As reported today from PR Newswire in New York, Nintendo of America announced that the Wii will be the official gaming console for Six Flag theme parks. This agreement will allow Six Flag parks to offer free game playing to guests through Wii Gaming Stations located within various parks across America. Additionally, Nintendo and Six Flags will be able to hold various joint marketing campaigns, improving Wii’s sales and popularity, and boosting ticket sales to the Six Flag-branded theme parks. Plans already include a national sweepstakes promotion for Six Flags on Nintendo.com.

“This agreement with Nintendo enables us to partner with a company, and a product, that has major relevance in the lives of today's families. When this audience is not in our parks, more often than not they are at home playing video games -- and now they can do both in one place as we continue to build Six Flags into a supermarket of entertainment,” said Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of Six Flags.

Six Flags, which opened its doors in 1961 in Texas, now owns and operates 27 theme parks. Six Flags parks include animal parks, thrill parks, water parks and a mish-mash of all three. The Six Flags-themed parks are some of the most popular theme parks in the United States. Though no one is questioning the Wii’s ability to do anything following its smashing debut this past holiday season, gamers might be wondering what Six Flags can bring to the Wii. Considering that consumers bought over a million Wii consoles within just 44 days of the holiday season, from launch day in November till shortly after Christmas, popularity certainly isn’t an issue. The Wii’s obvious appeal to gamers of all ages and skill level is definitely a motivator for Six Flags, but it still leaves to question what Nintendo of America and the Wii gaming console has to gain.

Shapiro added, "This alliance further illustrates our intent to partner with trusted and valued consumer brands that will increase our touch points and expand our reach."

No doubt Six Flags is looking to expand its reach into the gaming industry which has seen record sales in the last year, most assuredly from the Wii, among others.

"We look forward to continuing to build the Wii's leadership position in video gaming by making the system available to millions of guests who visit Six Flags every year,” said Perrin Kaplin, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Affairs for Nintendo of America. "The Wii system is dedicated to reaching a broad audience, and we look forward to sharing the ultimate gaming system with Six Flags guests beginning in 2007."

Whether this marriage is one of convenience or not, both Nintendo of American and Six Flags are looking forward to make big profits and even bigger fans. Gamers could also look forward to getting outdoors to play their favorite Wii games. Road trip anyone?!


For more information about Nintendo,
visit the company's Web site at http://www.nintendo.com.