Does (did) the pack-in game matter?

[DesertJets]

I've been thinking about this lately regarding the perceived marketplace success (and failure) of various classic video game consoles. Did the pack-in game make a difference in how well a particular console fared versus its competition.

 

 

I argue that it does and a bad or weak title can hurt the success of a console. Take the Atari 5200 vs. the Colecovision as a prime example. Both systems were comptemporaries of each other, with similar capabilities. But one shipped with a then hugely popular (and well done) arcade port and the other had a game that existed on an older system that looked and played largely the same. Given how much these systems cost new it would seem that the console makers would want to include as a pack-in a high quality game that demonstrate the capabilities of the console and had good gameplay and replayability. A poor pack-in choice would seem to turn off the consumer as a poor value, even with a really strong library available. Because first impressions seem to count.

 

I believe that part of Nintendo's success was from properly bundling their systems. The common NES pack-in being the SMB/Duck Hunt 2-in-1 cartridge, Super Mario World on the SNES and Mario 64 on the N64. I certainly didn't hurt that Mario become a hugely popular franchise in and of itself.

[Crazy Climber]

I seem to remember whoever took over general managment for the sega Genesis (and switched the pack in to sonic) claimed that Altered Beast as a pack in was a stupid idea and was part of the reason they hadn't sold a million units yet.

 

I don't know, I thought it was cool....but then again I DID sell my genesis when the SNES came out (to play the new mario that came with it) and I DID buy another Genesis when the sonic bundle came out (to play sonic) so he might have been right, lol

[Rex Dart]

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

 

Well, at least with a lousy pack in at the least you can test your system lol.

 

I don't recall the pack in being to important to my decisions EXCEPT I admit, Super Mario World was one I was dying to play and what a great game to introduce you to the SNES!

Edited May 29, 2012 by OldSchoolRetroGamer

[Rex Dart]

Super Mario World, yeah. That's the sole reason I wanted the system, and it came with it? Nice. I wound up getting it later on, and it also had Super Mario Kart packed in, and a mail-in offer to get Super Mario All-Stars. Best bundle I ever got.

[Pixelboy]

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

 

Well, at least with a lousy pack in at the least you can test your system lol.

 

I don't recall the pack in being to important to my decisions EXCEPT I admit, Super Mario Land was one I was dying to play and what a great game to introduce you to the SNES!

 

Via the Super Game Boy, you mean? Otherwise, I have to assume you meant Super Mario World.

 

The pack-in game did matter greatly in the early years of video gaming. Look at how the Game Boy took off with Tetris as the pack-in game. Even adults bought an original GB to play Tetris. A good pack-in game could make a world of difference for sales and profit figures.

 

Today, however, it doesn't seem as important, because the gaming community has matured greatly over the last two decades and with the internet as a guide, people can make informed decisions and choose what game(s) they want to buy along with their brand new console or handheld.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Via the Super Game Boy, you mean? Otherwise, I have to assume you meant Super Mario World.

 

Of course yes, corrected! Forgive an aging forgetful mind.

But I DO recall correctly seeing the SUPER FAMICOM in a display window downtown Toronto in one of the first import stores running Super Mario World (was the Super Famicom version name different?) but I was awestruck by the colors! OMG the colors! Ridiculously over-priced I had to wait for the official US/Canadian release but man was it worth it!

To me it was a cartoon come to life I HAD to have it. Truth be told if I had the means I would have walked out of that import shop with the whole setup immediately even if they were demanding like $500 lol.

Edited May 29, 2012 by OldSchoolRetroGamer

[DesertJets]

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

 

In the case where the OEM offers a variety of packages, with the cheapest most basic one being a bare console and 1 controller is a lot like the el-cheapo car. Sure it may only cost $11,999 but it doesn't come with air conditioning, has crank windows, vinyl seats etc..... But for just $13,999 you get the limited edition model that comes with A/C, power windows and cloth seats, plus some other stuff. I see this the same way with the consoles -- cheap price to get people in and attracted and then the light upsell to the better package with the good pack-in game. When I was briefly considering an XBOX 360 I noticed that a lot.

 

 

 

 

 

Today, however, it doesn't seem as important, because the gaming community has matured greatly over the last two decades and with the internet as a guide, people can make informed decisions and choose what game(s) they want to buy along with their brand new console or handheld.

 

The whole variety of packages fits this model. But I'd say it still does kinda matter. Would the Wii have been as successful if it hadn't included Wii Sports as the pack-in?

