Nintendo Mobile News
June2016
Random The Man Behind EarthBound Has Just Launched "Instagram For Pets"
Out now on iOS
While Nintendo fans would like nothing more than to see EarthBound/Mother creator Shigesato Itoi create a new game in the series which made him so famous, the Japanese veteran has instead moved onto other ventures, including smartphone apps. Back in 2011 he published an app which was intended to help people give up smoking, and now...
News Second Wave Of US Pokémon GO Beta Invites Hitting Inboxes As We Speak
Keep an eye on your email
Pokémon GO isn't publically available yet, but a series of beta tests have been taking place all over the globe - and we're getting numerous reports that more beta invites are being sent out to US players right now. If you've already signed up to register your interest then you'll want to keep a firm eye on your email, as...
May2016
Feature Miitomo's Initial Success Doesn't Mask Lessons to be Learned for Future Nintendo Apps
Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem have the scope to do better
Miitomo was always, it seemed, a divisive first app to come from the Nintendo / DeNA partnership. For some the idea of Nintendo being directly involved in smart device downloads is a form of blasphemy, while others were surprised at the choice of brand and approach. With Mii characters at...
Poll Are You Still a Miitomo Regular, or Has The Great Mii Q & A Lost Its Charm?
The big question
Earlier this week SurveyMonkey Intelligence shared its statistics suggesting a drop in popularity for Miitomo, with the app seemingly seeing notable drops in download numbers, a high churn rate and declines in weekly average users (WAU). It was data focused on the US, but nevertheless provided an interesting look at something that...
News SurveyMonkey Intelligence Breaks Down the Declining Usage of Miitomo
When download numbers aren't enough
Miitomo has been out for a little while now, by the standards of this connected 'what's hot today' era, and as a result attention is focused on its long term performance. It's been pleasing to report on successes such as millions of downloads, but we're moving onto a stage where issues like engagement are more...
News Study Suggests Rising Smartphone Ownership Among Kids Is Hitting Nintendo Hard
Only 24 percent of children take Nintendo handhelds on the road
Market research firm Influence Central has revealed a new study that suggests Nintendo is losing the battle against smartphones and tablets when it comes to winning the hearts and minds of youngsters. The company's latest report states that the average child is given his or her first...
News The Pokémon GO Field Test is Now Heading to the US
You can register your interest right now
Pokémon GO has been undergoing plenty of Beta testing this year, with developer Niantic running field tests in Japan and Australia. The global tour of this early version is going to now hit another vital market - it's coming to the US. As Pokémon GO is a game heavily reliant on augmented reality and...
News Space-Themed Accessories Now Available In Miitomo Drop
Space, man
Nintendo has updated its Miitomo smartphone app with a new range of items, dubbed "Futuristic Fashion" in North America and "Galactic Garments" in Europe. The new items include space helmets, hoodies, Saturn pin badges, Galactic sneakers, UFO shirts and "Alien Abduction" tights. These will be available until the May 22nd, so if anything...
News Smartphone Animal Crossing And Fire Emblem Will Both Be Free-To-Play
Tom Nook will be pleased
Despite claims that Nintendo will aim to avoid the "freemium" route for its smartphone releases, it has been confirmed by the Wall Street Journal that the forthcoming Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem titles will both be free to download and will be supported by in-g
News Miitomo Update Allows You To Add Friends Using Email And SMS Messaging
You can also edit Miifotos before posting as comments, too
Miitomo has been updated to version 1.2.0, and while it comes with the usual "bug fixes" and "speed increases", the most welcome addition is the ability to add friends using email or text messaging - handy for those who don't use social media accounts. Another key change is the opportunity...
News There's a New Miitomo Update Coming Soon
Finally, new ways to add friends
Miitomo has been out for a little over a month now, and has been quite a success as Nintendo's first smart device app. While it isn't strictly considered a "game", the social aspects of it are quirky and engaging, but there's always been one glaring flaw: adding friends. The app has been strangely strict on this...
News Nintendo Wants Mobile to be a "Pillar of Profit"
Kimishima-san clarifies Shigeru Miyamoto's role with smart device games
Over a year on from Nintendo and DeNA formalising a partnership we've had one app to kickstart Nintendo's smart device output - Miitomo. Big news from the recent financial reports and briefings, however, confirmed that we'll have Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem games on our...
April2016
News Square Enix Is Resurrecting A Classic Super Famicom RPG On Mobile Phones
Romancing Saga 2 playable in English for the first time ever
It was only last year that we reported on a fan translation of the first Romancing Saga game, a Super Famicom RPG which has gone down in history as one of the unique offerings in the genre. Now, we've had the unexpected news that Square Enix is localising the Japan-only sequel itself - and...
