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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Mii

Mii is a customizable digital avatar system created by Nintendo for use on its video game consoles and some mobile apps.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mii is a customizable digital avatar system created by Nintendo for use on its video game consoles and some mobile apps. Introduced on the Wii in 2006, Miis can represent players or other characters in compatible games and are known for their simple, cartoon-like appearance. The name is a portmanteau of "Wii" and "me," reflecting their role as personal avatars.

History

Mii was introduced with the Wii in 2006 and later expanded to other Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. It became one of Nintendo's best-known avatar systems.

Design and customization

Miis are built from simple, adjustable features such as face shape, hair, eyes, and clothing. Their stylized look is intended to make them recognizable while still resembling the player or another chosen person.

Use in games

Miis are used as avatars in games such as Wii Sports and other compatible titles. In some games, including Tomodachi Life and Miitopia, they function more like characters with their own traits and roles.

Cultural impact

Miis became closely associated with the Wii era and are widely recognized as part of Nintendo's identity. They have also appeared in crossover and sports-style games, helping maintain their visibility across generations of hardware.

Key facts

  • Miis are player-created avatars used in Nintendo software and games.
  • They first appeared on the Wii console in 2006.
  • The name combines "Wii" and "me," reflecting their role as personal avatars.
  • Miis can be customized with different facial, body, and clothing features.
  • Mii support has appeared across multiple Nintendo platforms, including handheld and mobile software.
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Canadian context

Miis are relevant to Canadian readers as part of Nintendo's global console ecosystem, which has a large user base in Canada and strong popularity among family and party games.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Mii?
A Mii is a customizable digital avatar used by Nintendo on its consoles and related software.
When did Miis first appear?
Miis first appeared on the Wii in 2006.
What does the name Mii mean?
The name is a portmanteau of "Wii" and "me."
Which Nintendo systems support Miis?
Miis have appeared on the Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.
How are Miis used in games?
They can represent players directly or appear as characters in games that support them.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mii
    Supports: Overview of Mii as a customizable avatar system; name origin; platforms; uses in games.
  2. Wikipediahttps://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mii
    Supports: Creator attribution to Shigeru Miyamoto; first appearance on Wii; later platform support.
  3. Super Mario Wikihttps://www.mariowiki.com/Mii
    Supports: Name origin and appearances in Nintendo games with Super Mario elements.
  4. Wikipediahttps://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mii
    Supports: Customization features and use as player avatars or characters with personalities.