List of video games using NFC explained

This is a list of video games that use near field communication (NFC) technology.

Currently, games have leveraged NFC in unlocking additional features through payment. This takes the form of a direct transaction over NFC^[1] or by purchasing a physical item, which signals to the platform that a certain set of features has been purchased (e.g. Skylanders). This list catalogues gaming NFC platforms by device.

Mobile

Android

• Gun Bros.^[2]
• Near Field Ninja^[3]
• NFC Cards^[4]
• Skylanders, with an NFC base.^[5]
• The Haunted House: Soul Fighters, with an NFC base.^[6]

iOS

As item-triggered game enhancement

• Skylanders, with an NFC base.^[5]

As payment

• In-App Purchases^[7]

Here, games that leverage Apple's In-App Purchase framework use information stored in the NFC Secure Element to process the purchase through Apple Pay. While an NFC radio is not used here, the NFC protocol is used nonetheless.

Console

Nintendo Wii, Wii U, Switch and 3DS

As item-triggered game enhancement

• Pokémon Rumble U NFC Figure
• Amiibo, built into Nintendo consoles since 2014. Works with Wii U and New 3DS, Nintendo Switch and older Nintendo 3DS systems via a peripheral device.^[8]
• Disney Infinity, with an NFC base.^[9] Works with Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
• Lego Dimensions, with an NFC base. Works with Wii U.
• Skylanders, with an NFC base. Works with Wii, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.^[5]
  • The Nintendo Switch version of uses the NFC built into the game controller. Some functionalities are missing compared to the other versions.

As payment

• The Wii U GamePad controller can read information from an NFC data source.^[10]

PlayStation

• Disney Infinity, with an NFC base. Works with PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4.^[9]
• Lego Dimensions, with an NFC base. Works with PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
• Skylanders, with an NFC base.^[5] Works with PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.

Xbox

While NFC bases are normally interoperable between all platforms, the Xbox 360 and Xbox One require specific bases that are compatible only with the respective platform.

• Disney Infinity, with an NFC base.^[9]
• Lego Dimensions, with an NFC base.
• Skylanders, with an NFC base.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Nintendo to Use Wii U's NFC Capability for Easy Payments, but Only in Japan.
2. Web site: Glu adds Android Beam to Gun Bros game • NFC World. 27 February 2012.
3. Web site: Near Field Ninja - NFC Game - Android Apps on Google Play . play.google.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150120124812/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wolvenware.nfninja&hl=en . 2015-01-20.
4. Web site: NFC Cards - Android Apps on Google Play.
5. Web site: Skylanders Trap Team Video Game - Official Site.
6. Web site: 신비아파트 소울파이터즈 - Android Apps on Google Play. play.google.com.
7. Web site: Apple Pay allows you to pay at the counter with your iPhone 6. 9 September 2014.
8. Web site: amiibo - Nintendo.
9. Web site: Disney Support. 2014-03-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20140329065126/https://infinity.disney.com/ways-to-play#home.
10. Web site: Wii U - Features.