Video Nintendo Would Really Love You To Take Crazy Miifoto Selfies In Miitomo
Please do not attempt during a rush hour commute
Miitomo has proved to a a successful first step into the world of smart devices for Nintendo, with over 10 million users worldwide; more than 20 million Miifotos have also been created, which shows that users are really engaging with it. Keen to build on this success Nintendo has released a slightly...
Talking Point Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem Could Provide Nintendo's Mobile Breakthrough With Fans
Targeting Nintendo gamers of various types
Following Nintendo's financial reports and Tatsumi Kimishima's President's Presentation this week, a relatively clear picture has emerged of what will be the core areas of focus for Nintendo for the rest of 2016. Mobile and the 3DS (and perhaps amiibo) are likely to be at the forefront in terms of major...
News Nintendo Share Price Drops Over 8% as Analysts Weigh in On NX and Mobile Plans
"Nintendo's console business has to be focused on making the NX a success"
Nintendo will have had few annual financial reports that attracted as much interest as this week's release, with key details on game release windows, E3, mobile plans and a launch window for NX all coming out. In general the response was a mix of understanding, surprise and...
News Animal Crossing On Smartphones Aims To Deliver "A New Style Of Play"
Will connect with other games in the series, too
Following the success of Miitomo Nintendo has announced its next two mobile releases, and they're big names from the company's library of IP: Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. Regarding the latter, it has been confirmed that the smartphone app will offer connectivity with Animal Crossing games on...
News Fire Emblem Mobile Game Will Offer "Accessible" Yet "Engaging" Gameplay
"This application will offer a more accessible style of gameplay"
Nintendo confirmed yesterday that Fire Emblem is one of the next titles it is bringing to mobile phones. Speaking in the Financial Results Briefing, president Tatsumi Kimishima outlined why Fire Emblem was selected, and what form the final game will take. Kimishima confirmed that...
Feature A Summary of Nintendo's Key Announcements on NX, E3 and Mobile
Plenty to think about
Well, it's been an interesting day for Nintendo fans. The company made some key announcements when it issued its annual financial reports, many of which have prompted a lot of debate. There's been a lot of reaction, but for those looking at the various articles and wondering where to start this is a summary to bring it all...
Video Pokémon GO Footage Leaks Ahead Of Official Release
Big news from down under
Almost nine minutes of footage from the Australian field test of Pokémon GO has appeared online, giving us the best look yet at this forthcoming mobile release. The clip shows the player selecting their avatar and taking to the streets to track down wild Pokémon. As you can see, encounters make use of Augmented Reality to...
News Miitomo Has Hit 10 Million Users Worldwide
More apps to be released "continuously"
Update: Nintendo has confirmed special events to celebrate the download landmark. To celebrate Miitomo reaching 10 million users, Nintendo will run a special 10-day "Celebrating 10 Million Users!" promotion between 29th April and 8th May. Original Article: Miitomo launched in mid-late March, depending on...
News Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing Franchises Are Heading to Smart Devices
Crikey
Update: Nintendo of Europe has now fully verified this news; both are targeting an Autumn / Fall release. Nintendo's Next Mobile Apps: Building on the positive consumer reaction to Miitomo, Nintendo announced that its next two mobile apps would be based on the familiar and beloved Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing franchises. Nintendo plans...
Rumour Nintendo is Gearing Up to Unveil its Next Smart Device Software Soon
What could it be?
As some of you may be aware, Nintendo has an upcoming fiscal meeting in just a few short hours that will be centered around reviewing the company's performance over the last quarter. Naturally, these events are usually mostly concerned with sales numbers and graphs, but new announcements for the near future have been known to...
Feature Key Details to Look Out for in Nintendo's Vital Financial Reports and Briefings
NX timeline, mobile strategy, projected profits and more
We trust you've had your calendars marked for the momentous day - 27th April, Nintendo Earnings Release. No? Well, that's understandable, but it's actually more interesting than it sounds. The end of the financial year and its reports are among the most important presentations Nintendo gives...
Talking Point Nintendo Needs to Excite A Mainstream Audience in 2016
The hardcore fanbase isn't enough on its own
This week could be an interesting one for Nintendo fans. With E3 creeping ever closer the company will be revealing its annual financial report - beyond profit figures this means details on sales and projections, and will also bring us Tatsumi Kimishima's media briefing and investor Q & A. It's the...
