By keeping children and teenagers entertained back in the 1980s, Nintendo has claimed a spot in the heart of the present day internet generation. Nintendo's internet success is widely accepted yet largely undocumented. The tactics below reveal only the tip of the iceberg.

Nintendo Has Allowed its Characters to Thrive Online

A Real Search In Google Reveals That 'Mario' Has More Results Than 'Porno'
(Results may vary depending on location)

Unlike most other media producers, Nintendo has allowed its intellectual property to be freely discussed and used online. Nostalgia and Nintendo's openness to new technology has created an atmosphere that has allowed the company's characters to grow immensely popular. The example above shows that a Google search for the term Mario returns more results than a search for Porno. This is amazing in a media atmosphere allegedly driven by violence and sexuality. Mario has remained essentially the same non-violent and innocent character that he was 20 years ago, and he has still managed to attain inequitable popularity.

Nintendo Utilizes Its Special Understanding of the Internet Generation

The company has years of market research and experience in selling to this market. Just like a good web interface designer, Nintendo relies on conventions to make every one of its games feel familiar to its users.

Nintendo Can Make Terrible Ideas Great

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A fat hero with the super power to jump really high? He rides a tiny dinosaur with magic shoes? WTF! Only Nintendo has the video game Midas touch to create gold out of seemingly terrible ideas. With the exception of a few recent game systems, Nintendo has always led the world in video game sales. Now with the help of brilliant internet advertisements, Nintendo has regained its throne as the best video game system creator in the world.

Nintendo Flies Below the Radar and Creeps in Like a Trojan Horse

Nintendo's and Microsoft's Headquarters

Nintendo's American Headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington, and are completely surrounded by Microsoft's Headquarters. Its single building is embarrassingly lacking compared to Microsoft's immense complex. The same could be said of Nintendo's internet marketing campaigns. They are usually small (relative to competitors Sony and Microsoft) but surprisingly effective.

Nintendo is Timeless

Mario's Evolution (Photo Credit)

Although Mario has gained a dimension (he's 3D now, like you and me), he is still the red overalls-wearing goof that he has always been. Nintendo knows that it has created something worthwhile and has worked hard to preserve it. The same can be said for its website. It continues to be the image heavy eye candy that is has been since 2001.