Video: UK Comic Rufus Hound Explains The Wii U Difference

I think that went along fabulously.

I miss being able to eat my map while playing.

... !

Watching this video is like eating 10 Lemons all at once
Without a doubt this is one of the most cringworthy things i have ever seen in my entire life

Whoa, that's bad. I have a Wii U and I'm confused about how I would select a weapon if I don't have to scroll to the right one?

Hahaha that was awesome

his shoes look huge

Pretty good although I'm still unsure it is enough to convince people the Gamepad is not just an accessory for the Wii despite the last screen stating that the Wii U is a new console!

A good start but keep going. Show item selection in the game pad. Show seamless interface. Show someone switching to the gamepad to play while tv watching. Keep it coming.

I honestly am waiting for a video that simply shows the many places you can play the game pad.

On the Toilet
Taking a Bath
Outside
At an Airport
Bored at work
Before you go to sleep (i do this all the time)
While cooking

Also one function i have found useful is actually Presentations , using google docs its not bad at all.

These are just a few i can think of, most of which i have done

@Warruz Ditto. At the hospital waiting room was a good one too. Definitely helped those 8 hours go by fast.

Lol the music was classic. I like the ad, simple, informitive and fun..

That is a whole lot better then the adverts we saw at launch.

Not sure what to think here.......

They should've started with these types of ads.

I like Rufus Hound but I've never heard of Celebrity Juice. It doesn't sound like something I'd be interested in though.

As for the ad - nice to see the 'new console' label at the end.

It would work alright with some different variations and mixed up amongst game trailer commercials

I think that the video just looks awkward. Show a 30 sec to one minute movie saying just this:

Wii U! A Wii that is Wiimade for yoU. A BRAND NEW system in HD. All the old favorites of Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong in STUNNING HD. Even better, a GamePad that accompanies your character with maps and inventories just like the 3DS screen. Family in your way? No problem! Switch the game over and now you can play on the GamePad alone. During sports, news, gameshows... Whatever! Bring it with you to the couch and play the games like it is a handheld. Miss the old games? Look on the eShop! Hundreds of games available from 30 YEARS of Nintendo all at cheap download prices! What is your Friday night like? Wii will be playing "video games" (insert new game coming out into quotations for promotion). Would U like to join in?

@Shworange They did that at launch but had to withdraw the advert after the UK ASA decided it was misleading.

He looks really different without the facial hair. When did he get rid of it?

@cornishlee Celebrity Juice is bang tidy!!! Sha-ting!!!!! Ok i'll stop now

Brilliant! Nintendo is going the extra mile to really get people to understand what Wii U is. If after this, people still don't get it, then I'm afraid the problem lies with mankind, not Nintendo. The arrows pointing to the gamepad and console, rofl. And yes, it made me laugh, it has that amateur internet made spoof quality on a commercial for television.

I think it was better than any Wii U commercial I've seen Nintendo put out before. They just need to show him actually doing those things on the gamepad, like looking at the map and switching weapons.

I thought the commercial was excellent. It was fun to watch and most importantly explains what's unique and great about the Wii U.

Funny that they need to put arrows at both the controller and console to show that they're new. Nintendo really shouldn't be having this kind of issue 9 months into a system's life.

(well, those that are allowed up past 10PM) - are you implying your readers are five-year olds? Could've picked someone with a little more recognition though.

Where the flip did his mustache go?

@SchamMan89 @luminalace

According to the Target ad this week the Gamepad is just an accessory for the Wii. If they can't figure it out, how is the public supposed to? (Scroll to page 24):

http://weeklyad.target.com/bay-shore-ny-11706/pages#24

@rjejr

I'm not saying that it's not a problem. It clearly is. I'm just saying between a confusing name and almost non-existent marketing, Nintendo's really created a problem that shouldn't be there.

@luminalace I laughed when I saw that 'new console' arrow. Not truely joyfully though...

Surely they could have come up with some better uses of the gamepad that those. No need to pause and look at a map? No need to pause and change weapons? Most people would like to pause the game anyway if they have to look down from their TV in order to do this stuff on a gamepad, not to mention it's been a long time since you had to go into different screens for those things. Practically every game these days has weapons cycling assigned to buttons and you don't need to look at a map screen when the mini maps function as well as they do in most open world games now. Focus on the off-TV play, focus on the multiplayer potential.