Poll NX and Mobile Make This a Defining Year for Nintendo - Are You Optimistic?
The big N aims to regain momentum
With Star Fox Zero now out, generally within a maelstrom of conflicting viewpoints and opinions on its merits, Nintendo's heading into a rather different phase of the year. There are certainly notable releases still on the way for Wii U and 3DS, but eyes are turning inexorably to the mysterious future of the company...
News Pokémon GO Beta Field Test Reveals Real Time Gym Battles
"It's crazy. And colorful. And gloriously not like Ingress"
A massive helping of Pokémon GO information has arrived on the web thanks to first-hand reports from players involved in the Beta field test. The most interesting piece of info is that battles occur in real time and are not turn-based like they are in the main
News SurveyMonkey Intelligence Estimates Four Million Users and Daily Revenue of $40,000 for Miitomo
Answering all the right questions
It didn't take long for Nintendo to talk up the download numbers of Miitomo, and firms focused on the analysis and interpretation of trends in the smart device space have also been weighing in on its early days. Following its initial launch in Japan and expansion to more countries worldwide it's attracted millions...
Music Miitomo Grooves Could Be The Soundtrack To Your Summer
Mii amigos
If you want to be the coolest Mii on the street you're going to need some fresh beats. With this in mind, the chiptune artist DJ Cutman has just released a new album to celebrate Nintendo's mobile hit, Miitomo. Entitled Mii Tomo Grooves, this is a fan-made tribute to the music of Miitomo and is not endorsed by Nintendo. Hence the space...
News Pokémon GO Field Testing is Heading to Australia and New Zealand
Catching 'em all Down Under
Pokémon GO is one of the year's highest profile upcoming smart device games, and one that is carrying significant hopes for Nintendo, The Pokémon Company and developer Niantic. Though a release date is yet to be given the app has already had a 'field test' with limited users in Japan, and the in-progress title is now...
News Miitomo Continues Early Momentum in Leading Download Charts and App Engagement
A positive start
It's still early days for Miitomo; the first app from Nintendo and DeNA has a long way to go before it will have firmly established itself. Nevertheless it enjoyed a positive launch in Japan and has since attracted plenty of attention in the West. Since its 31st March release in territories such as the US, UK and Germany, the app...
Editorial Miitomo is Surprisingly Strange and Compelling
Adjectives perhaps used by bemused but entertained users
Miitomo is an odd app. Nintendo's pre-launch attempts to pitch it to investors left many scratching their heads, and even with its release plenty of commenters online have been relatively dismissive - lines like "I deleted after an hour" appear frequently. Yet on the flipside the app has...
News Miitomo Romps Past The One Million Installs Mark On Android
Taking over
Nintendo has already revealed that Miitomo has hit three million users worldwide and topped the iOS App Store, but we can now confirm that it has sped past the one million installs marker on the Android Google Play market, too. Browsing the Miitomo page on the Google Play store, it now says the app has been downloaded between 1,000,000...
Not as surprising as it seems
With this being a year that, at the very least, will deliver a new system reveal from Nintendo, it should be no surprise that the company may have upped its spending on research and development. Of course, the flipside of the argument is that the hardware will have been concluded in prototype form, at least, for some...
News Miitomo Tops iOS Chart in the US and Hits Three Million Global Downloads
It's quite popular then...
Miitomo was arguably the second most exciting new thing from Nintendo on 31st March, as much attention among fans was on the My Nintendo loyalty programme. Out in the broader world, however, it's certainly Nintendo and DeNA's first app that's made a significant splash, even trending for a time on Twitter. For starters,...
March2016
News Miitomo Trends on Twitter as Nintendo's Charm Strikes Again
Mii-ting its targets
Miitomo is out now in a number of countries in the West, and in its first few hours has managed to seize a lot of attention on social media. That's the whole point, of course, and we suspect Nintendo will be rather happy with the start it's made. #Miitomo has started to trend on Twitter, at the time of writing appearing near...
News Hurrah, Miitomo Is Now Available In The West
Time to get social
Miitomo is now available in the west. After making us wait all morning, the app has just gone live on Google Play and iOS App Store. If you're on Android and are already using the Japanese version after following our guide, you'll be able to automatically update the app by downloading it on
Video Japanese Miitomo Commercial Shows How The Social App Breaks Down Barriers
Helping you to discover more about your friends
Miitomo launches today in the west, but has been available in Japan for a short while. However, Nintendo has decided to release a few TV commercial in its homeland to mark the worldwide launch, and it does an effective job of capturing the aim of the app - to enable friends to share information in a...
