NINTENDO PARTNERS WITH THE USTA IN ITS SMASHZONE MOBILE TOUR

Written by: Staff on 16th May 2012

NINTENDO PARTNERS WITH THE USTA IN ITS SMASHZONE MOBILE TOUR

The first stop in the 2011 Smashzone mobile 50 city tour on May 28, 2011 held at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Quickstart, u10 Tennis |

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., May 16, 2012 – The USTA announced today that Nintendo has signed on as an Official Sponsor of the SmashZone Mobile Tour, the interactive tennis fan attraction which introduces children to tennis in a fun and engaging way. As part of the agreement, Nintendo, the worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, will incorporate video game kiosks into the SmashZone experience throughout the duration of the tour. The partnership will launch at the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, Calif., on May 19 – 20.

This year’s SmashZone Mobile Tour will serve as a launching pad for Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system. Mario Tennis Open, a fun, portable tennis game that can be played in 3D without the need for special glasses, is scheduled for release everywhere on May 20, and this partnership provides an opportunity for an integrated fan experience where audiences can demo the new game.

SmashZone Mobile includes a 53-foot trailer, which anchors four kid-sized tennis courts for youth play. Courts feature games such as Xerox Rally Courts, Esurance Sweet Spot and Target Challenge. The trailer itself, which is handicap accessible, features interactive activities for visitors, including a TENNIS Magazine Green Screen Cover Shoot and touch screen kiosks. The Nintendo video game kiosks will be located in the game room of the trailer. Additionally, Nintendo brand ambassadors will be on site to provide hands-on demonstrations of Mario Tennis Open on the youth tennis courts.

“Video games can serve as a gateway to help get kids interested in real-life sports and activities,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Mario Tennis Open features all their favorite Nintendo characters, and fast-paced tennis action that people will have fun experiencing.”

In addition, Nintendo will be an Official Sponsor of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, which will be held on August 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The sponsorship will enhance fans’ on-site experience by having in-person visits from Mario and Luigi from Mario Tennis Open and product demonstrations on the grounds during the free activity portion of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

“We are thrilled to welcome industry leader and innovator Nintendo as an official partner,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “Their collaboration and support of the SmashZone Mobile Tour provides a tremendous opportunity to engage thousands of parents and children throughout the country.”

For more information about the SmashZone Mobile Tour and to find out if it is coming to a city near you, check outwww.10andundertennis.com.

For more information about Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS, please visit http://mariotennisopen.nintendo.com.