Nintendo are advertising masterminds

Nintendo’s E3 2014 opening press conference saw its executives fist-fighting, Robot Chicken sketches with Mario and Star Fox, and then something about a new Zelda game for the Wii U – I’m not sure, I lost interest after the first ten minutes.

In honour of the company’s always-fresh take on marketing material, here are some of Nintendo’s best adverts.

The Nintendo Cereal System

Did you know that Mario had his own cereal? Well, he did. As you will see from the advert, below, he was not the only Nintendo character to feature on the breakfast snack – Zelda got in on the action, too. Cue the cheesy music.

Paper Mario

What do you get when you take a Nintendo 64 title, add in some paper characters, Princess Peach screaming for help, and a paper shredder? Well, you get this advert. This was the Paper Mario commercial that was aired on TV to promote the game.

Mario Milk

Cereal would be nothing without milk, and Mario knew that. The plumber was tasked with selling the white liquid goodness during a series of TV adverts that aired in the 90s. Drink your milk kids, it makes you big and strong.

Super Smash Bros. N64

While Nintendo’s previous adverts, and involvement in adverts, may not have been what you would call “cool”, the Super Smash Bros. promo somewhat redeemed the Japanese’s company’s street cred. Mario, Donkey Kong, and Pikachu in an all-out brawl – hell yeah.

Yoshi NES

This advert was clearly inspired by Godzilla. A bunch of over dramatic people running away from a giant shadow, screaming people begging for help, yip, it’s Godzilla. Except on a smaller, friendlier scale.

Mario Party 6

What happens when you attend a sleepover and are the first person to fall asleep? You have your kidneys cut out and wake up in a bath full of ice. Wait, that’s not it. Oh, yes, people put shaving cream on your face and stick your hand in a bowl of hot water. How childish.