Nintendo's first mobile app will launch in March

Nintendo is finally ready for the smartphone and tablet.

The video game giant announced Wednesday its first app for mobile devices will launch in March. The app, called Miitomo, will be available for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

Miitomo has been described as a social experience featuring Miis, avatars created by players for use in some Nintendo games. The avatars were introduced in 2007 with the launch of the Nintendo Wii.

"Users will be able to interact with their friends in an entirely new way that transforms communication into a form of play," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s head of sales and marketing, in a statement.

Starting February 17, users can create a Nintendo account which they wii use for Miitomo.

The launch of Miitomo is a big step for Nintendo, which has avoided the growing smartphone and tablet market, opting to save its iconic lineup of characters for its home and portable consoles.

Along with mobile, Nintendo has also expressed interest in virtual reality. According to The Financial Times, Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima called VR "interesting technology," but noted the company is not planning to launch a device.

:story: USA Today