[Pixelboy]

The whole variety of packages fits this model. But I'd say it still does kinda matter. Would the Wii have been as successful if it hadn't included Wii Sports as the pack-in?

 

Very true. Ol' grandma loved her bowling... until she got fed up with it an never touched a Wiimote again.

[Crazy Climber]

Would the Wii have been as successful if it hadn't included Wii Sports as the pack-in?

Excellent point! No, I don't think it would have been as successful without Wii Sports as a pack in.

[godslabrat]

I believe that part of Nintendo's success was from properly bundling their systems. The common NES pack-in being the SMB/Duck Hunt 2-in-1 cartridge, Super Mario World on the SNES and Mario 64 on the N64. I certainly didn't hurt that Mario become a hugely popular franchise in and of itself.

 

I'm guessing there was a Mario 64 bundle at some point, but I'm pretty sure the vast majority of N64 consoles were sold without a pack-in. However, at launch, there were only 2 or 3 games available for purchase, and one of them was Mario 64.

 

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

 

I'm okay with either. What I hate is getting the system and getting a freaking DEMO disc as a pack-in, like with the PS or Saturn.

 

Today, however, it doesn't seem as important, because the gaming community has matured greatly over the last two decades and with the internet as a guide, people can make informed decisions and choose what game(s) they want to buy along with their brand new console or handheld.

 

This is pretty important, IMO. Pack-ins are a holdover from the time when people were more apprehensive about inviting new electronics into the home. The pack-in set took the guesswork out of it, it said "Hey, take this big box home, it has everything you need!" This helped a lot of people take the initial plunge... technophobes, soccer moms, etc. In the years since, the ebb and flow of the console cycle has made people more comfortable with looking for games that please *them* instead of taking whatever's in the box.

 

I also think that most of the pack-in games post-SNES were of limited mainstream appeal, and the benefit of including them didn't have the "Wow, look what you got!" effect of SMB, Tetris, Space Invaders, or Sonic. A pack-in really has to be a game that everyone already wants.

[Pixelboy]

But I DO recall correctly seeing the SUPER FAMICOM in a display window downtown Toronto in one of the first import stores running Super Mario World (was the Super Famicom version name different?) but I was awestruck by the colors! OMG the colors! Ridiculously over-priced I had to wait for the official US/Canadian release but man was it worth it!

To me it was a cartoon come to life I HAD to have it. Truth be told if I had the means I would have walked out of that import shop with the whole setup immediately even if they were demanding like $500 lol.

 

It's funny, the story for me was VERY similar to yours, but it was Super Mario Bros 3 running on an import Famicom at a video game boutique in my home town. It was a demo setup only, not for sale, but boy did it attract the attention of everyone who walked into the boutique! The store manager almost had to keep the hordes of kids away with a baseball bat! And everyone placed a pre-order for the US version which was going to be released later that same year. Ah the memories!

 

Many years later, I finally figured out why I've always favored Super Mario Bros 3 over Super Mario World: It was the music. The music in SMW was simply too "sugar-cute" to my ears, and it made the whole game seemed more kiddy to me than it actually was. And I also hated the cape, but to be fair, I never practiced it like I should have. SMB3 didn't have those flaws, and it was therefore more enjoyable to me, even if the graphics were less impressive.

[Emehr]

I took pack-in games for granted until my brother and I went in together to buy the PlayStation and got a shitty demo disc.

[Rex Dart]

Aww... in those pre-internet days, I wound up buying several crap games with my first Playstation. It was that demo disc that got the most play. Especially the demo of Puzzle Fighter... it let you play a 2 player game, which was plenty.

[BillyHW]

I seem to remember whoever took over general managment for the sega Genesis (and switched the pack in to sonic) claimed that Altered Beast as a pack in was a stupid idea and was part of the reason they hadn't sold a million units yet.

 

I don't know, I thought it was cool....but then again I DID sell my genesis when the SNES came out (to play the new mario that came with it) and I DID buy another Genesis when the sonic bundle came out (to play sonic) so he might have been right, lol

 

 

I seem to remember whoever took over general managment for the sega Genesis (and switched the pack in to sonic) claimed that Altered Beast as a pack in was a stupid idea and was part of the reason they hadn't sold a million units yet.

 

I can totally understand this. I thought Altered Beast was a terrible game, and a terrible pack-in choice. Unfortunately the Genesis launch line-up was pretty poor, so there were no good choices for a pack-in. But they still would have done better with Alex Kidd.

