As part of its partnership deal with DeNA, Nintendo began laying the groundwork for its mobile debut in Miitomo last month. With a focus on social features using its familiar Mii characters (originally introduced with the best-selling Wii console), the app promised an “entirely new way that transforms communication into a form of play,” according to Scott Moffitt, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Nintendo.
The app recently launched in Japan, and saw immediate success among both casual users and Nintendo fans, gaining over one million downloads within the first three days of availability. On Thursday, the free-to-play program will reach new audiences, as Nintendo is set to launch Miitomo for both Europe and the United States.
Miitomo, which will be available for both iOS and Android devices, promises to inspire conversations between users through questions and topics, making it an ideal social tool for those looking for a way to communicate outside of the usual messenger texts, and Snapchat conversations.
“With Miitomo, Nintendo takes its first step into the world of smart devices,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Miitomo brings the special Nintendo charm and polish that people around the world love to an entirely new format and audience.”
Part of Miitomo‘s relatable experience lies within its Mii characters, which users can customize to their liking, and they’re free to recreate themselves realistically or go “off the wall” with an inventive new approach. From there, they can ask a number of questions, ranging from the weirdest thing they’ve ever eaten to how they would spend $10,000 in a single day. These varying questions, along with other topics Nintendo will update into the app, should help keep the conversation going, and may attract new players.
Also launching tomorrow is the new My Nintendo program, which will reward users that take part in the Miitomo program with Platinum Points. These points can then be redeemed for special Nintendo products. Points can also be earned by purchasing digital versions of games for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, the company confirmed. My Nintendo is meant to be a replacement to the previous Club Nintendo program, except with a greater focus on earning currency through social means in addition to purchases.
Judging by how well Miitomo has done in Japan, the program should have no trouble drawing a crowd in the other markets. Nintendo has already put its best foot forward in promoting what it can do for players through the official Miitomo site, and additional programs could be introduced over the next few weeks with the hopes of getting newer players involved.
Those interested in Miitomo can pre-register for free, with the official app set to debut tonight. Expect plenty of questions, answers, and the kind of social conversation that could push Nintendo in a bold new direction for mobile.
