During San Diego Comic-Con, Nintendo focused exclusively on the Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order game, which launched on July 19 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch system.
“We are excited to give everyone a chance to play some of the newly announced games that will be launching later this year and check out what’s currently available on Nintendo Switch,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “We also have a variety of fun activities lined up for the show, and our aim is to bring a smile to everyone’s face.”
At the Nintendo Gaming Lounge in the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, gamers were also invited to test Nintendo Switch games including Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Luigi’s Mansion 3, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Super Mario Maker 2, MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order and Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda. MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order was also featured in the Marvel Games panel held on Thursday, July 18, in Hall H.
At the Mattel booth in the convention center, fans could also check out the all-new Hot Wheels Mario Kart diecast vehicles and tracksets. Attendees could also purchase a SDCC exclusive item: a Metal Mario diecast car and glider. One out of every 10 vehicles sold was a special Gold Mario. The vehicles were sold exclusively at the Mattel booth while supplies lasted.
Other Comic-Con exclusives and activities in the Nintendo Gaming Lounge included:
- Southwest Airlines: Two Super Mario Maker 2 kiosks will feature a custom Southwest Airlines course. Consumers will be encouraged to participate in open gameplay sessions July 18-19. On July 20, fans who are 13+ can visit the Nintendo Gaming Lounge and play Super Mario Maker 2 to enter for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch prize pack, which includes a Nintendo Switch system, a digital version of the Super Mario Maker 2 game and a $500 Southwest Airlines gift card.
- Costumes: Representatives from Disguise Costumes will be walking around to show off Nintendo-themed character costumes. Attendees might run into people wearing costumes of characters like Mario, Link, Zelda, Toad, Luigi, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Rosalina or Yoshi.
- Sugarfina: The luxury candy boutique will debut its new collection celebrating the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Mario Bros. Power up with six character-inspired Candy Cubes, including three new gummies: pineapple Invincible Stars, apple-flavored Green Mushrooms and cherry-flavored Red Mushrooms. The collector’s gift set features the 3-Piece Nintendo Entertainment System Console Candy Bento Box complete with iconic game music and matching 2-piece Controller Candy Bento Box. The collection hits stores on July 22.
- Hot Wheels: The Nintendo Gaming Lounge is the only place to play with the new Hot Wheels Mario Kart die-cast vehicles and tracksets inspired by iconic courses from the video game. Race Mario and Yoshi as die-cast karts and overcome obstacles and challenges – just like in the game, but this time on Hot Wheels tracks
- Photo Ops: Fans who stop by the lounge can get fun photos featuring elements from games like Super Mario Maker 2, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield and Luigi’s Mansion 3. Keep an eye open for the Luigi and Gooigi figures
- My Nintendo Check-In: San Diego Comic-Con also happens to be the same weekend as the final Splatfest for the Splatoon 2 game. To commemorate this epic showdown, attendees can check in with their My Nintendo QR Code at the Nintendo Gaming Lounge to receive an exclusive Splatoon 2 Chaos vs. Order keychain set (while supplies last).