[BillyHW]

Would the Wii have been as successful if it hadn't included Wii Sports as the pack-in?

Excellent point! No, I don't think it would have been as successful without Wii Sports as a pack in.

 

Do you remember people laughing at Wii Sports as the pack-in game? (Isn't it the biggest 'selling' game of all time now?)

[BillyHW]

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

 

In the case where the OEM offers a variety of packages, with the cheapest most basic one being a bare console and 1 controller is a lot like the el-cheapo car. Sure it may only cost $11,999 but it doesn't come with air conditioning, has crank windows, vinyl seats etc..... But for just $13,999 you get the limited edition model that comes with A/C, power windows and cloth seats, plus some other stuff. I see this the same way with the consoles -- cheap price to get people in and attracted and then the light upsell to the better package with the good pack-in game. When I was briefly considering an XBOX 360 I noticed that a lot.

 

 

Today, however, it doesn't seem as important, because the gaming community has matured greatly over the last two decades and with the internet as a guide, people can make informed decisions and choose what game(s) they want to buy along with their brand new console or handheld.

 

The whole variety of packages fits this model. But I'd say it still does kinda matter. Would the Wii have been as successful if it hadn't included Wii Sports as the pack-in?

 

Ugh, I hated it when they didn't include 2 controllers. Cheap bastards.

[BillyHW]

Back in the classic gaming era, people just expected a pack-in game. And in many cases, the selection of pack-in game was critical to the success or failure of a system. Putting your best game as a pack-in meant a huge gain in console sales, but it also meant taking a huge hit in software sales for that one title, which may have been a significant loss. It was a tough decision at the time for these companies, but now it seems like an easy one.

 

Intellivision - Blackjack

5200 - Super Breakout

ColecoVision - Donkey Kong

 

Coleco was the first company to release their system with their #1 A+ title. It was a shot over the bow of the competition. And it worked, shipping lots of consoles. This set the stage for the next decade for pack-in titles. Donkey Kong was the perfect choice to move systems, as it was a great mascot character (even if they didn't own the IP) and it captured the imagination of almost every gamer.

 

NES - Super Mario Bros. + Duck Hunt

SMS - Hang On + Safari Hunt

7800 - Pole Position II

 

I wanted an NES because of the pack-in game. Pretty much says it all. Mario appealed to all gamers, whereas racing games only appeal to some gamers. You define your platform, brand and marketing strategy in one fell swoop, hitting three birds with one stone. Duck Hunt also had a personality that was missing in Safari Hunt. The inclusion of the original Super Mario Bros. as a pack-in led to massive sales of Super Mario 2 and 3 on the system. Smart move by Nintendo, but I think they took their cues from Coleco before them.

 

Sega should have gone with Wonder Boy, but it wasn't ready in time. I think the system launch was rushed in 1986 to get it on shelves next to Nintendo as quickly as possible. Not many 1986 games to choose from, but Alex Kidd was available and would have been a better choice. Not much of a mascot to build a company marketing strategy around though. Wonder Boy (and his girlfriend) could have worked, but sadly they didn't really try him out in that capacity or develop his original character much.

 

TG16 - Kieth Courage

Genesis - Altered Beast

SNES - Super Mario World

 

So sad to see how NEC blew the NA launch of what was such an awesome system in Japan. I think they change it later to Bonk, but it was too little too late. As I already mentioned, Altered Beast was awful, and didn't really show off the 16-bit power of the Genesis. Sure the sprites were bigger, but that's about the only positive thing you could say about it. Not much to choose from, but Alex Kidd would have been better. Uninspiring launch titles meant people kept playing their NESes through 1990.

 

Nintendo wanted to launch SNES with Pilotwings, to show off the new system's capabilities and to score a big software jackpot with Super Mario World sales which were likely to eclipse Mario 3. But because of the (stupidly) delayed launch of the SNES, this allowed Sega to finally gain some momentum and popularity by 1991. So in order to save their #1 dominant position in the market, which was under serious threat, they included Mario as a pack-in...and luckily for them it worked. Having to include Mario 3 as the pack-in though was the first sign of weakness for Nintendo. Sega had no choice but to respond by switching to Sonic for the pack-in and the stage was set for the mascot wars. Sega overused their IP however by releasing Sonic 2 and 3 so quickly to make some big software sales on him that they lost from the pack-in.

 

In summation, the Super Mario World pack-in prevented Sega from overtaking Nintendo in the 16-bit generation. It was a critical choice.

