A lot of speculation surrounds Nintendo right now, particularly about its upcoming NX console. However, the company has cleared up at least one mystery, and that’s regarding its plans for Miitomo, the company’s debut game on mobile devices.
Nintendo confirmed today that the social experience will launch in North America for both iOS and Android this March. With it, users will be able to utilize Mii characters (similar to ones found on its Wii and Wii U consoles) in engaging with others through a comfortable environment. This includes starting up unique conversations and asking questions, such as “Do you believe in aliens?” or “If you saw a nose hair sticking out of your friend’s nose, what would you do?”
“Miitomo is a uniquely entertaining mobile experience that only Nintendo can deliver,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Featuring Mii characters, users will be able to interact with their friends in an entirely new way that transforms communication into a form of play.”
This is a big social step for the team at Nintendo, whose previous online endeavors were limited to multiplayer sessions in games like Super Smash Bros. and Splatoon, but with very few communication features. Yet, that didn’t stop either of those games from becoming best-sellers for the Wii U.
Those interested in the program will be able to pre-register for it beginning on February 17th, using their email, social media accounts or current Nintendo Network ID’s. Those that do will be offered a special Miitomo bonus, though the company didn’t clarify what that will be. Word has it that it could be a special Mii character, but nothing has been confirmed.
That’s not the only way Nintendo hopes to reach out to its fanbase in March. Following the closure of its popular Club Nintendo last year, the company also announced that it would open a new program called My Nintendo, which “aims to become much more than a traditional rewards program,” according to the press release.
“It is a more comprehensive service that rewards users for interacting with Nintendo products and services in a variety of ways,” the release stated. It also noted thatMiitomo users with a Nintendo account would be able to take advantage of My Nintendo in a number of ways, in an effort to “enhance their experience.”
Aside from Miitomo, Nintendo reiterated that it still intends to release four more smart device applications by March 2017, and the second release is likely to feature a very familiar face.
For now, though, it’s all eyes on Miitomo.