Revisiting the concept of blogging on an entirely new arena I’ll explain to you how Pokémon Go’s concept is perfect.
You know them, you love them, and your pocket monsters are, back in your pocket, while we consumers are back in Nintendo’s pocket. Time and time again we’ve seen Nintendo innovate the gaming industry by exploring new ways to push older ideas. The Nintendo Wii was unique in this regard, as the Japanese company focused on machine design, light weightiness, and durability all while; developing a platform for a whole new game play experience. A lofty prospect, but true fans are not disappointed with the product. Since producing the Wii Nintendo has put forth the Wii U, as well as handheld products.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, ‘that’s all well and good, but I don’t really own a Nintendo, nor do I spend money with Pokémon Go so your point is not all there.’
Today Nintendo (PINX: NTDOY) is Down 1.52 (4.07%) to 35.85 a share with a closing market volume of 11.51 M. So whether you’ve even heard of this company, you have to know they are making money. Not a record high for the almost 27-year-old company, but obviously a significant when compared to one month ago when shares were trading around 17-18 dollars a share. The last time they had this type of momentum in an upward trend was back in 2006 going into 2007 just after the Nintendo Wii came out, increasing equity to the current record high of 78.50 a share. While the decline inevitable, the company shows stability throughout the years.
When I was growing up new episodes of Pokémon aired twice daily: In the mornings at around 5am, and the afternoon at around 4pm. I never could make it home from school in time to see the new episodes so I always had to wait until the rerun to air the next day at about 5:30pm. So what did I decide to do? I woke up early. I never did get into the trading card game, mostly because my parents considered it a fad I would grow out of quickly. On the playground was another story, having cards was like having money and if you had the holographic card you had something….
I can recall finding a holographic Machamp in the rain and it was pretty beat up. I decided the only way to salvage this priceless gem, was to peel off the back, flatten it under a book, dry it, and glue it to the energy card I was given by another kid on the playground. It seemed like a lot of work at the time, but I had already turned a softball core into a Pokéball. This would give me a leg up on the playground, and I wouldn’t be trying to tear leather, and find red paint to do it.
Fast forward several years of PC gaming, video gaming, and anime, these cartoon creatures have found a way back into our hearts and minds. I find it interesting that the creators are able to continuously bank on the same exact brand time and time again. They didn’t even change the theme. I haven’t played the game yet, but I have seen pictures.
Why do I think Pokémon Go is perfect in a more broad sense? Because, obesity related health problems have been sweeping the nation for decades. Developers have been struggling with platforms to encourage exercise, similarly programmers have been coding more ways to engage socially recently. This app is marketed and positioned to meet those needs. So in a way Pokémon Go can be your Fitbit app, your Tinder app, your nostalgia app, or just your ‘I want to game and go outside’ app. It’s all about your perspective.