Update: Nintendo has issued a statement to TechRadar, denying that it has any plans to put mini games on smartphones as rumors have suggested.
"Nikkei's article contains information previously stated by Mr Iwata during past press conferences, including statements which relate to Nintendo's willingness to make use of smart devices to promote our products," it said.
Nintendo con-Fusion
Game demos and video previews via an official app would be a one-and-a-half jump measure that satisfies Nintendo's claims that smartphones are not the answer to its financial problems.
The company slashed its sales forecast by a painful 69% this month because its Wii U console hasn't been in demand, even during the usually profitable holiday season.
In addition to Mario on smartphone speculation, this spurred rumors that Nintendo could release a Wii U successor way ahead of schedule under its previously used Nintendo Fusion name.
Meanwhile, Microsoft and Sony are busy battling it out for the No. 1 next-generation title with their more powerful Xbox One and PS4 consoles.
We should know by Nintendo's reported January 30 briefing with investors whether it goes through with this half-measure to lure distracted gamers back to its isolated hardware.
Whether it's enough is another question entirely.