Flaming bacon cherry? BRILLIANT!

It's not that bad, at least they are actually advertising the Wii U and the message is clear, "New GamePad, New Console"

Miss his tache,eventhough it was quite cringeworthy at times,I really quite enjoyed it.Certainly the best Wii U ad campaign yet.

Mmmm! Bacon!!!

Comparing the Wii U with bacon, never thought possible but simply brilliant.

He should have mentioned the touch screen--THE REASON it's easier to select stuff. Otherwise I think it got the point across, though.

That is seriously Nintendo's best effort at explaining the Wii U to date by far!

That was brilliant. Simple, informative, funny (especially the menu part). This is the kind of effort Nintendo should be doing on a reguar basis to inform people of the awesomeness that is the Wii U.

It's too long [wordy and expensive] for TV broadcasting and does anyone really watch commercials on Youtube??...

Only people who will search it out will be WiiU owners and those who don't will skip this ad in 5,4,3,2,1...

What kind of comic is Rufus Hound ?

Lame. You know what will explain the U really well? Some really fun games that everybody wants to play.

@LordGeovanni
Hey that´s pretty good too! There will be more videos coming so i hope the cover most of that.

Generaly I dislike adverts, but this is the best console advert ever... Is Nintendo finally Bitting back...!

Kudos Nintendo UK, great advert. Perfect balance between tongue-in-cheek comedy & easy to understand information, no way people could be confused by this. More stuff like this Nintendo, colour me impressed!

I actually liked it! Specially the flaming bacon cherry of video game glory part!

It is sad to see that they had to indicate that the system was, in fact, new. "NEW CONSOLE" they say. "Please trust us, this is actually something new!" That's the problem with the system, isn't it? People don't know what it is.

@JogurtTheYogurt why?

So what this ad tells me is that the gamepad is actually NOT essential for a great gaming experience? D*mn it Nintendo, you're supposed to tell me the opposite!

That made no sense at all.

I liked the commercial, dunno what's with all the thumbs down...s.

Just make this happen, Nintendo:

"Introducing, the ULTRA NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM!! (yeah, change the name. Who's not gonna be attracted to THAT one?) There are so many possibilities with this new console! Play games like Assassin's Creed! Mario Kart. Splinter Cell Blacklist! The Wonderful 101. Rayman Legends! Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze. Call of Duty: Ghosts, Bayonetta 2, Pikmin 3 AND MUCH MORE! IN HD FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A NINTENDO CONSOLE!! But oh, what are the pros of getting a UNES, aside from the great games? Well, the gamepad! It functions as a wireless second screen for your console, letting you play your games on the toilet, outside your house, the kitchen, or anywhere you want! You can even play on it while someone else's watching the tele. But not only that, there's also the Miiverse! The social network created exclusively for the Wii U! (Disclaimer: Miiverse can be accessed with a browser and your Nintendo ID too) Talk about your favorite games, the Wii U Virtual Console or the eShop, and even make new friends.
The Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System, U.N.E.S, experience the future of gaming right now"

There you go. Hire JonTron and you'll sell 20 million consoles in 1 year :V

@Melkaticox As much as I like the thought, I don't think UNES - Ultra Nintendo Entertainment System would resonate with consumers in this day and age. Were not in the 1990's anymore, the name's a mouthful and acronyms should be avoided. But, as a Nintendo fan, I say "hell yeah!", it reminds me of Nintendo's golden era, the NES, the SNES, and did you know the Nintendo 64 was going to be named Ultra Famicom in Japan and Nintendo Ultra 64 for the rest of the world?
Heck, I though long before the Wii U's reveal, that the successor to the Wii should be the Super Wii. And I still think that would be a better name, the Super prefix conveys much better than U that the console is the next big thing after the Wii.

I've never heard of the guy, but all his points are why I love my Wii U

@Melkaticox
Plus, they already used "Ultra" On the '64... Nintendo Ultra 64. Nu would have been a much better idea, Even if it was Wii Nu. Preferably, though, just Nintendo u, and they could have used the Greek symbol....