News You Can Have 1000 Friends In Miitomo, But No More Than That
Being selective
Miitomo launches today in the west, and one of the big questions users have regarding this unique social networking app relates to the number of friends you're allowed. Other networks like Twitter and Facebook place no limit on the amount of contacts you can add to your profile, and as a result these services become quite hard to...
From Mii to you
After all the hype and anticipation surrounding Nintendo's move into mobile, it's perhaps a little surprising that the game which kicks off this new era for the Japanese veteran isn't really a game at all; Miitomo has more in common with the likes of Twitter and Facebook than it does Super Mario and Zelda. Despite expectations being...
News Pokémon Go Field Test is Underway in Japan, Though Leakers Are Getting Removed
Secret field ops
Pokémon Go is an smartphone game carrying a lot of expectation. Developed by the highly-regarded Niantic and funded by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, the real-world AR experience has been attracting plenty of attention. Details are starting to solidify, too, with an official information dump last week telling us much more...
News My Nintendo and Miitomo to Launch in the West on 31st March
In the US and "several other countries"
Well, we finally have a date for the launch of Miitomo and the My Nintendo loyalty programme in the West, and Nintendo has been good to its word and hit its target for a March release. It's been confirmed that the app and the Club Nintendo replacement will land in the US and 'several other countries' on 31st...
News Official Miitomo Site Reiterates March 2016 Release
You've got three days, Nintendo
Nintendo's first official smartphone app, Miitomo, has been out in Japan for a few weeks now, along with the accompanying new loyalty program, My Nintendo. While the download numbers may have dwindled since its launch week, the app had a very strong showing when it made its big entrance, topping the storefronts on...
News More Official Pokémon Go Gameplay Details Emerge
Teams! PokéStops! Evolutions! Battles! Great Balls!
Just recently some stealthy off-screen footage emerged of Pokémon Go, the hotly anticipated AR (augmented reality) smartphone app being developed by Niantic and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo. It looked pretty much as expected, with the demonstration showing a stylised Google Maps...
News Miitomo Update to Expand Friend Options and Features
Including "Everybody Answers", which actually sounds slightly menacing
It's certainly normal for smart device apps to be updated frequently, and Miitomo is no different. It's already up to version 1.0.2 in Japan as Nintendo and DeNA have fixed some early issues in the app. What does seem to be on the way is a more detailed update to add new...
News Miitomo Contains A Cool Easter Egg Which Pays Tribute To Satoru Iwata
Secrets "directly" to you
Miitomo might not be available globally yet but if you've used our handy guide then you'll know it's pretty easy to get it on your device no matter where you happen to be in the world. Since the game launched there's been a lot of interest - which is perfectly understandable, given that it's Nintendo first serious attempt...
News Impressive Miitomo Download Numbers Credited For Sizeable Jump in Nintendo Share Value
"They didn't even have to use Mario to get 1 million downloads"
Following its launch in Japan on 17th March Miitomo has achieved some impressive results. It passed one million downloads in three days, and at the time of writing is still topping the free-to-download charts for iPhone and Google Play in the country. As Nintendo's goal is to boost...
Video Early Pokémon Go Footage Shows Off AR Pocket Monster Catching
Time to look slightly silly in public!
Pokémon Go is coming this year, though The Pokémon Company, Nintendo and developer Niantic have largely stuck with fancy concept CG commercials to date. The realities of the reveal trailer's pitch and the app itself will, naturally, be different, but the core idea of augmented reality (AR) gaming to catch...
News Miitomo Continues Strong Run in Japan
Tops iPhone overall chart and climbs to second on Android
Just recently we reported on the first two days of download results for Miitomo in Japan. It made a storming debut across iOS on 17th and 18th March, and now we have information on more results and the earliest Android chart placings. Once again we've been checking up on App Annie, and what...
Video Explore The Appeal Of Miitomo With This New Launch Trailer
Posted on "Nintendo Mobile" YouTube channel, no less
Miitomo has launched in Japan, and we've already given you hands-on impressions and showed how to install the game elsewhere in the world. Now, it's the turn of Nintendo - via its shiny new Nintendo Mobile YouTube channel - to expla
Guide Here's How To Get Miitomo Early On iOS And Android
Fun with the Japanese release
Miitomo is out in Japan, and the surprising thing is that despite the regional exclusivity, it's possible to play the "game" entirely in English. Doing so requires a bit of additional legwork and (please read this disclaimer twice or maybe even three times) you won't be able to use your Nintendo Account unless you...
