Nintendo’s first mobile game isn’t really a ‘game’ – It’s a chat app

During an investor press conference late last night, Nintendo finally revealed its first mobile game – Miitomo.

While details are scarce right now, it seems like Miitomo is a chat app and not a traditional video game like many assumed Nintendo’s first foray into the mobile space would likely be. According to the Wall Street Journal’s live blog of the press conference, in Miitomo, players create Miis, personalized avatars featured prominently in the Wii and the Wii U’s profile system.

Avatars in Miitomo are able to talk to one another and the game’s experience seems to be designed around connecting and communication. Screenshots released so far seem to indicate the Miitomo has a lot in common with Tomodachi Life, a wacky life simulator Nintendo released last year for the 3DS. Statements made by Nintendo during the company’s press conference indicate players will also be able to participate in cooperative and competitive mini-games.

During the press conference, Tatsumi Kimishima, Nintendo’s new president and CEO, said Miitomo has been delayed until the first-quarter of 2015 and Nintendo won’t promote the title until after the holiday season. Nintendo claims its focus continues to be on the the Wii U and 3DS.

Miitomo is set to be free with in-app purchases. Nintendo plans to release five new games by 2017 through a partnership with DeNA.

The company also revealed its new interconnected online network, My Nintendo, a platform that links its upcoming mobile offerings with the Wii U, New 3DS and upcoming NX.

[source]Wall Street Journal[/source]