Pre-Registration for Nintendo’s “Miitomo” Smartphone App Kicks Off February 17

After months of speculation, Nintendo has unveiled its launch plans for its first ever mobile app, Miitomo. Users can also easily take and share photos featuring their Mii with the Miifoto feature. The app will also be able to connect with Nintendo’s new award system, My Nintendo, also launching alongside the app in March of this year. Players can then redeem these points for downloadable content. “Gold Points” will work more like a traditional rewards program, letting players earn money-saving coupons by purchasing Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games.

Nintendo revealed the release plans in a briefing to shareholders on 3 February, as well as details about Nintendo Account (the ID system) My Nintendo (the loyalty scheme) and Miitomo. Platinum points can be acquired by using apps on smartphone and by logging into the eShop, although not from playing Wii U or 3DS games.

After what seems like ages, Nintendo is finally ready to dip a toe into the world of iOS and Android apps.

They said that the game will feature one of the most well known characters in their line up, so Mario, Link and Pikachu are all in the running.

-Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. In the meantime Miitomo has yet to receive a firm release date, but the game will be one of several titles Nintendo has planned for this year.

On February 17, Western gamers will be able to sign up for the new Nintendo Account service (already online in Japan), which will get you some unnamed “bonus” when Miitomo launches. Nintendo explains 200 million Miis have been created, and they hope to broaden this number further with Miitomo.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site.