News Miitomo Launches in Japan on 17th March
Hopefully the western launch isn't far off
This month, Nintendo will be releasing its first official app for smart devices in the form of Miitomo, and naturally there's lots of chatter around what it'll be like. Though some were expecting a game, it seems that Miitomo will be a more social experience, centering around interesting facts and questions...
News Pokémon Comaster is Revealed as Another Upcoming Smart Device Release
If 3D chess and checkers mega evolved...
The Pokémon Company is relatively experienced in utilising smart devices, even if its parent company Nintendo is gearing up to release its first major app this month. In another effort to expand the reach of the 'mon franchise the company has announced another spin-off that's heading to phones and tablets -...
News Pokémon Go is All Set for a March 'Field Test' in Japan
The adventure begins, sort of...
Though Pokémon Go recently saw its GDC presentation get cancelled, there's no real suggestion as yet that the project is in trouble; to the contrary developer Niantic is gearing up to send its app into the real world. In a short but sweet blog update the developer has stated that it's planning a field test of the...
News Niantic Cancels Pokémon GO Presentation At Game Developers Conference
No GO?
This year's Game Developers Conference takes place later this month, and Pokémon GO developer Niantic was due to hold a talk on March 14th about its latest game. Studio CEO John Hanke was supposed to give attendees "a first-hand, in-depth look at how players are interacting and exploring the world with one another through Pokemon GO," with...
News Nintendo Will Do Well On Mobile Because That's Where Its Core Audience Is Now, Claims Analyst
"Everybody wants Mario Kart on their mobile"
2016 is a big year for Nintendo. It's celebrating 20 years of Pokémon on one hand, but is also taking a momentous step into the future with Miitomo, the first of a new wave of exclusive smartphone titles created by the firm. In addition to this, Nintendo is taking Pokémon in an exciting new direction...
February2016
News Pokémon Photo Booth Can Now Be Downloaded Off of the App Store
Pokémon Snap
It seems that the Pokémon company is trying to get the hype machine moving at full speed, with a planned Pokémon Direct this Friday that will no doubt have some big announcements. The Pokémon company has especially shown interest in mobile devices lately, with Pokémon Shuffle being ported over and Pokémon GO on the way later this...
News Pokémon Company CEO Reveals Pokémon GO Rollout Details, Teases Another "Big" Project
Japan, Europe and North America first in line
Pokémon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara has revealed in an interview with the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper that Pokémon GO will hit Japan, Europe and North America first. According to Ishihara, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East will get the game later on. Despite the finer...
News Tatsumi Kimishima Pinpoints NX and Mobile as Key Areas to Deliver 'Nintendo-Like' Profits
Another reminder that NX is due before March 2017
In the past week Nintendo revealed its Q3 financial results, which brought a dip in profit and some slightly concerning sales figures. Overall, however, investors seemed to keep the faith while Nintendo President Tatsumi Kimishima kept most cards closely to his chest in the accompanying President's...
News Were It Not For Google's Love Of April Fools' Day, Pokémon Go Might Not Have Happened
"I think that kind of culture is one of Google’s assets"
Nintendo's smartphone drive doesn't just include the titles it is developing with DeNA - the company has already dipped a toe into mobile gaming waters with the Pokémon franchise, and with the forthcoming release of Pokémon Go, could make quite a large splash in the smart device arena. In...
News Miitomo to Include Photo Mode and Pre-Registration Will Bring 'Platinum' My Nintendo Point
16 countries to be included in March launch
Update 2: Nintendo of America has also confirmed that Miitomo registration will open on 17th February in the region. Update: A Nintendo of Europe press release has confirmed many of the details below, along with a few other snippets of information. Pre-registration for Miitomo - as outlined below - will...
News Pokémon Go Showcase Session Confirmed for GDC in March
Developer Niantic to provide an in-depth look
One of the year's biggest events for the development community will take place from 14th-18th March (public expo from 16th March) with GDC (Game Developers Conference) in San Francisco. Thousands of developers and industry professionals will descend on the city for a series of events, networking sessions...
News Nintendo's Second Mobile App to Feature an IP "Very Well Known to Everyone"
Please don't be Mario Match-3...
Nintendo has revealed its latest financial results, and though we await the full transcript of President Tatsumi Kimishima's briefing the early noises online suggest that much was kept rather close to the chest. Nevertheless the company is working to charm investors into keeping the faith after results that saw a...
