Nintendo Switch Update: Big Game Spot Keeps Hype Train Rolling
During Super Bowl LI, many advertisers used the game as a platform to position their goods and services in one of the biggest TV events of the year. The game had many firsts, including a spot for the highly-anticipated new video game console from Nintendo, the Switch.
Airing during the fourth quarter, the 30-second spot showed off more footage of both the console and the highly-anticipated title of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” both of which will launch on March 3.
Additionally, an extended version of the advertisement was released on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel. This version, which also contains footage of games such as “Splatoon 2,” “Ultra Street Fighter II,” and fellow launch title “1-2 Switch” has been viewed over 3.6 million times since it was uploaded ahead of the game as well as made available on the 3DS and Wii U eShop.
The commercial further demonstrated how much potential the concept of the Switch has. As both a portable and home console, there are many scenarios where the system can be used for gaming. From playing an updated port of “Mario Kart 8” in your living room to “Super Bomberman R” while doing your laundry, the possibilities for new gaming experiences are endless.
With a platform such as Super Bowl LI to advertise the console, Nintendo has furthered their aim to make the Switch their next big hit. As a company that has a massive legacy at their disposal since the North American launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985 and the Game Boy in 1989, this kind of promotion aims to not only appeal to longtime fans of the company, but take advantage of a new generation of fans as well.
As the launch date of March 3 draws closer than ever, the big game spot for the Switch ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the evening. Along with a pull-from-behind victory from the Patriots over the Falcons, Nintendo’s advert was one of many firsts this year’s Super Bowl brought us.
The success of the ad is furthered by the first wave of preorders for the console, which sold out within moments of going live on January 13. Let’s hope the Switch can start the ninth generation of video games in a way that lives up to all the hype. For now, this commercial has landed with a major touchdown in a sea of many standout ads the big game had. Now let’s Switch to more anticipation for the console’s launch on March 3!
Column by Steven Pryor
