The Metroid Dread Amiibo set has been revealed and costs 30 dollars. The two-Amiibo set also gives you some in-game benefits in the upcoming game Metroid Dread. The pack comes with Samus Aran, and the E.M.M.I. figure that stalks Samus throughout the reveal trailer for the upcoming Metroid title. However, this is a trend that has perhaps gone on long enough in the Switch games with Amiibo support. It’s one thing to gain some minor, kind of useful benefits or costumes. But each of these Amiibos for Metroid dread offer an extra Energy Tank (100 more health), and a Missile Pack (10 more missiles). 

“Continuing the saga that began in 1986 with Metroid and continued through Metroid II, Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion, this is the first new story and new episode for 19 years.” – Yoshio Sakamoto

They’re one-time-only boosts, but it feels like it’s going to be a must-own to make the game a bit more manageable. Anyone who has played a 2D Metroid game knows how difficult the games can be, and Energy Tanks are at a premium. There are only so many in the game, and to see some of them locked behind real-money purchases is disgusting. 

You can also use the two Amiibos to restore your Health (Samus) and Missiles (E.M.M.I.) once per day as well by activating the Amiibos. That part’s not so bad. It’s the permanent buff to your characters that can be done once per game that is the real problem. It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t becoming a trend. For example, the Skyward Sword HD remake has an Amiibo (Zelda and a Loftwing) that allows players to travel from the surface to the sky anytime they want.

Normally you have to go to certain spots in the world to do that, but if you spend extra money on an Amiibo, you can do it at will! That kind of bonus should be a QoL addition to the game itself, and not tied to separate real money purchases. Now, this writer is glad to see a new Metroid game, and that it’s going to end Samus Aran’s current story. It’s not the end of the franchise, either. 

Now, this writer is incredibly excited for the game and wanted the Amiibos anyway. However, most of the ones I purchase are left in the box. I wanted them anyway, but being made aware that the game will be slightly easier if I do buy them is unfortunate. Some games simply offer new costumes (Super Mario Odyssey), but other games, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild gave a variety of very useful mounts and items for owning Amiibos.  Considering the market for scalping Amiibos, this trend of powerful boosts for Amiibos is a dangerous trend and hopefully, it calms down.