Feature Five Key Details That May Emerge From Nintendo's Financial Reports and Briefings
Mobile plans, release details and hints for the next generation
This week will bring Nintendo's Q3 financial results, a presentation briefing from company President Tatsumi Kimishima and a Q & A with investors. Now, that may not be very exciting on paper, but this particular set of results comes at an interesting point, as it'll be the first...
December2015
News Reggie Talks Smartphone Gaming and My Nintendo
Focusing on making entirely new experiences
About a month ago, Nintendo held an investor's meeting where details were finally revealed around the highly anticipated Nintendo rewards program and Nintendo's first smartphone game from the DeNA partnership. Opinions on the smartphone app, Miitomo, were admittedly divided, though the new 'My Nintendo'...
November2015
News All DeNA and Nintendo Smartphone Apps Currently in Development are Free-to-Play
Still aiming to launch five "carefully selected titles" by March 2017
Nintendo and DeNA has, up to now, spoken about applying mobile app pricing that reflects the type of game being offered. Social app Miitomo, for example, will be free-to-download but have optional purchases for things like Mii outfits, which is an approach that seems to work just...
Video Just Who Exactly is Miitomo Designed for?
Miit & griit
Miitomo isn't the explosive introduction onto smart devices that many people were hoping, but many others remain vigilant that it is indeed a smart move by the big N; not least our own Thomas Whitehead who explains the strengths of the future app. In the video below we discuss with long-time Nintendo Life amigo Andy Robertson from...
October2015
News Nintendo Expecting Mobile Business To Eclipse Wii And DS Era Profits In Three Years
Available in 8 languages, over 100 countries
Nintendo's smartphone plans became a little more real this week with the announcement of the company's first smartphone title, Miitomo. The news was tempered slightly by the revelation that the game - if one can call it that - will be delayed until March next year so that Nintendo has time to properly...
Reaction Nintendo's First Mobile App, Miitomo, Targets the Lucrative Depths of the Blue Ocean
Tom Whitehead mulls over Miitomo and its potential success
Miitomo is a tricky thing to assess early doors, as it's not exactly what many were expecting. In fact, my first reaction in a sleepy fog was that it was a bizarre decision that appeared to go back to the original idea - mooted back in 2013 - of a Mii-driven app. I felt a sense of slight...
Gallery Catch Up With Nintendo's Miitomo Reveal and Concept Images
An evolution of Tomodachi
Nintendo's first smart device app, Miitomo, isn't necessarily what many people expected. The general anticipation was for a game that would utilise a major franchise; while those will still happen, Nintendo is instead releasing a social app driven by the Mii brand. In addition it'll launch alongside the new Nintendo...
News Miitomo, Nintendo's First Smartphone Game, Is Delayed Until March 2016
Free to play with IAP for special items and add-ons
During a special strategy briefing for investors in Tokyo, Nintendo CEO Tatsumi Kimishima has revealed that the first of its smartphone titles has been delayed. Miitomo will be a free to play title, with IAP for add-ons. Exact gameplay details are sketchy, but it sounds like an augmented version...
"Only saying something general may be taken as a negative"
Today has brought the latest Nintendo financial results, so attention now turns to the upcoming President's Presentation from Tatsumi Kimishima, which will be his first in the role. It's taking place at 10am Tokyo time on 29th October, which is 1am UK / 2am CET, and 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern...
What could it be?
Earlier this year Nintendo formed an alliance with fellow Japanese firm DeNA, with plans to release a game / app on mobile platforms before the end of 2015. In July, DeNA West CEO Shintaro Asako further explained how five different games – each of a distinct genre – were in the pipeline and were scheduled to arrive before the...
News Spooky Halloween Events Are Now Live In Pokémon Shuffle
Ends 26th October
With the spooky time of year fast approaching, Pokémon Shuffle is celebrating the occasion with two new Halloween-inspired events. The first is titled Dusknoir Descends and requires players to defeat the ghost type Pokémon in 20 moves or less. If acquired and then used in battle, Dusknoir may occasionally use Last-Ditch Effort...
September2015
Rumour New Report Suggests That Konami Has All But Abandoned Console Development
PES and Metal Gear Online are the only titles spared
With the incredible commercial and critical success of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain you'd think that publisher Konami would be feeling pretty pleased about its home console output, but it would appear that earlier reports regarding the company exiting the domestic arena are true...
July2015
News If Nintendo Did Decide To Make A Smartphone, We'd Want It To Look Like This
Mixing the old and the new
Nintendo's alliance with DeNA means that the company is moving into the realm of smartphones, something that was almost inconceivable just a short while ago. Making software for phones is a long way away from producing mobile hardware itself, but that hasn't stopped concept artist Pierre Cerveau from cooking up this...
