Nintendo's first smartphone game launches this week

Are you ready for Nintendo on your smartphone? Here's hoping you are, because Nintendo's totally about to be on your smartphone.

Behold: "Miitomo," the first smartphone game from Nintendo. 

So, uh, what in the world is "Miitomo," other than a smartphone game made by a company notorious for not releasing smartphone games?

Nintendo calls it "a free-to-start social experience that lets users spark one-of-a-kind conversations with friends in a whole new way using Mii characters."

Folks who've used the Nintendo Wii, 3DS or Wii U will no doubt recognize the ubiquitous "Mii" avatars - on Nintendo's various consoles, these characters stand in as virtual representations of you.

Rather than a strict game, "Miitomo" is a social experience that's meant to facilitate goofy interactions with other friends who are using the app. You'll create a character, connect that character to your Facebook and/or Twitter accounts, and... okay, what else?

"After that step is complete, it's time to answer some questions!" Nintendo says.

What kinds of questions? Glad you asked!

• How would you define your fashion style?
• What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?
• If you were given ten grand to spend in one day, what would you do?

Indeed. Indeed. It's a kind of game-ified social network starring Nintendo's Mii avatars.

Worry not, friends! Nintendo has more traditional games coming to mobile at some point this year. In the meantime, however, there's "Miitomo," arriving for free on iPhone and Android phones on Thursday, March 31.