Amiibo should activate something within the console firmware itself that allows you special items on the home screen, like themes or how badges are used on the 3DS and Badge Arcade.
Give something beyond just the one game. I think having it activate themes on the console would be fantastic. It would also be cool if you could unlock them into a "virtual" trophy case, like in Smash Bros.
For sure!
Back on the PS3, they came out with PS3 themes, charged a few bucks a pop, whatever... I thought, you really should just get these themes for free with the purchase of a video game.
So if I bought Ratchet and Clank, tie a free theme unlock with trophy support. If I get so far in the game, give me a proper theme. If I beat the game, give me another one.
These companies are so eager to nickel and dime, they can't be bothered to do some really enticing shit with their products.
Amiibos, should do what you say. No doubt about it. There's also zero reason certain amiibo shouldn't be preloaded with an NES virtual console game. Like, why the hell not?
I know they did that demo thing a while back, but why? Demo for an NES game? Get off it.
Personally, I will NEVER buy a theme, or some nonessential thing like an amiibo. Now, if they really incentivized them, not with exclusive content for games, which pisses off anyone who doesn't want to buy a toy to enjoy the game to the fullest, but via avenues like you've mentioned, I might be more likely to consider it. Give me interesting free content.
Buy an amiibo. Scan it on your system, and it equips a complete theme to it.
And I know what you're thinking... "what's to stop you from scanning your friends' amiibo and getting a free theme?".. (but really, who the hell cares) Well why not only allow one amiibo theme to be loaded onto the system at a time? So if you ever change the theme, the only way to get it back on there would be to scan the amiibo again.
I also think it's about time they just made a series of amiibo exclusive games.
Again, instead of forcing amiibo support into existing games, which is mostly a bother, make a series of games, much like the street pass games, which are centered entirely around amiibo. Then, people who enjoy buying them can enjoy meaningful exclusive content, while anyone not interested doesn't feel like they're missing out on anything.