Dear Reader:

You are viewing a story from GN Version 5.0. Time may not have been kind to formatting, integrity of links, images, information, etc.

GoNintendo Thought: Happy 9th anniversary to Nintendo Directs

9 years of fun
by rawmeatcowboy
21 October 2020
GN Version 5.0

I can't let this day go by without a bit of celebration. Let's take a look at what makes Nintendo Directs so great on their 9th anniversary. As always, thanks for reading!

On this day in Nintendo history, nine long years ago, Nintendo gave us the very first Nintendo Direct. As fans, we didn't know what to expect from the event. We certainly had no idea it was going to become Nintendo's de-facto way to disseminate info, and would even replace Nintendo's traditional shows at E3. Now Nintendo fans can't imagine a world where Nintendo doesn't keep everyone up-to-date on their next big thing via Nintendo Directs.

Nintendo is known for doing things their own way. Sometimes that works for them, and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, that fiercely independent streak is part of what makes Nintendo who they are. They like to think outside of the box and do things that no one could ever expect. While we usually see that in terms of software and hardware, the kickoff of Nintendo Directs showed us yet another way that Nintendo would forge their own path.

Truth be told, it's kind of hard to remember how Nintendo spread their information before the days of Nintendo Directs. We had E3 presentations to look forward to, but outside of that, you'd just get random drops of information. You'd never know when something was coming, which would certainly make it hard to keep up on official information. Nintendo Directs gave fans a particular moment to not just look forward to, but also hype up. That online chatter about Nintendo revealing things in their pipeline would spread to gamers in general, generating massive interest before the big event took place.

Nintendo Directs are now an integral part of how Nintendo spreads the word on their projects, as well as Nintendo culture in general. Sure, we all look forward to see what games Nintendo has in the works, but Nintendo Directs in and of themselves are fun. You get to see some of Nintendo's wacky personality, which often leads to a number of Nintendo inside jokes and memes. The first Nintendo Direct alone spawned at least one meme-worthy Reggie moment, and many more would come as the years rolled on. Nintendo even embraced this aspect of Nintendo Directs by playing up memes in their own presentations, and making tongue-in-cheek references to fan-favorite moments as well.

Nintendo Directs are a wonderful part of what Nintendo offers because they are Nintendo through and through. The presentations have a certain vibe to them that only Nintendo can pull off. Numerous other companies have adopted the Nintendo Direct approach, but they don't seem to have the same breakthrough moments that Nintendo Directs do. Other events come off as trying too hard, or not doing enough to differentiate themselves from what Nintendo has put together. While other Direct-like events from companies in the gaming space come off as loud, bombastic, and in-your-face, Nintendo Directs are somewhat humble, even-keeled, wholesome, and even a bit embarrassing in an endearing way. There's just something so fresh and enjoyable about seeing Nintendo figureheads trying to pull off one-liners or quick quips. Some Direct segments lead to watch-through-your-fingers moments, but you have to love Nintendo for trying.

Nintendo Directs in the past year haven't exactly been what fans expect, which is completely understandable. The pandemic has shifted how Nintendo operates on a basic level, and everything has been impacted, including traditional Directs. While there's no doubt Nintendo will get back to the Directs we love sometime in the near future, it's nice to see them working to put something together. We get mini presentations that whet our appetites not only for bigger game presentations, but also Directs in their true form. While Nintendo works to get things back on track, these pitstops will hold us over until the return to form. Each day that passes will only make the eventual standard Nintendo Direct's return that much sweeter.

Nintendo Directs originally seemed like Nintendo just experimenting with some ideas, but they quickly grew into a staple for the company. It's yet another idea from the Big N that fans have latched onto and can't get enough of. To think that we've been enjoying them for 9 years now is almost unbelievable. The ride has been a wonderful one so far, and I think it's all safe to say we can't wait to see what's next.