
Sony has been in the mobile business full force since its merger with Ericsson in 2001. Microsoft partnered with Nokia in April 2014 and there have been phones bearing the Microsoft’s logo since November of that year. Notice a name missing from this short list?
Nintendo has never been in the mobile business and for years they refused to even consider games for cell phones. However, that hasn’t stopped Nintendo fans mocking up and dreaming of a mobile phone made by their beloved game company. Most have been hilariously bad, but a recent design by the tech website Curved has plenty of good things going for it.
Despite stating in a press conference earlier this year that they would release mobile applications in the future, we have yet to see Nintendo’s logo flashing up on smartphone screens. While this could all simply be down to Nintendo’s notoriously strict quality control and wanting to ensure that such applications are worthy of its company logo, is it possible that Nintendo is in fact quietly developing a phone of its own in the meantime? It’s a bit of a stretch, certainly, but it would be pretty great if they were developing something like this.
This mock-up would run an Android OS that was designed with the Wii U in mind. A button would release a pair of pop-out controls in either an NES-style two-button or Wii U-style four-button configuration. Curved, like the rest of us, would also expect streaming capabilities that would enable the user to play Wii and Wii U games from the console on the phone. Coming in white or black, the phone would match up well with the color scheme of the Wii U.
While this is all but a Mario pipe dream, it’s probably one of the best mock ups we’ve seen of a Nintendo-made mobile phone. Let’s take a look through history and check out a few of the others.
▼ We love the color scheme and retro look of this phone, and it’d probably be a big hit with the fanboys. But look at how little space there is for the buttons—this thing would be a bit of a nightmare to hold.
▼ This was an early concept way back in 2010, barely even any indication that this would be a Nintendo phone.
▼ Definitely has a nice retro Nintendo feel, right down to the battery looking like a Gameboy cartridge. I’m not a huge fan of the plug-in controller though; how often have you seen someone take a controller out of their bag just to play a game on their phone?
▼ This design seems a little baffling…apparently there are three screens here? How many breakable screens do we need on our phones? Might as well just add an LTE receiver to a 3DS and call it a day.
▼ We can really feel the implementation of the original Wii design on this phone concept, but not exactly sure how this would allow us to play games. According to the video it just seems like another way for Miis to wiggle their way into our lives.

Some interesting ideas overall, but there is still no indication that Nintendo will ever jump into the mobile phone business. Both Microsoft and Sony had to merge with or buy an existing phone business to really make an impact and there aren’t too many floundering cell phone companies left for Nintendo to even try to team up with. That said, Blackberry has been awfully quiet lately hasn’t it? Is Research in Motion about to become Nintendo in Motion? Probably not, but at least we can dream.
Which of these concepts would you buy if Nintendo ever made a phone? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Hachima Kiko H/T Kotaku Japan
Top Image: YouTube/Curved








Galapagos Syndrome: Is Nintendo’s decision to skip this year’s E3 trade show cause for concern?
9 things we know about Nintendo’s plans for the near future following today’s conference
Nintendo goes retro and patents awesome smartphone case that looks exactly like a Game Boy
Nintendo’s first smartphone app creates a virtual you that does social networking all on its own
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Can you make butter by running with a pouch filled with cream? Let’s find out[Taste test]
Japanese bonsai trees made from paper stay beautiful without water or pruning
Skip Tsukiji sushi?!? This seafood-stock ramen restaurant is a great reason to do just that
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Our reporter tries nuikatsu for the first time, but is he too old for this otaku lifestyle hobby?
New Makoto Shinkai short anime is a gorgeous music video partially set in Singapore【Video】
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Nintendo eShop closing for 3DS, Wii U next year — Here’s something you might want to do right now
Nintendo launches awesome, free Super Mario Wallpaper Maker website for PCs and smartphones
The 21st century Game Boy we wish Nintendo were working on【Pics】
First-look video of new Nintendo Museum shows off giant controllers fans can actually play games with!
The life of Satoru Iwata, late Nintendo CEO, remembered in documentary
Nintendo: Wii U production to continue in next fiscal term or later
Nintendo’s two new Smash Bros games have one of the coolest trailers ever
Super Mario Run teaser, gameplay videos released, official launch date announced
We Take Our New Wii U for a Ride on a Bullet Train, Works Like a Charm
Nintendo announces new “2DS” portable, Wii U deluxe gets a price cut
Nintendo’s crazy new Ring-Con and RingFit Adventure are its new exercise/gaming hybrid【Video】
Flip phone graduation ceremony — A surprisingly emotional look back at life in 3G-era Japan【Vid】
A quick look at the Sony, Xbox and Nintendo booths at E3 2014【RN24@E3】
Not as easy as it looks! The making of viral video “Mario Jumps into Battle”
Video shows 13 experiences every Japanese gamer had with Nintendo’s Famicom