SMiniz Mobile Match-3 Launches Globally Feb. 25 With NCT, aespa, RIIZE

Players looking to collect artist photocards and customize a virtual fan room can download SMiniz on iOS and Android; Kakao Games launched the title globally on Feb. 25, 2026 and an SM Kwangya Store merch event runs through March 10 for users who download and complete missions. The match-3 puzzler centers on stylized chibi “Miniz” versions of SM Entertainment artists, with NCT, RIIZE and aespa explicitly featured at launch.

Development and publishing credits are clear: METABORA developed SMiniz while Kakao Games handles global publishing and live service operations from its Seongnam headquarters. Kakao Games positioned the release alongside its broader mobile portfolio and described the game as emphasizing accessible, casual progression and fan-facing customization rather than competitive systems.

Gameplay pairs classic match-3 puzzles with collectible photocard progression and customization tools tested in a global closed beta in December 2025. The beta emphasized “the fun of an accessible puzzle game,” and retail features from the test carried into launch: Photo Deco for photocard decorating, My Room customization, and costumes that reflect artist activity concepts. A Gamespress press release framed the product as “a colourful and casual match-3 puzzle game featuring chibi character versions of K-pop artists under the SM Entertainment brand, adorably known as ‘Miniz,’” adding that “Players will progress through puzzles alongside their favorite Miniz.”

Pre-registration ran through Feb. 23, 2026 on the Apple App Store and Google Play globally, with additional pre-registration available via Kakao Games’ platform in Korea. Global pre-registrants were offered launch rewards including a Group Draw Ticket, while Korea-specific promotions included a raffle for character photocard sets and guaranteed in-game currency for participants on Kakao’s platform. Regions explicitly highlighted for pre-registration included South Korea, Japan, North America, Europe and Taiwan.

Marketing ties connect the in-game systems to offline fandom culture. At launch, SMiniz runs an in-game event to award Special Artist Photocards and a special offline merchandise activation at the SM Kwangya Store in Seoul that runs through March 10 for mission completers. Pre-launch promotions included a roulette giveaway featuring photocard sets and tie-ins to the SMTOWN concert in Fukuoka.

Kakao Games described SMiniz as following a live-service model, but “Kakao Games did not disclose monetization details,” leaving key questions about gacha systems, premium currency and paid cosmetic structure unanswered. The game ships with five language options - Korean, English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese - and will be available worldwide on iOS and Android, with further roster details and the post-launch content roadmap left for future updates.