Nintendo's first smart device app Miitomo comes out March 31 in the US and in several other countries. This is the first ever official Nintendo app on smart devices.
Miitomo is a "free-to-start social experience that lets users spark one-of-a-kind conversations with friends in a whole new way using Mii characters.". The app recently got released in Japan and within three days of availability it was downloaded more than 1 million times, achieved the number 1 most downloaded free app in both the App Store and on Google Play, this is something Nintendo fans has been waiting for.
The core concept of Miitomo is quite simple. Users downloads the game for the selected device, creates a the Mii character they want by either doing it manually, taking a photo of themselves, or importing their Mii characters from Wii U or 3DS via a QR code. Then users either adds friends in person or via the many social networks. When friends are added Miitomo asks questions to start debates, discussion and all around pleasant small talk. Some questions that exists are "How would you define your fashion style? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? If you were given ten grand to spend in one day, what would you do?" When players answer the question the answer will be shared among his or her friends and the players can respond to their friends' answers "part of the fun is discovering unexpected facts about your friends. When users hear how their friends responded to questions, they can give answers a “heart” or a written or picture comment.".
Eager players can pre register already for Mitomo and players who sign up before March 31 will receive some Platinum Points that can be used in the new My Nintendo program, a reward program that aims to be more than the usual app reward programs. Player can also earn Gold Points when they purchase items digitally from the Nintendo stores. Both the Platinum and Gold Points can be used for rewards like games, download content, in-app items, and eShop discounts.
Miitomo isn't the only thing Nintendo is releasing March 31, an enhanced Wii U and Nintendo 3DS shop will appear on Nintendo.com which will have a bigger library of games, and will serve as an extra platform to buy Nintendo games on besides the Wii U and 3DS stores. Purchases of games from the new and improved store as well as Nintendo eShop will earn My Nintendo Gold Points.
Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing said "With Miitomo, Nintendo takes its first step into the world of smart devices, Miitomo brings the special Nintendo charm and polish that people around the world love to an entirely new format and audience." Now we just have to wait and see how successful Miitomo will be.
To sum it up: Nintendo is releasing Miitomo on March 31 in the US and several other countries. Miitomo will be a free-to-start social experience, not a traditional game. Miitomo will have in-app purchases and a reward system that is built on Platinum and Gold Points that can either be bought or earned. And a new and improved Nintendo online store will launch
