Apps are the new thing, and video game companies aren't missing a beat. Nintendo has decided to branch out from its typical consoles and mobile devices to try a new mobile device: cellphones. That's right, Nintendo is releasing games for the iPhone and Android devices.
The apps themselves won't actually be made by Nintendo, but rather another developer known as DeNA. DeNA produces one of the most popular cell phone gaming platforms in Japan. With such a well-known developer, these apps are sure to be hits.
So what exactly is Nintendo releasing to the iPhone and Android devices? Popular titles like "Animal Crossing," "Fire Emblem" and "Pokémon" are all expected to hit the market sometime this late year. Nintendo is promising that their apps will have "prominent game elements." With such big titles like these, Nintendo has a lot to live up to. I mean, "Animal Crossing" and "Pokémon" have been on the market for years and years, these are well-known titles and current players are expecting a lot.
Nintendo has stated that the "Animal Crossing" mobile version will have tie-ins to the console version of the game. Currently, how this cross-play will work is unknown, but more will sure to be revealed soon. Some are suggesting that you can transfer currency between the two games or even visit a friend's console town from your mobile town, but these are just guesses!
One thing that has not been mentioned yet is the pricing of the game. The previously Nintendo-released game "Miitomo" was free-to-play, and DeNA is known for it's free-to-play games. Because of this, it has been speculated that "Animal Crossing" will be free-to-play but will have available in-app purchases. "Animal Crossing" is expected to be released in autumn, so be sure to keep an eye peeled!
A lot of talk and excitement has been growing over the "Pokémon" app. Game footage has been leaked and a commercial has already been made to advertise the new app. So far we know quite a few things about the app:
1. Pokémon will not be caught by battling them. Instead, Pokémon will be caught by throwing pokéballs at them and hitting them in the right spot. Pokémon can be found in real-life places, like on your street or in your neighborhood park.
2. You will, however, be able to battle your friends. Using caught Pokémon, you can face your friends. You can even fight gym leaders and level up your character!
3. Character customization will be available. You will be able to customize your avatar however you like!
In the game, you can find over 1,000 items and catch up to 30 Pokémon. The Pokédex has proven to be more extensive than that, so it has been assumed that players can only hold 30 Pokémon at a time unless they upgrade their storage. Currently, the game is being tested in New Zealand and Australia and is expected to hit the market later this year.
With two big titles like this coming to mobile devices, Nintendo is sure to rake in the cash. Originally, Nintendo was not planing to get involved with cellphone apps, but with such a huge market out there, how could they say no? Personally, I am more than excited to see these two popular titles make their way onto cellular devices, and I will most likely download both.
