The Wii U, released 7 weeks ago in North America, has had an underwhelming response by gamers and media alike to say the least. Though the console has outsold the Xbox 360 and PS3 if one compares launch windows, and sold approximately 2.5 million worldwide to date, it seems that the Wii U simply does not resonate much with the gaming community and the general public. I believe one can attribute this to the poor marketing efforts and direction of NOA (EUR as well). Please see the below video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dbGJieRaH0
The ads simply do not aspire much confidence, are confusing, and are lifeless. Furthermore, concentrating on the controller throughout the whole add portrays the product as simply an add-on for the Wii (showing Wii remotes as well does not help), not a brand new console.
I genuinely believe that the Wii U can be a success for Nintendo; however, their marketing efforts need to take a different spin. One only needs to look at the Japanese commercials and capitalize on that. Please see the below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyT1AC5PiGM
The commercial conveys what the product is: a new HD console, enhances the gaming experience with the tablet controller, and gives the player the option to play on the gamepad while someone watches the TV; it's simple, effective and informative. Why hasn't NOA and EUR taken that approach?
In the end, do you think the Wii U's performance is due to poor marketing efforts or is it simply dead on arrival? I'd like to know your opinion.