June2015
News Nintendo Didn't Mention Mobile At E3 2015 Because It Was The Wrong Crowd
"You can hear the groan when a particular company talks about mobile"
Nintendo's entry into the mobile phone gaming arena was pretty huge news, and some fans suspected that the company would show off something at E3 2015 related to it. However, that didn't come to pass - and Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime has been explaining to
News Mario Parody Kill The Plumber Rejected From iOS App Store On Grounds Of Copyright
Despite the fact that it showcases entirely new content
Smartphone clones of popular games are a real problem for developers, with shady individuals gleefully copying any successful venture in the hope that they can earn a few shillings from unsuspecting punters. These irksome chaps certainly need dealing with, but sometimes the approach of the...
News Momonga Pinball Adventures Is Bouncing And Flipping Its Way To The Wii U eShop
Another mobile title makes the jump
Update: D'oh. We've just realised that we actually reported on this back in 2013 - presumably Paladin Studios has reconfirmed the arrival of the game on the Wii U eShop. We'll find out and let you know when we know. Original story: Paladin Studios has revealed that its 2013 mobile title Momonga Pinball...
News Natsume Is Bringing Smartphone Title Ninja Strike To The Wii U eShop
Will be showing it off at E3
Natsume has just confirmed the titles it will be showing off at E3, and among them you'll spot a new name: Ninja Strike. Before you get your hopes up, it's not some exciting simulation of what it must have been like in ancient Japan when the Shogun's best assassins decided to down tools over low pay - instead, it's a...
May2015
News Mobile Is Konami's Future, According To President Hideki Hayakawa
"We will pursue mobile games aggressively"
Konami president Hideki Hayakawa has been speaking to Nikkei Trendy Net about the company's future, giving the strongest indication yet of how the firm's business is changing. Hayakawa states that smart devices represent the core focus of Konami's business moving forward. The success of Konami's current...
News Mixi's RPG Mobile Hit Monster Strike Is Coming To The 3DS
Following in the footsteps of GungHo's Puzzles & Dragons
It’s no secret Nintendo has intentions of making smart device gaming one of its major forms of revenue. The company has already reiterated its commitment on several occasions, and the proof is more evident than ever before with the producer of the Mario Kart series being recently appointed...
News Producer Of The Mario Kart Series Appointed As Head Of Nintendo’s Mobile Development Division
Likely to mean Hideki Konno
Following Nintendo's big announcement in March that it would partner with DeNA to bring popular Nintendo IP to new games on smart devices, there was much speculation about how exactly this enthralling venture would unfold. Now Japanese news outlet Sankei is reporting that Nintendo's latest financial results have shed...
April2015
News Nintendo's Mobile Partner DeNA Lays Off Significant Number Of North American Staff
San Francisco and Vancouver offices impacted in "reshape" of operations
Japanese mobile company DeNA has laid off a significant number of North American employees, it has been revealed today. The job losses are taking place at the company's San Francisco and Vancouver offices, and while exact numbers aren't forthcoming at the moment, the layoffs...
News DeNA Hopes To Bring In $25 Million Per Month Via Its Relationship With Nintendo
Nintendo could be getting 70 percent of profits
Nintendo's first mobile phone game is expected to launch later this year, and partner DeNA has been talking up its expectations on the potential profitability of this joint venture. Speaking to Reuters, DeNA CEO Isao Moriyasu stated that while targets
March2015
"Will continue to develop dedicated game titles for our dedicated hardware"
Nintendo has shocked a number of fans and onlookers today with confirmation that it's entered into partnership with DeNA to bring a range of products and games to smart devices. Though Satoru Iwata had suggested this sort of avenue was possible in the past, the sudden...
News Read The Full English Translation of Nintendo & DeNA's Presentation
All aboard the hype train
Within the last hour Nintendo & DeNA gave a presentation to media in Japan announcing their "Business and Capital Alliance". Whilst the live stream of the briefing did have translation, Nintendo have now published the presentation, in English, on their website. Thank you for attending this briefing at such short...
News Nintendo Set To License All IP to Mobile Publisher DeNA
Apps and games (yes, games) coming to smart devices globally
Breaking news this morning is a "Business and Capital Alliance" between Nintendo and fellow Japanese firm DeNA. Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7974) and DeNA Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 2432) today entered into a business and capital alliance to develop and operate new game apps for smart devices and...
