
-the software is being updated and improved regularly
-the software is simple to use and the interface is uncluttered
Cons:
-relatively expensive at USD $65.00 each
-only one Amiibo is supported per token
-additional tokens cannot be purchased (at time of writing)
Review by: Legendary Wizball
Many thanks to Sam at www.namiio.com for providing the review unit.
What is it?
The NaMiio is a USB RFID card reader. It allows an end user to backup data from
any Amiibo figurine and restore it to a NaMiio token - essentially a separate RFID
chip. The device and accompanying software functions successfully with every
Amiibo released so far, including the Amiibo / Skylander hybrids that shipped with
Skylander Superchargers for Nintendo platforms.
What is included for your USD $65.00?
-NaMiio USB RFID card reader
-one metre mini-USB to USB cable
-two NaMiio tokens
-sheet of token inserts
Setup:
The NaMiio is very easy to setup and install:
1. First, download the latest version of the software from www.namiio.com.
2. Next, download the latest version of the extras file. This contains the unique ID for
all Amiibo figurines currently available. Whilst not essential, this file will allow the
NaMiio to correctly identify the figurine that has been written to the token. To install
this file, simply place it inside the NaMiio folder.
3. Connect the NaMiio to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The NaMiio
officially supports Windows 7, 8 and 10. I managed to install and run the software
successfully using Windows XP after downloading some additional software from
Microsoft when prompted to do so. There is no MacOS X version - although the
NaMiio functions as expected using Parallels software.
Using the NaMiio: Backup and Restore
1. Place a Amiibo figurine on the NaMiio.
2. Select BACKUP and save the data on your figurine as a .BIN file.
3. Place a token on the NaMiio.
4. Select RESTORE and choose the .BIN file to be written to the token.
Using the NaMiio: Powersaves (Cheat Function)
1. Place an Amiibo figurine or token on the NaMiio.
2. Select APPLY CHEAT and then select the game this Amiibo or token will be used
in. Currently, Super Smash Bros WiiU, Super Smash Bros 3DS and Mario Party 10
are supported. You can also reset the Amiibo or token.
3. Depending on the game chosen, you can then select the type of cheat to apply (for
example special moves in Super Smash Bros WiiU).
4. Select YES when asked to CONFIRM CHEAT SELECTION.
Who is the NaMiio for?
The NaMiio will appeal mainly to collectors for two reasons. Firstly, you can backup
a figurine?s data and restore it to a token without needing to use the toy itself. The
figurine can then remain on a shelf in pristine condition. Sadly, almost all Amiibo
need to be removed from their boxes to be read by the NaMiio as well as the WiiU
and 3DS due to a magnetic strip on their base. The sole exception is the recently
released Shovel Knight Amiibo. Secondly, should the RFID chip inside any figurine
fail, you can simply restore that character?s data to a token and continue to use them.
Some will undoubtedly dismiss this device as merely a method of pirating Amiibo
figurines - essentially, downloading the required .BIN files from the internet without
needing to purchase the original toy. This assumption misses the point with regard to
the Amiibo franchise. Much of the fun and enjoyment in this series comes from
purchasing and displaying the physical toys. To simply use a token in place of the real
figurine removes much of the excitement from the experience.
Verdict:
The NaMiio is a fantastic piece of hardware, especially for dedicated Amiibo
collectors. The device operates flawlessly and the software user interface is both
simple to use and uncluttered.
Pros:
-easy setup
-the software is being updated and improved regularly
-the software is simple to use and the interface is uncluttered
Cons:
-relatively expensive at USD $65.00 each
-only one Amiibo is supported per token
-additional tokens cannot be purchased (at time of writing)
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