Nintendo launches first Wii U ad
Nintendo has launched the first ad campaign for its forthcoming Wii U console, positioning the gaming system at children and families – much like its predecessor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dbGJieRaH0
The 60-second ad demonstrates various use cases for the Wii U – which features a tablet-style motion-based controller with its own screen – from playing games alone to singing karaoke with the family and watching films with a partner.
It carries the strapline: “How U will play next”.
The ad first appeared on Nintendo’s YouTube and Facebook accounts but will also be aired on TV nearer the console’s 30 November UK launch date and sooner in the US, where the Wii U will be available from 18 November.
The Wii U is the only major new console to be launching ahead of Christmas this year. New consoles are expected from rivals Microsoft and Sony in 2013.
Nintendo is hoping the launch will turnaround its recent fortunes, having posted its first ever loss in April. Last month it cut back its annual profit forecast by almost 50 per cent as growing competition from tablets and smartphones cuts into its casual gamer user base.
The company predicts it will sell 5.5 million Wii U console by 31 March.
Supermarkets and entertainment retailers – including Game, HMV and Sainsbury’s – are readying their own marketing campaigns to promote the console as they look to revive flagging gaming sales.
