
They are embedded with chips, like the Disney Infinity and Skylanders figures are. Touch the Amiibo figurines to the Wii U Game Pad and it will instantly recognize them. They will spring to life in compatible games and the games and Nintendo can send data back to the figurines.
As well as the usual E3 conference, Nintendo are also expected to reveal a few new 3DS titles, including an as yet unnamed Starfox 64 adventure and Project S.T.E.A.M. Nintendo has opted for the second year in a row to not participate in an official E3 Press conference. Instead, they have chosen to stream their own special Nintendo Direct broadcast