Marketing and all things related

Back in April, Marketing Blurb told readers that Nintendo was preparing a next generation kick-ass game machine called Revolution. That was the pre-launch code name, and the product was recently released as Wii. (We don’t name these puppies, we just report on them.) On the competitive front, Wii will be ready in quantity by mid-November, the same time as the new Sony PlayStation 3. Both machines are in a battle with Microsoft’s Xbox 360 to save or destroy the world—depending on your choice of game play. Nintendo expects to sell 4 million of their new Wii unit before the end of the year. This is not far-fetched, considering Microsoft sold 5 million Xbox consoles over a like period last year. Wii will retail for $ 249.99, under the rival Xbox at $ 299 to $ 399 and PlayStation 3 at about $ 500. These game consoles are not kid stuff. Nintendo is planning a national television advertising campaign to target 29 to 45 year-old head of households. This lets Dad buy the console for junior, naturally, unless a mom with a clear head prevails. On the plus side these new units also play DVDs, CD audio, surf the Internet, toast bagels, take out the dog, and vacuum your family room. Perhaps you need one after all. Photo Credit: Nintendo