Nintendo is still away from bringing its games to smartphones, but the company today made a first step by offering an app that will allow users in Japan to connect their Nintendo 3DS handheld to the Internet quickly via new Docomo smartphones. Co-developed by NTT Docomo for release on Thursday, the app is part of Nintendo's curent policy to explore ways to promote its games on mobile devices without actually putting its games on them.

Despite the dismal sales of its flagship Wii U console Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has repeatedly said that launching games on the growing number of smartphones and tablets would hurt the company's hardware operations.

Today's app, which has been actually released by NTT Docomo, is expected to be followed by Nintendo's first mobile application by the end of the year.

The app will be released on 5/15 on Google Play, but will only be compatible with specific models listed on Nintendo's website.

Nintendo will be also running a promotional campaign where people who use the service and answer a survey will be eligible for a Virtual Console game of their choice from four to be announced titles.