Rumor: Mario 3D hitting Wii U by October, Nintendo gearing up for big global marketing campaign
CVG has posted a smattering of Wii U rumors today, led by speculation that Mario’s debut 3D outing for the console will be available by October.
The site says that it has had talks “with retail chains at the executive level”. One of its sources claims that Nintendo has been intentionally holding back on some of its games such as Pikmin 3, The Wonderful 101, and Wii Fit U, so that it can come out strong in the second half of 2013. However, a separate source denies this to be the case.
Ultimately, CVG notes Nintendo will have a number of “blockbuster” Wii U titles ready to go starting this summer, including the above-mentioned 3D Mario release. The site isn’t sure what other surprises could be in store, but mentions Mario Kart’s playable debut at E3 2013.
CVG also posted some interesting tidbits when it comes to Nintendo’s Wii U marketing plans going forward, which will begin with E3 next month. According to the site, “Nintendo’s executive circle was not comfortable fully promoting Wii U until the release of the system’s spring update.”
CVG goes on:
The underpinning theory is that word-of-mouth discussion about Wii U has not been particularly positive so far, with many users complaining about system performance. However, it is hoped that the recent firmware patch (along with an apparent second one releasing this summer) will improve the user experience and help stimulate positive responses.
Now with many of the Wii U’s launch issues behind it, CVG understands Nintendo is preparing a significant global Wii U marketing campaign.
Nintendo won’t comment directly on any rumors, as expected. But Nintendo UK PR head Shelly Pearce did tell CVG the following:
“From July onwards we will launch a succession of Wii U titles and we will promote these extensively until the end of the year. Marketing activity will include TV, print, online and PR as well as comprehensive experiential and social media campaigns. We have a strong line up planned for Wii U in the second half of 2013 including the likes of Pikmin 3, Wonderful 101, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Wii U. We are looking forward to launching these in the UK and for the opportunity to showcase the full potential of Wii U.”
