You know that red mushroom guy that hangs around with Mario? Apparently he’s got a little friend. His little friend is nuts.
LINE is a free texting app that is freakishly exceedingly popular in Japan. Like Facebook, companies can have official accounts that people can friend for regular updates and bonuses and such. Some such accounts are managed by bots that are programmed to respond in certain ways to messages. Nintendo recently unveiled its official LINE account that is currently being operated by such a bot. A green version of the Super Mario Bros. character, Toad. Except it’s not Toad.
Note: In Japan, Toad is named Kinopio (キノピオ). It’s pronounced like “Pinocchio” but with the “Pi” and “cchi” reversed.
任天堂の公式LINEアカウントを開設しました。案内役はキノピオくんです。よろしければ友だちになってください。LINEをお使いの方はこちら→https://t.co/AnsjD5wj96http://t.co/iMAhWI4MDM pic.twitter.com/4thAIuRut9
— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) September 22, 2015
Translation: Nintendo has set up its official LINE account. Your guide will be Kinopio-kun. Kindly friend him. For how to use LINE, please check here→URL
People immediately started having fun with the little green freak of nature. Sending Nintendo console names would have the character respond with images of said consoles. (original Japanese text has been replaced with English)
Original image was uploaded by @kzt0456. You can see that HERE.
It was soon discovered that he wasn’t Toad, but in fact a different character.
Original image was uploaded by @mikan_wt. You can see that HERE
Original image was uploaded by @ko_pumpkin. You can see that HERE
It was soon brought to light that this character’s official name was “Kinopio-kun”
Original image was uploaded by @ojerance. You can see that Here
Some conversations with the bot seemed to get a little personal…
Original image was uploaded by @chousen_yuuki. You can see that HERE
Kinopio-kun also revealed his relationship with other popular Nintendo characters.
Original image was uploaded by @ria274love. You can see that HERE
For a bot, the interactivity is kind of nuts
Original image was uploaded by @marimo_chorobon. You can see that HERE
There are also hidden features, like an audio file of the character yelling “Wiiiiii!” that’s sent along with the image of the console when you text the word “wii”.
Original image was uploaded by @tk_sakura1. You can see that HERE
Kinopio-kun also has a sense of humor
Original image was uploaded by @Oh_Gunshi_FRISK. You can see that HERE
Original image was uploaded by @away_syuka. You can see that HERE
Nintendo should put this quirky little dude in a game. Have him in Smash Bros. where he can knock you out with his woooords.
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