May 24, 2026, 9:57 am | Read time: 2 minutes

In Pictonico!, users can either select an existing photo from their gallery or take a new one. The app then incorporates the people in the photos into various game scenarios. Friends, family members, or acquaintances suddenly appear in unusual scenes and become part of short game rounds.

Photos Appear in Wild Game Scenes

Nintendo does not rely on familiar characters from its own brand worlds. Instead, the focus is on the people from private photos. The app shows them in scenarios such as zombie attacks, in changing costumes, or in other unusual situations.

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The mini-games then generate images and videos that can be saved on the smartphone. This creates new content from ordinary photos, which can later be shared with friends or family. Nintendo describes this effect as a special appeal of the game. Familiar faces can suddenly appear in completely unexpected situations. An ordinary photo might become a scene on the red carpet or a ballet performance.

Nintendo Comments on Data Privacy

Since Pictonico! works directly with private photos, data privacy is also a significant concern. After all, friends, family members, or other personal contacts may be visible in the images.

Nintendo explains on its official website that the photos are not sent to the company. Additionally, a permanent internet connection is not required. According to Nintendo, the app only goes online in certain situations, such as the first launch or when purchasing additional content.

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Up to 80 Mini-Games Planned

Pictonico! was developed jointly by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems. The game uses a so-called free-to-start model. Some content can be tried for free, but users must pay for additional content.

According to the information available so far, Volume 1 costs 5.99 euros. Volume 2 is priced at 7.99 euros. The exact contents of the packages are not yet known. In total, up to 80 mini-games can be unlocked, with difficulty levels ranging from simple tasks to more challenging ones.