Nintendos Revolution Marketing Strategy

Been thinking about this for a while now, and I'm just wondering how you all think Nintendo should be advertising and marketing Revolution upon its release.

I've been toying with the idea of iPod-style adverts, some kind of current music over simple footage of somebody using the revmote - after all, if they're going to nick off with the Apple stylings of consoles and want to make the Virtual Console the 'iTune of gaming', they might as well have a go with similar adverts, too.

Adverts aren't the only thing involved in a marketing strategy though, oh no no no. They need the demonstrations set up right. It'd be nice to see specialised areas set up in bigger shops to demo it with a few demo pods rather than just one, but they need nice attractive normal displays in smaller shops, too. How will they secure the remote? I don't know as of yet, if they tether it it might reduce the experience. Perhaps have them like shopping trolleys, some how? At some supermarkets, you can't move them past a certain point, I believe due to powerful magnets, but I'm not sure how much that would mess about with the controllers. Worst case, they could security tag them, but they'll probably lose a load. Or they could have somebody guarding at all times. I don't know. Anyway, they shouldn't be demoing one game alone either, they should have it like 360 wherein you can select from a few different games (and perhaps movies, too).

Finally, another thing that they could do that would work well (and I believe they might already be doing this) is good use of magazines. We have this Red Steel exclusive in Game Informer this month, excellent. But what if they were to do something big? What if they were to give all major magazines ONE huge exclusive along the same lines, each one different so that after a little while the lid has been blown on a number of the launch titles? Nintendo Power supposedly has a big exclusive coming up soon with its May issue, so it's possible that could be another game, and Official Nintendo Magazine UK is supposed to have exclusives in a couple of issues' time. If Nintendo did this, the hype would be immense.

Thoughts? How do you guys think they should be marketing Revolution?

I definitely agree with the i-Tunes styled Virtual Console idea, and something very simple to go with that would be a must - easy payment, fast downloads etc..

I reckon they should definitely hit TV advertising big-time for this one. The DS has done pretty darn well in terms of getting exposure, especially on UK channel 4 where the big viewing comes in. Maybe have an advert that starts off with each of the classic consoles, showing footage from each - NES, SNES.. etc -

"Celebrate 20 Years of Nintendo..."
"By playing them again..."
"But then be prepared..."
"For a revolution in gaming..."

*Cue Nintendo Revolution footage*

"

TV is the best medium for advertising anything, so there will definitely be commercials for it. I think you're absolutely right about demo pods, to prevent theft they will have to hinder the experience

Kangaroo_Kid said:
TV is the best medium for advertising anything

Wrong!

I want to see BIG exposure from Nintendo, they need to push Revo hard and constantly for at least 6 months. We need big launch games including those that really make use of the controller.

They should get demo booths out early, and give people a chance to see how good it is. Then they can create big initial demand, and then it will sell out creating panic demand and building it up even more.

We need some DS crossovers, take games that have hit big on DS and move them over. Nintendogs for example, or a new Wario Ware... something that will bring in those who are new to gaming with DS.

They have to spend this time, Nintendo have such an opportunity; its grow or fail time, lets hope they step up.

To me personally i feel out there advitising like the resedent evil promotions is the best, you see something like that while walking down the street you dont forget it, A comedyic approach will amust and satisfy the viewer,

We need some DS crossovers, take games that have hit big on DS and move them over. Nintendogs for example, or a new Wario Ware

Nintendo have been criticised a lot for remaking games, despite how good they were. I'm sure a Wario Ware game will almost certainly be released on the Rev, its perfect for it

They need to show less of their established franchises if anything. I know a lot of casual gamers and I was explaining the revolution to them, they seemed impressed. Upon further interogation they discovered it was nitendo and immediately they said "Fuck that shit, I don't want that crap." Revo like it or not should not be seen as nintendo. Don't worry about losing the other loyal ninty fans as they will already know what revo is, it is the casuals that don't have the patience or inclination to find out more or give it a try.

Z said:
Upon further interogation they discovered it was nitendo and immediately they said "Fuck that shit, I dont want that crap."

I would suggest then that they are imbeciles who prefer to rely on brand name rather than what products are actually any good. If they were impressed and then learnt it was Nintendo and changed their tune, they're just being pathetic.

I think once Nintendo actually show people their games in action, people will really begin to lap it up - if it's good.

nintendo need to press EA to make one of their well known multi-format franchises (EA's ofcourse) to give it a complete make-over with the revo controller, people love EA you know.

I'm leaning toward the same opinion of Mason regarding the Magazine leaking method, we'll probably see all mojor publications have their own "scoop" prior to [edit and around] E3, before the lid is lifted.

It's much better than a covert / idiotic viral Internet strategy, hit the Magazines and the Internet will create its very own viral route - win win!

nintendo need to press EA to make one of their well known multi-format franchises (EA's ofcourse) to give it a complete make-over with the revo controller, people love EA you know.

They will be, without doubt, EA and Nintendo have a very solid relationship. Any guesses for which though?

( Edited on 08.04.2006 23:04 by nin10do )

Wouldn't be surprised to see a version of NBA Live towards launch, would work well with the Revmote...

Also a lot of people do not know that EA games are released on gc. They always act suprised when I moan that NFS or FIFA is on the 2 for $50 range while other quality games are not.

Wouldn't be surprised to see a version of NBA Live towards launch, would work well with the Revmote...

Surely Tiger Woods aswell. The pad is built for it!

Maybe have an advert that starts off with each of the classic consoles, showing footage from each - NES, SNES.. etc -

yes, i really like this idea. have a tag line, like 'Learn from the Legends' or something not so cheesy.

i think Nintendo should really stress the virtual console idea, its certainly what sold me. to be honest im not to concerned about the control, but the idea of having so many classic games in a safe place = .

my megadrive just about works but the picture is black and white and flickers, my SNES broke a couple of years ago and i havent the chance to get a new one or for that matter play Super Metroid in years.

to have a console, that i can pull out in 5 years time, and play 20 year old games on.. just like they were when they were released, is a really strong selling point.

perhaps the tagline should be

'The Histroy of Gaming, In One Little Box'

or

'Play All The Old Skool Classics, and some new ones with a motion sensor style control, thats rather nifty'

Buddah said:
"The Histroy of Gaming, In One Little Box"

I really like that!

.. what about

'Play All The Old Skool Classics, and some new ones with a motion sensor style control, thats rather nifty'

..its got potential right..?

no

are we not allowed to give reverse stars, for pointless posts?

Buddah said:
are we not allowed to give reverse stars, for pointless posts?

Now there's an idea

'Play All The Old Skool Classics, and some new ones with a motion sensor style control, thats rather nifty'

Longest tagline ever!

The internet has already had the viral marketing but Nintendo should be using a two or three level marketing system. As soon as most casual and non-gaming consumers see a gaming advert they switch off and this is the market Nintendo want to break in. Interest has to be built up first, a simple black black background with "The Revolution is coming" in the red outline of the Nintendo logo.

Bus stop adverts (and adverts on the sides of buses themselves) are a must, too.

Good ideas, guys!

EDIT: Possible big news on the magazine front: EGM have a Revolution exclusive next month, too...

( Edited on 09.04.2006 21:02 by Mason )