14.2 Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer

This chapter outlines notes and cautions regarding the Nintendo 3DS NFC reader/writer accessory, referred to hereafter as the "NFC reader/writer." This accessory enables use of amiibo with CTR systems.

14.2.1 Support for Both NFC Reader/Writer and SNAKE

Nintendo's policy is that users who have purchased amiibo should be able to play with their amiibo on either a CTR system or a SNAKE system without any difference in play. Therefore, titles that support NFP must support both use of amiibo with SNAKE systems and use of amiibo with the NFC reader/writer for CTR systems. That said, SNAKE-only titles do not operate on CTR systems and thus do not need to support the NFC reader/writer.

14.2.1.1 Support for NFP on Both CTR and SNAKE

Guideline Item

Applications that support NFP must support both use of amiibo with SNAKE systems and use of amiibo with the NFC reader/writer for CTR systems.

Software to Be Tested

Applications that use amiibo.

Exceptions
SNAKE-only titles.
Test Method
  1. Use an amiibo on a CTR system via the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer.
  2. Use an amiibo on a SNAKE system.
Pass/Fail Determination

Passes if in steps 1 and 2 the amiibo is recognized and can be used.

14.2.2 Handling Disconnection of IR Communication with NFC Reader/Writer

Nintendo recommends that you provide a way of letting the user know when the NFC reader/writer is disconnected. For example, you might display a message informing the user that the NFC reader/writer was disconnected, or provide some other indication. However, if your application automatically re-detects the accessory, it is not necessary to display a message when detection succeeds.

Note:

The NFC reader/writer only supports CTR, so applications do not need to be concerned about communicating with the NFC reader/writer when running on SNAKE.

No required guideline items.

14.2.3 Handling Detection of Updates to Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer

Nintendo sometimes updates the firmware of the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer, and users can apply the new firmware from amiibo Settings. When the application attempts to connect to an NFC reader/writer with outdated firmware, the nn::nfp::ResultUpdateRequired error occurs and prevents the application from reading amiibo as long as the firmware remains outdated. Therefore, if the nn::nfp::ResultUpdateRequired error occurs, you must display a message stating that the user must update the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer. Then you must handle the situation in one of the following ways:

  • Transition to amiibo Settings
  • Inform the user that they can update the firmware from amiibo Settings

The sequence to open the amiibo Settings must comply with the sequence described in the Programming Manual. Also see the Error Code List for details on the message to display.

You can trigger the nn::nfp::ResultUpdateRequired error by using the FangateFwUpdater tool included in the CTR-SDK. For details, see the FangateFwUpdater reference page.

14.2.3.1 Support for Handling Detection of Updates to Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer

Guideline Item

If the nn::nfp::ResultUpdateRequired error occurs, the application must display a message stating that the user must update the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer, and then either transition to amiibo Settings or inform the user that they can update from amiibo Settings.

Software to Be Tested

Applications that use the NFC reader/writer.

Test Method
  1. Start FangateFwUpdater and connect the NFC reader/writer to the CTR system.
  2. Press the B button to perform Break, and confirm that [FW BREAK SUCCESS] is displayed on the screen.
  3. Close FangateFwUpdater, go to a scene within the application where the application reads and loads amiibo, and attempt to read an amiibo.
Pass/Fail Determination

Passes if all of the following conditions are met in step 3:

  • A message is displayed informing the user that the Nintendo 3DS NFC Reader/Writer must be updated.
  • The application transitions to amiibo Settings or informs the user that they can update from amiibo Settings.

 


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