Japanese game makers Nintendo are heading for the best holidays in years as profits triple, thanks to interactive figurines Amiibo and blockbuster titles, Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart 8.

"At least eight analysts raised profit estimates or ratings since September, with the two most recent calling for profit to triple to 36.8 billion yen," Bloomberg reported.

The sudden turn of events for Nintendo, after a slow start to the year, is a validation of its President Satoru Iwata's decision to stick with the strategy of offering games only on Nintendo consoles. They did not develop titles that are playable on smartphones and tablets.

The Kyoto-based gaming company is forecasting at least 3.6 million Wii U consoles sold by the end of the year. The main drivers for success are Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart 8. Nintendo is also predicted to amass $1 billion sales for the Amiibo figurines.

"Nintendo has picked up good momentum heading into the Christmas season," said Tomoaki Kawasaki, a Tokyo-based analyst with Iwai Cosmo Securities Co., who raised his rating to neutral plus last month. "This time they have a hit lineup. Amiibo represents a new revenue source, and we are watching it very closely."

Flicker of hope opened for Nintendo when they launched Mario Kart 8 in October. The title stoked sales for Nintendo Wii U and emerged as one of the best-reviewed games of 2014.

Nintendo's recovery story got better with the release of Super Smash Bros for Wii U in November. Just like Mario Kart 8, the game reaped impressive reviews from both gamers and tech pundits.

Kotaku has summed up why people can't stop loving Super Smash Bros, while IGN gave the title a near perfect 9.8 (amazing) rating.

During the recent The Game Awards 2014, Mario Kart 8 bagged the Best Sports/Racing Game and Best Family Game, and Super Smash Bros brought the Best Fighting Game accolade.