I think if a few skeptics (or some development studios...) saw this, before making Definite Judgements, they might reconsider their "factual points"....

very bad. but i have never heared of that guy before so maybe it is better if you know that celebrity

@Damien_McFerran "appears minus 'is' trademark moustache" - Is it supposed to be 'his'?

I liked the commercial. It explains more than any other commercial they've put out.

That was a lot better than I expected, it's nine or ten months too late though!

Cut the comedy crap and simply put a 30 trailer of the latest game(pikmin 3 currently) with that footage at the end saying "new gamepad new console",simple. How is that not simple nintendo!

@Williaint Being fair the name "Ultra 64" was never used.
Just change the console's name to...something different. New Nintendo Entertainment System, just "Ultra Nintendo", Super/Ultra Wii...they're all better names than "Wii U".

And come on, that line of dialog I put in my comment is pretty informative and would make a decent commercial. Better than this one, I think.

Its missing dubstep.. Other than that its fine.

Why is Nintendo wasting time preaching to the converted?

@Damo Haha! Thanks!

Good stuff, it highlights the two most factors. Backward compatability wasn't mentioned, but then again nintendo could have made it easier to use the massive wii library of games.

So do you think losing the moustache was Hound's idea or Nintendo insisting on it to make him look less threatening?

@JogurtTheYogurt All right, hand me 10 lemons and I'll see if it's as bad as that. I enjoyed the video, but I enjoy eating lemons more, so it might not be an even comparison XD.

New Controller, New Console. The message Nintendo has failed to convey to the masses for over a year now, all summed up in about 5 seconds.

wow the dude that killed top of the pops, I can see why Nintendo hired him!

That was total crap and a complete and utter waste of Nintendo's money.

For a company struggling to stay in the black these last couple of years I really have to wonder who the hell thought paying for that pile of crap was a good investment and use of expensive time and resources

Garbage.

Also, Rufus, grown that tash and beard again. You look like a right douche without it. Perfect for this ad I guess.

I wonder if this will last as long as Joel McHales' endorsement of the 3DS?

Corny promo.
I still think there's nothing better than having the games do the talking. I remember the first commercial I saw for the Super Nintendo. It wasn't even about the Super Nintendo at all--that's how memorable it was! It was about Super Mario World, and it showed the new graphics, artwork, and worlds. At the end, it said it was only on Super Nintendo, and that was the 1st time it was revealed on TV.
Nintendo needs to promote a game that can only be played WITH the Wii U and the gamepad. Until then, the Wii U will never sell as it has no distinction with previous consoles.

GAMEPAD IS MADE FOR RTS GAMES LIKE COMMAND AND CONQUER NINTENDO WHY ARE THEY NOT DOING THIS

@Melkaticox
True, though it is the official product name...

@Micronean
The most memorable commercials I remember are 1) The Mario Land 2 Ad, and 2) The Original Super Smash Bros. Ads.

@rjejr

I don't see where the Tagret ad calls the GamePad an accessory. I see it mention the GamePad cradle... but it doesn't even specify that as an accessory. Just included in the Deluxe Wii U Edition...

Awsome stuff, I loled at the sad case fanboys downvoting on youtube.

@LordGeovanni If you look at the pic of the console it is actually a Wii with a gamepad on top... The thing about that Target ad is that a ordinary non gamer wouldn't even see that error anyway. It has been used in the forums by Nintendo haters as some kind of 'ha ha, nobody knows what a Wiiu is' type of joke

I am starting to get frustrated by people who cannot tell a Wii and a Wii U apart. It's been around long enough that anyone with a remote interest in video games should know by now that the gamepad is not an addional accessory. I'm sorry but anyone who does not know the difference or thinks that the Wii U games can be played on the Wii is a bloody idiot. Do some bloody research.

This is every bit as clever as Kevin Butler Sony PS3 commercials where... but better. I still have nightmares from those early PS3 commerical days...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqkNPcUMffU

I think this shows the problem of market targeting the Wii U has, If its trying to appeal to the casual base of the Wii, seeing maps without pausing or changing weapons without scrolling is not something that's going to attract them to the console..... If its aimed at hardcore gamers they know you don't need to pause to see a map or to select weapons from screen in most games, they also already know what the gamepad can do and they like it, just not enough to make them look past lack of third party support, and outdated hardware and online infrastructure

I thought it was good. I haven't seen anything about PS4, and Xbox One is all over PC.

