We knew ambassadors in war zones tend to be short-lived, but Nintendo’s seem more akin to mayflies at this point. You may be familiar with Nintendo’s massive 3DS price cut meant to push the slow-selling handheld out of the rut it’s been inhabiting. You may even have heard of the Nintendo Ambassador program, which aims to pacify the early adopters feeling cheated by said price drop.
The Nintendo Ambassador Program
What you might not have heard is that Nintendo’s Ambassador program offering twenty free games to current 3DS owners ends today. “Nintendo 3DS owners who have performed the latest system update or who visit the Nintendo eShop using a wireless broadband Internet connection prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 11, 2011, are automatically registered for the program and will receive 20 free downloadable games before the end of the year,” according to Nintendo.
The Nintendo Ambassador program was introduced as a goodwill gesture to early adopters who purchased the 3DS at its original price before the significant price drop. The program includes ten NES games and ten Game Boy Advance games, which are classic titles that many gamers hold dear. Titles like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” are among the NES games, while “Metroid Fusion” and “Mario Kart: Super Circuit” are part of the GBA offerings.
Impact on Early Adopters
The price cut, which saw the 3DS drop from $249.99 to $169.99, was a bold move by Nintendo to boost sales. However, it left early adopters feeling somewhat shortchanged. The Ambassador program was Nintendo’s way of acknowledging their loyalty and providing them with exclusive content as compensation. This move not only helped to soothe disgruntled customers but also reinforced Nintendo’s commitment to its fanbase.
The program’s end date is significant because it marks the last opportunity for early adopters to claim their free games. After today, those who haven’t updated their systems or accessed the eShop will miss out on this exclusive offer. This deadline has created a sense of urgency among 3DS owners to ensure they don’t miss out on these classic titles.
In addition to the free games, the Ambassador program also provided early access to certain features and updates. For example, Ambassadors received early access to the 3DS Virtual Console, allowing them to play classic games before they were available to the general public. This early access was another way Nintendo sought to reward its most loyal customers.
The Ambassador program is a testament to Nintendo’s ability to adapt and respond to market conditions. The initial slow sales of the 3DS were a concern, but the price cut and subsequent Ambassador program helped to turn things around. By offering exclusive content and early access, Nintendo was able to maintain customer loyalty and boost sales.
As the program comes to an end, it’s worth reflecting on its impact. The free games provided through the Ambassador program have given early adopters a sense of value and appreciation. The exclusive content and early access have reinforced the bond between Nintendo and its fanbase. While the program may be ending, its legacy will continue to be felt by those who participated.
The Nintendo Ambassador program was a strategic move to address the concerns of early adopters following the 3DS price cut. By offering twenty free games and early access to features, Nintendo was able to maintain customer loyalty and boost sales. As the program ends today, it’s a reminder of Nintendo’s commitment to its fanbase and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Source Nintendo
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