When Nintendo first announced their entry into the mobile gaming scene in late 2015, classic gaming fans clamored at the opportunity to play classics like Mario Kart or The Legend of Zelda on their iPhone or Android device. Nintendo’s first mobile app launch may not be Mario, but with already over 3 million downloads worldwide, the company is calling Miitomo a huge success.
Miitomo is not so much a mobile game, but a social networking app designed to change the way you communicate and interact with friends. Miitomo launched March 31st to a reputable amount of fanfare. With the launch of Miitomo, the gaming industry faces its biggest question to date: could a console company like Nintendo find success in the mobile gaming world?
There’s only one way to find out, so I downloaded Miitomo to try out. The app prompts you to create a nickname for your Mii, and you move to the creation engine. Using your phone’s camera or a photo, the Mii creator will generate some Miis based on your appearance. I found this feature to work ok, but it probably did not help being in a room with poor lighting, or not having a picture with a clear view of my face.
If you have used a Nintendo Wii or Wii U before, you will be familiar with the Mii creation options, features like face shape, eyes, hair color. Next, you will use a type of slider tool to adjust your Mii’s voice and personality. Your Mii will speak back to you when you answer questions, and based on your personality sliders your Mii will react with animations in different ways. I chose to have a Mii that reflected my own personality, just with a slightly higher pitched voice and a little bit quirkier personality.
With your Mii complete and ready to go, you will begin answering questions to earn coins. Questions ranging from “What’s your favorite food?” to “What kind of stuff was popular when you were a kid?” prompts you to really think and are enjoyable to answer. Answering questions and returning to the app daily will earn you coins to spend on clothing items and mini games.
The goal of Miitomo first and foremost is social interaction. The app allows you to link with Facebook and Twitter, as well as a Nintendo Account. From here you can connect with friends and visit their Miis. There you will see their answers to questions, and be able to like and comment on their responses.
What makes Miitomo successful is the classic Nintendo charm. The subtle, yet bright sound effects, cheery soundtrack and even your Mii’s voice enhances the app experience. You feel connected to your Mii as if it is a digital embodiment of your social persona. After changing your outfit, playing a game or answering a question the app will prompt you to take a Miifoto. You can adjust your Mii’s position, change his or her’s facial expression, add text and animations, then share your Miifoto on social media.
Miitomo is all about engaging social interaction in a way only Nintendo can deliver. Much of the game’s success will be attributed to the Nintendo brand, but isn’t that what the console companies want to hear? Mobile apps and gaming is changing the gaming industry landscape, and companies like Nintendo will need to evolve with it.
If you are looking for a new way to share personal insights and fun ideas with friends, try Miitomo, and encourage your friends to play as well! Miitomo is a must-have for any Nintendo fan.
Need a new Miitomo friend to connect with? Follow me on Twitter @KyleeSipowski and let me know what you think about Miitomo and Nintendo’s future in the mobile gaming world.