December2014
Talking Point The Time Is Right For A Nintendo Phone
A move by Nintendo into the mobile space could make the company even bigger
Rumours of Nintendo working on its own mobile phone have been appearing on and off for the past decade, and recently we even heard that the idea almost become a reality back in 2004. The prospect of owning a mobile telecommunications device crafted to suit Nintendo's unique...
May2014
News App Supporting 3DS Tethering With Mobile Confirmed for Japan
Nintendo in partnership with DoCoMo
While tech-savvy gamers may already know how to 'tether' their 3DS to a smartphone in order to use its online connection, Nintendo has confirmed an app — in partnership with provider DoCoMo — that is rolling out in Japan. Its goal is to make tethering the portable system with a mobile's connection as easy as...
February2014
News Investor Wants Nintendo To Create Mobile Titles With Game-Altering In-App Purchases
"Just think of paying 99 cents just to get Mario to jump a little higher"
Please understand, Nintendo isn't keen on bringing its library of games to mobile right now — company president Satoru Iwata has been pretty firm on that point. However, Nintendo is an organisation which has shareholders, and that means it constantly faces pressure from...
January2014
News Mobile Pokémon Clone Eco Spirits Hatches A Kickstarter Campaign
No stretch goals set for an “Eco Spirits Rap”, though
Nintendo stated earlier this week that it currently had no plans to make or release any games — be they full size or mini — on mobile devices. This may have pleased some fans of the company, but it may also have disappointed others. If you fit in to the latter category, fear not — just...
News Nintendo States There Are "No Plans" to Bring Mini-Games to Smart Devices
Satoru Iwata's Corporate Management Policy Briefing will reveal more
The Nikkei, a prominent business newspaper and website in Japan, recently published an article outlining its understanding of Nintendo's upcoming smart device strategies, highlighting its expectations of what will be announced later this week when Satoru Iwata provides an investor...
News The Nintendo Phone Almost Happened A Decade Ago
Ex-Danger employee reveals how Game Boy games nearly came to mobile
Everyone seems to be telling Nintendo to get its games on mobile phones these days, and yesterday's news that the company would be announcing some kind of smartphone strategy seems to suggest that it is listening to such advice. However, a former employee at Danger Research — the...
News The Nikkei Reports Potential Nintendo Smartphone Strategy, to be Announced This Week
Marketing and mini-games on the agenda
Nintendo recently announced major reductions in its sales and financial projections for this financial year, prompting various calls for action throughout the media and from fans. Those calls have naturally included suggestions to jump into the smartphone and tablet markets, though Satoru Iwata has stated that...
November2013
News Nintendo Stock Value Rises After Buying Stake In Mobile Web Company Dwango
Embracing the mobile market
Mobile gaming is something Nintendo reportedly has no plans of participating in anytime soon. President Satoru Iwata previously made it clear Nintendo would lose its identity if it were to make such a move. On other occasions, he has said this field of games and software development is under absolutely no consideration...
August2013
News Game Designers Reveal How Super Mario Bros. 3 Would Work As A Free-To-Play Mobile Title
It's not for the faint hearted...
Free-to-play mobile games have proven popular with casual gamers over recent years and there is seemingly no end of developers looking to create another addictive bird chucking or candy crushing title to harvest money from people's e-wallets. Many people have wondered if this free-to-play model can work for much...
Soapbox Mobile And Tablet Gaming Is Creating A Generation Of Talentless Players
Touchscreens are all very well, but Damien McFerran wants his pad back
As much as dedicated console players hate to admit it, smartphone and tablet gaming has really taken off of late. Companies like GungHo interactive are reaching the kind of audience and generating the kind of revenue that their more established rivals can only dream of, and...
June2013
News Miyamoto: Working With Both Hardware And Software Offers Nintendo "Strong Advantages"
Not looking to move to smartphones any time soon, then
Abandoning hardware and becoming a software-only company would rob Nintendo of many "strong environmental advantanges", according to the company's most famous staff member. Speaking to GamesIndustry International, Shigeru Miyamoto has refuted claims that making software for other hardware would...
May2013
News Tech Site T3 Predicts What The Nintendo Smartphone Would Look Like
If you can't beat them, join them?
Love them or loathe them, smartphones are revolutionising the way people play games on the go. While touchscreen devices are still a long way from providing the same level of immersion and precision offered by dedicated games consoles like the Nintendo 3DS, the fact that they are always in your pocket and always...
Nintendo Mobile Features
Forum Topics
3 replies |
DSiWare Recommendations Thread
1,772 replies |
68 replies |
The Unoffical TV Show Mega Thread
977 replies |
Comment on the Avatar of the Person Above You
48,642 replies |