Almost no one could've seen the return of Miitopia on Nintendo Switch coming, largely due to Nintendo's seeming desire to distance itself from the Mii brand. While it was ubiquitous during the Wii and Wii U eras, the Switch quietly tried to move on. However, the recent Nintendo Direct had Miis popping up everywhere, both in Miitopia and Mario Golf: Super Rush's story mode. Knowing Nintendo, this could be a fluke, but it could just as easily signal the return of the Miis.
Granted, Miis only made a relatively brief appearance in the Direct, especially in comparison to previous generations. They used to be everywhere, with the Wii's most successful software, from Wii Sports to Wii Fit, focused on the Miis. For a long time, Miis were synonymous with Nintendo, but this all changed when the Wii U flopped. By the time the Wii U's fate was sealed, the once vibrant Mii brand had its identity shackled to a failed console.
As such, Nintendo distanced itself from the Wii branding with the Switch. The company needed a fresh start, and that required turning over a new leaf. The Miis had to go. Sure, there still is a Mii Maker buried in the Switch's options, but it's shockingly barebones. Miis also kept up appearances in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but these were cursory. Nintendo shifted its brand identity to change its mainstream perception, and the Miis were unfortunately swept aside.
However, while making the Switch brand feel distinct was an optical necessity a few years ago, the console is now in a much different place. The Switch is meteorically successful. Its upward trajectory seemingly can't be stopped, and its games are already outpacing Wii levels of units sold. Nintendo is bringing back lapsed fans by the millions. As the console continues to thrive and speak to casual and core gamers alike, Nintendo can return to the Mii brand without worry. They're less of a hazard now, especially as Wii-era players flock to the Switch.
In many ways, the composition of the Switch's install base makes the return of Miis a smart decision. Through exclusives from Breath of the Wild to Monster Hunter Rise and a renewed focus on third-party content, the Switch is speaking to core players. Through titles from Ring Fit Adventure to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Nintendo is courting the casual market again, too. But, Nintendo's attention this generation may actually be skewed too far toward the core player. Establishing the Miis a valued part of the Switch ecosystem again could make the system more recognizable and inviting for a new demographic.
It's easy to scoff at the Wii's casual software from inside the niches of the industry, but those games not only sold ludicrous amounts, but were incredibly creative. Games like Wii Sports Resort are still some of Nintendo's best local multiplayer experiences. Nintendo's strength lies in its flexibility. It can deliver experiences like Metroid and Zelda just as elegantly as it can deliver Wii Fit and Nintendogs. Delivering both requires an environment that can facilitate both, and the Switch currently skews toward the former. Even little moves like revitalizing the Miis would go a long way toward widening the Switch's player base and informing the games that release on it.
This all begs the question: do Miitopia and Mario Golf signal the start of this revival? While it's too early to say, there is reason to be hopeful. Grezzo, the team behind many Zelda remakes and Ever Oasis, is porting Miitopia. That, alongside the game's $50 price tag, communicates a level of importance behind this release. Clearly, Nintendo believes in it. It's unclear what the end goal is, but Grezzo could have been remaking other Zelda titles instead of this. Allocating resources this way is important, and it's an important first step toward reviving the Miis.
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