Nintendo DS teleconference reveals confident outlook in North America
$40 million marketing budget for 4 million shipping target
Nintendo’s North American teleconference went ahead as planned this morning, underlining a refreshingly bold confidence in its DS launch strategy. Obviously encouraged by the largely positive reaction to the machine’s pricing, and capitalising on the uncertainty of PSP details, Nintendo made the announcement that it was upping the shipping stakes. It had initially planned to ship 3.5 million units by the end of March next year; now that figure has been raised to 4 million. That reflects a certain chipper spirit in Kyoto: but one which ubiquitous industry analyst P.J. McNealy believes is understated nonetheless.
Nintendo will certainly be hoping that the 4 million unit projection can be exceeded, not least because it’s planning the biggest marketing spend in its history. Speaking on behalf of the marketing department, George Harrison confirmed that $40 million would be splurged in a 6 month multimedia frenzy – a massive advertising sundae liberally sprinkled with 12,000 playable demo units.
Other previously announced details were also reinforced, with a confirmation that the DS would arrive with Pictochat built-in and a playable demo of Metroid Prime: Hunters thrown into the bargain. More details of software pricing and release dates are expected to follow on October 7th, at which point the SPOnG town crier will be ringing bells rather loudly.
Nintendo will certainly be hoping that the 4 million unit projection can be exceeded, not least because it’s planning the biggest marketing spend in its history. Speaking on behalf of the marketing department, George Harrison confirmed that $40 million would be splurged in a 6 month multimedia frenzy – a massive advertising sundae liberally sprinkled with 12,000 playable demo units.
Other previously announced details were also reinforced, with a confirmation that the DS would arrive with Pictochat built-in and a playable demo of Metroid Prime: Hunters thrown into the bargain. More details of software pricing and release dates are expected to follow on October 7th, at which point the SPOnG town crier will be ringing bells rather loudly.
Companies:
Nintendo
People: George Harrison Perrin Kaplan Reginald Fils-Aime
Games: Metroid Prime: Hunters Pictochat
People: George Harrison Perrin Kaplan Reginald Fils-Aime
Games: Metroid Prime: Hunters Pictochat
Read More Like This
Comments
Joji 23 Sep 2004 12:34
1/2
I'm glad to see them exploiting demos more, since not even GC came with a demo disk (well mine didn't). GC has also suffered for not really using demo discs with games mags to generate more potential interest and sales, while Sony have very smartly been using this PC like tactic since the PSone days. Another reason why they are currently market leaders, and have been for so long now. This might also factor in why Xbox is second after PS2, and not GC.
If it's possible to have a Metroid Demo game, Nintendo might also be able to do the same with DS perhaps in conjunction with games mags.
Having Pictochat is still a great idea, and it's always nice to get something for nothing.
If it's possible to have a Metroid Demo game, Nintendo might also be able to do the same with DS perhaps in conjunction with games mags.
Having Pictochat is still a great idea, and it's always nice to get something for nothing.
Kaxxx 23 Sep 2004 13:01
2/2
Its never been Nintendos policy to release demo discs althought the only real demo they have produced was on the Limited Edition Zelda disc (WindWaker demo).
There is no indication that the Metroid Prime demo is the start of something new, i see it more has an initial view for customers at the DS's wireless connection capability. Ill not hold my breath for this being repeated.
Its good to hear them upbeat and confident about the American release. With the DS coming with both Picto and MP it will really give a good vision of Nintendos future. Lets also hope that third parties use it to their advantage.
There is no indication that the Metroid Prime demo is the start of something new, i see it more has an initial view for customers at the DS's wireless connection capability. Ill not hold my breath for this being repeated.
Its good to hear them upbeat and confident about the American release. With the DS coming with both Picto and MP it will really give a good vision of Nintendos future. Lets also hope that third parties use it to their advantage.