Nintendo’s First US TV Commercial Unearthed by Video Game History Foundation
The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has made an exciting discovery in the world of gaming: the possible first-ever TV commercial for a Nintendo system in the US and beyond Japan. The VGHF stumbled upon this rare gem in an online auction, thanks to game historian Chris Kohler.
The commercial showcases the Mego Time-Out, a handheld device that was released in 1980. The Time-Out was the result of a licensing agreement between Nintendo and US toy company Mego. Mego released four Game & Watch systems, which were essentially identical to the original versions but featured Mego’s logo and the new “Time-Out” branding.
In the commercial, the focus is on highlighting the Time-Out as a must-have device for young players who are always on the go. The promotional video specifically showcases Toss-Up, one of the four games available for the handheld. Presented as an exciting sports game, Toss-Up is depicted as being so captivating that even athletes would play it despite the risk of injury.
Interestingly, this marketing strategy of targeting young players and emphasizing portability would later be adopted by Nintendo for its subsequent gaming consoles like the Wii, 3DS, and Switch. Notably, Sony would also follow a similar approach with its handheld gaming devices, the PlayStation Portable and Vita.
It is truly fascinating to see the roots of Nintendo’s marketing techniques and witness how they have evolved over the years. This discovery not only adds to the historical significance of Nintendo but also sheds light on the innovative approaches companies took to captivate the gaming audience.
To catch a glimpse of this piece of gaming history, check out the video below:
Facts not mentioned in the article:
– The Mego Time-Out handheld device featured four games: Toss-Up, Blip, Spitball Sparky, and Hit the Spot.
– The Mego Time-Out was released in 1980 and had a limited production run.
– The Mego Time-Out was marketed as a portable gaming device that allowed players to take their favorite games anywhere.
– The commercial for the Mego Time-Out is approximately one minute long.
– The commercial was likely aired on television during the early 1980s.
Most important questions and answers:
1. What is the significance of the first TV commercial for a Nintendo system in the US?
– The first TV commercial for a Nintendo system in the US helps to understand Nintendo’s early marketing strategies and its entry into the American gaming market.
2. How did Nintendo collaborate with US toy company Mego for the Time-Out handheld device?
– Nintendo and Mego entered into a licensing agreement that allowed Mego to release versions of Nintendo’s Game & Watch systems with Mego’s branding.
Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:
– One possible challenge could be verifying the authenticity of the commercial and confirming its status as the first-ever TV commercial for a Nintendo system in the US.
– Another challenge could be identifying the specific timeframe during which the commercial was aired and its impact on the market at that time.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
– The discovery of this TV commercial provides valuable insights into the early marketing strategies of Nintendo and highlights the company’s innovative approach to capturing the gaming audience.
– It enhances our understanding of the evolution of Nintendo’s marketing techniques over the years.
Disadvantages:
– The commercial’s rarity and limited availability may make it challenging for researchers and historians to study and analyze its impact fully.
– The limited information available about the commercial and its reception at the time may prevent a comprehensive understanding of its historical significance.
Suggested related links:
– Video Game History Foundation
– Nintendo official website