 

Gameboy - Tetris

Lynx - California Games

Game Gear - Columns

 

Love me some BMX. But Tetris was era-defining. I can still play back the Gameboy Tetris tunes in my head. Perfect launch title for the little portable system. Pick-up and play, instant fun. So simple, so perfect. Everybody likes Tetris. I remember the kiosks at the stores had it setup, how could you not resist buying it? Columns was a shameless, uninspired ripoff that nobody cared about.

[IntellivisionDude]

While i didn't buy the system myself, the Intellivision II i got for Christmas of 83 was bundled with Burgertime. That was one hell of a pack-in.

 

When i bought my Genesis (model 2) it was packed with Sonic 2. Also one of my favorite games of all time. And a funny story is when i bought the system and got home which was a good 20-30 min drive, i open the box and see that Sonic 2 was missing. I almost had a panic attack. I right away drove right back out there and they were kind enough to exchange it for me.

 

My N64 came bundled with DK 64. I never did beat that game. But i was really impressed by it. The pack in really didn't matter for this system because i was late to the party. I bought the 64 after playing WCW/NWO revenge at a friends house and had to get one immediately. But i'd be lying if i said DK 64 didn't help me cinch the deal. I was probably still debating the purchase/finances.

 

No pack in game for my PS1. I guess it could of came with a demo disc but i really don't remember anymore.

 

My GBA had no pack in, My Gamecube had no pack in, and my PS2 had no pack in.

 

I was also with my old roommate when he bought his Dreamcast. Once again, no pack in.

 

I believe those were the only systems i bought brand new from the store. So i guess it's not a deal breaker, but when done right it can make a difference.

[BillyHW]

What's worse; a lousy pack-in, or no pack-in?

 

I think that's tough to say. Logically, I'd want to say no a lousy pack-in, but I know that these things don't always go the logical way.

 

edit - sorry, I meant to say that logically, a lousy pack-in is worse.

Edited May 29, 2012 by BillyHW

[high voltage]

I remember from the book Game Over, parents complaining when the SNES was launched with SMW. 'What $200 for a NEW console to play the SAME game as before?' (comparing SMW with SM3).

'But mom, it's 16-bit'. Yep, that'll sold it.....NOT!!!

So it can backfire putting the "same" game with a console launch.

[BillyHW]

While i didn't buy the system myself, the Intellivision II i got for Christmas of 83 was bundled with Burgertime. That was one hell of a pack-in.

 

When i bought my Genesis (model 2) it was packed with Sonic 2. Also one of my favorite games of all time. And a funny story is when i bought the system and got home which was a good 20-30 min drive, i open the box and see that Sonic 2 was missing. I almost had a panic attack. I right away drove right back out there and they were kind enough to exchange it for me.

 

My N64 came bundled with DK 64. I never did beat that game. But i was really impressed by it. The pack in really didn't matter for this system because i was late to the party. I bought the 64 after playing WCW/NWO revenge at a friends house and had to get one immediately. But i'd be lying if i said DK 64 didn't help me cinch the deal. I was probably still debating the purchase/finances.

 

No pack in game for my PS1. I guess it could of came with a demo disc but i really don't remember anymore.

 

My GBA had no pack in, My Gamecube had no pack in, and my PS2 had no pack in.

 

I was also with my old roommate when he bought his Dreamcast. Once again, no pack in.

 

I believe those were the only systems i bought brand new from the store. So i guess it's not a deal breaker, but when done right it can make a difference.

 

Wow, you're kidding that Sonic was missing. I'm glad they believed you.

[BillyHW]

I remember from the book Game Over, parents complaining when the SNES was launched with SMW. 'What $200 for a NEW console to play the SAME game as before?' (comparing SMW with SM3).

'But mom, it's 16-bit'. Yep, that'll sold it.....NOT!!!

So it can backfire putting the "same" game with a console launch.

 

It just goes to show you that parents will complain about anything. Anyways, I hardly buy that story. The biggest complaint from parents at that time was the lack of backward compatibility. (And of course, parents are always complaining about price.)

[high voltage]

No pack in game for PSX, that shows to be the best selling console of its time you don't need a pack-in game.

[IntellivisionDude]

Wow, you're kidding that Sonic was missing. I'm glad they believed you.

 

I got lucky too since the store was going out of business. I was determined to get a Genesis sooner or later at that point, but the 35 or 45% off going out of business sale helped helped me make up my mind real quick. lol