- NFC tags require no power in the tag
- The cost of the tag is less
- The tag is RFID compatible
- There’s no cryptography with RFID
- The setup time is shorter
Blog Articles
Using NFC Technology to Create Interactive Games
Near-field communication (NFC) enables electronic devices to communicate when they’re within a certain distance of each other. Now, this technology has been integrated into toys or games for a more advanced experience. Just like Bluetooth, NFC has a short-range. NFC is somewhat slower, but it works well for the applications it is meant for. It makes sense that the range is shorter since NFC consumes less power. You won’t find NFC that works at more than 20 cm, but this means that gameplay isn’t going to be interrupted by interference, which makes it ideal in areas where there may be a crowd or other devices emitting similar signals.
NFC was present in video games as far back as 2011 with Skylanders: Spyros Adventure. Thanks to NFC technology, it became the perfect marriage between a video game and figurines. If a person wanted the best gaming experience, the toy would also have to be purchased. The figurine could then be customized with personal data, which means no two figurines were exactly the same. [1]
NFC Technology for Games
Console-wise, Wii-U was the first to have NFC technology built into its gamepad. The Nintendo 3DS was next, as it was built into the 3DS/XL and a separate reader could use infrared to communicate with the handheld console. Nintendo also implemented a wireless storage and communication protocol to use in the “toys-to-life” market, and it was called Amiibo. Amiibo was launched in 2014 and is used via the 3DS, Wii-U, and Nintendo Switch platforms. It works with figurines that are Amiibo enabled. The figurines are very similar to the Skylanders figurines introduced in 2011. The Disney Infinity series also uses that technology. [2,3]
In 2014, Nintendo had announced that Amiibo could include card games, small toys, and the famous Animal Crossing game. It was predicted then that the toys and games would change over time, so the gaming experience could become even more customized. The integration of NFC technology has become another part of Nintendo’s resurgence in the video game market but has helped it infiltrate the toy market like it never had before. The idea behind this is to create toys that make consumers feel wonder. The toys create a virtual experience that wouldn’t be possible if NFC technology didn’t exist.
Most of us are familiar with Bluetooth technology and how it can allow two devices to communicate with one another. NFC technology is used in several different ways: [4]