Miitomo, Nintendo's first crack at mobile apps that was ushered in with massive hype, is shutting down in May after just over two years since it was launched.
Miitomo raced to 10 million unique users after just a month after it was released, but Nintendo has not been able to sustain user demand on the app. Where did things go wrong for Miitomo?
Nintendo 'Miitomo' Shutdown Soon
Nintendo, through the official Miitomo website, revealed that the app will end its service on May 9, 12 a.m. PT.
Selling of Miitomo coins is no longer allowed, but users will be able to enjoy daily log-in bonuses from now until the app is shut down. Named the Final Thank You Festival, the promotion will give users 2,000 Miitomo coins and five game tickets each day until May 9, which they can use to play Miitomo Drop and for the app's other features such as the Miitomo shop. Nintendo also announced that the last Miifoto event is now open for entries, with the theme being Miitomo memories.
On May 9, users who launch Miitomo will no longer be able to access any of its features, including the messages shared with friends and the items acquired in the app. Users may transfer their Mii character to their Nintendo account by linking it to the app, while sidekick Mii characters can be saved as QR codes that can then be transferred to Mii Maker on the 3DS or Wii U. Miifotos, including those shared in social media, will also be removed, so users who want to save them must do so before the planned shutdown date. Lastly, Miitomo items used in Nintendo Accounts and in Super Mario Run will no longer display after May 9.
Where Did 'Miitomo' Go Wrong?
Miitomo earned over 1 million users in its first three days after its Match 17, 2016, launch in Japan. After the app's Western launch a couple of weeks later on March 31, Miitomo raced to more than 10 million users by the middle of April.
However, Miitomo was unable to keep up with the fast-moving mobile app marketplace. It was regarded as a flash in the pan, as Miitomo was considered by many users who downloaded it as a weird app that offered very little.
Nintendo has likely learned from the lack of activities in Miitomo, as it is now doing much better with Super Mario Run and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. Miitomo might not live on, but it prepared Nintendo well for its venture into mobile games.