Perhaps people judged the Wii U too quickly(back at E3 2011), and now Nintendo is actually attempting an effort and games are getting closer.

Just remember that PS4 and Xbox One aren't out yet. That's why it doesn't matter if no one knows crap, because people will know by the time the other consoles show up.

this basic level of advertising is needed that borders on condescending as most people literally know nothing, eg,, I went to
Asda as they were flogging off wii u games and peripherals at half price as they are no longer stocking it. The woman on the entertainment counter told me she played DS and when i mentioned what the wii u does, her response was "really!!?? I never knew it did that!" and that is the member of staff on the counter who'd be the first point of contact for an interested customer. Appalling. Not surprising asda is pulling the wii u if they have no idea about it. But my point is if the staff are clueless, how far behind are the general consumers who are needed to drive the install base?
That is where cheesey idiot level script and on screen flags for "new console" "new controller" is absolutely essential. Once it's common knowledge what the console does, then they can try flashy advertising. The wii u is such a new idea the console gaming that it really has gone over the heads of millions of gamers.
It is the future of gaming, and it will be once the concept is grasped. Dont believe me? Why are Sony already copying nintendo
AGAIN trying to offet the same features as the wii u in a poor fashion? Why are Microsoft trying to copy Nintendo yet again but may aswell not bother. Sony and Microsoft should stick to what they know best, but dual screen and off tv gaming is so advanced that they can do nothing but try to copy it. They need to copy it before Nintendo make general consumers aware of these features or they stand to be looking at Nintendo from a long long way away in the future, and they know it, and if you know anything, you know it,

@LordGeovanni Appalling advert idea

Really cool

@LordGeovanni This is pretty much what I get from your commercial idea:
"It has a second screen! Just like the 3DS. You can play it while someone else's watching TV! Just like the 3DS. You can play classic Nintendo games! Just like the 3DS. You know what? You may as well just get a 3DS"

Nintendo needs a sustained marketing plan that says "Wii U = Wii 2" and then describe that it is the only way to play the newest from the Super Mario, Pikmin, Zelda, Lego, Donkey Kong in full HD. The push with the gamepad is falling on deaf ears and still makes people believe that it is an add on to the Wii. I wish Nintendo would have branded the Wii U differently and changes console design to make it clear it was an entirely new system. Say what you want about the lack of games, but I think poor marketing has been this console's biggest problem.

Where is his beard?

@MadAussieBloke
Ah. Thank you. I tend to miss little things like that all the time...

@DESS-M-8
I don't see how my advert would be worse than the one at the top of this page... It covers a lot while attempting to be precise and attractive. But then again, this seems more like a European advert and I am from the USA. It could be a cultural difference.

@Melkaticox And that is what you hear? Then you should just get a 3DS. I was attempting to explain the Wii U in 30 seconds and while I might have failed a little (due to not making commercials for my job) If all you see is a more expensive 3DS then I don't think the Wii U is for U...

My reaction: "Does the gamepad just make selecting a weapon more convenient? If I do not care about being convenient then I can purchase another console?"

By the way, while Tails is important in the Sonic series (as Tails really differ from Sonic), I am not sure about Luigi...

I'm pleasantly surprised by this ad.

love the dryness of the ad,
Next one should just say you don't have to pay to play online.

Works for me, i like it.
Although, i already have a Wii U so i know how great the machine is, hope this will get the message accross to others.

@LordGeovanni - It doesn't call the Gamepad an accessory, but the fact that in the picture the Gamepad is sitting on top of a Wii, not on top of a Wii U, kind of gives that impression. (FYI - the WiiU has rounded edges and says WiiU on it, the Wii has square edges and says Wii on it.)

@JogurtTheYogurt HaHaha

amazing

Love the giant arrow pointing at the Wii U that says "New Console." This is what Nintendo should have been doing from day 1. Or day -50, for that matter. Maybe then people wouldn't have just assumed the Wii U was a new controller for the system they only ever played Wii Sports Tennis on.