Nintendo’s First (Massively Disappointing) iPhone Game Will Debut This March

Well, it’s starting to look like the day is finally near when Nintendo’s first, although might we add, lackluster, attempt at bringing Smartphone gaming to a new level is going to see the light of day.

According to the popular Japanese video game maker, itself, ‘Miitomo’ is coming to iOS and Android within just weeks — with official pre-registration beginning on the 17th, and the official release to follow suit sometime in March.

Starting on the 17th of February, you’ll be able to register for a new Nintendo Account service by providing your email address, a social network account (such as Facebook or Twitter), or an existing Nintendo Network ID. Registering will earn you the earliest notification of Miitomo’s availability, in addition to … wait for it … “a special unspecified bonus.” Oh goody!

Here’s the deal, though: ‘Miitomo’, which was first introduced last October, is far from an actual “game,” at least, one along the lines of what we’d hoped to see from Nintendo. There’s no Mario Kart of Kirby’s Adventure in the mix, but rather, just a basic, two-dimensional social interaction experience — wherein users will be able to create Mii characters and interact with other Mii’s, share pictures, ask questions, and even connect with a special My Nintendo Rewards program reported to be launching alongside the new title.

In Nintendo’s defense, however — because they HAVE given us some of my own favorite titles over the years, after all, the company is expected to launch up to five total apps by the end of March 2016. And while the second title isn’t expected to be a social communications protocol like Miitomo, Nintendo has confirmed that it will feature at least one of the company’s well-known characters — even though the title, itself, is still unknown at this time.

Brought to light in March, 2015, Nintendo’s new mobile ventures are a collaborative effort with the help of app development firm, DeNA. Unfortunately, since times have changed quite a bit from the days of the Original Nintendo, and even the Wii console, the Japanese game maker has been forced to adapt to a rapidly evolving gaming space.

Even its Wii U console has struggled to sell lately, and handhelds such as the 3DS are being supplanted by phones and tablets for many users. There are, however, rumors that suggest the company’s next console release, now known and referred to as the ‘NX,’ will attempt to bridge the gap between the company’s mobile and console offerings.

Learn More: 6 Apps Perfect for Self-Improvement

So what do you think about ‘Miitomo’?
Is it worth the price just to be able to communicate in avatar form with friends and family, or do you see more hope looming on the horizon for Nintendo’s mobile gaming future?