Mitch’s post about the Cowboy Jed leakage (I’m talkin’ ‘bout the footage) got the 4cr staff reminiscing about some of the better Nintendo commercials we’ve seen over the years. While it’s true that there have been a staggering number of truly bad marketing blitzes behind Nintendo products, there have also been a great deal of awesome ones, too.

There’s been some strong opinions both for and against Cowboy Jed so far, but love him or hate him, he’s doing his job quite well.

Until the ubiquitous “Wii Would Like to Play” campaign, however, Nintendo commercials had been a somewhat rare occurrence on television (at least in Canada, and on the stations I watched). Whenever one would appear on my screen, I’d sit attentively, even if it was for a game I already had. In retrospect I’m sad to admit this, but when I first saw the Starfox commercial that asked, “Why go to the next level when you can go light years beyond?” I just about jumped up from my seat shouting, “Take that, Sega!”

So what are your favorite Nintendo commercials? Here’s mine, along with a list of others some of the 4cr staffers mentioned. Chime in!


I also like the Animal Crossing commercial series, despite Tom Nook and the other characters giving me the creeps: check out each clip.

Michael Tucker

Game Boy Micro Commercial
Game Boy Micro Commercial 2
Toys R Us Nintendo Commercial

rbelmont

Super Smash Bros. Commercial

Jody Anthony

The Legend of Zelda Commercial