Nickelodeon seems to be pulling out all the stops with their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles marketing push. The latest is an augmented reality mobile app that will let you unlock exclusive TMNT content and take photos of yourself with the Turtles.
As a special offer to fans, Nickelodeon and Walmart will launch a bilingual augmented reality (AR) App that uses cutting-edge technology to make the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come to life throughout the store through the customer’s mobile device – a first of its kind for Nickelodeon.
[via Businessweek]
But here’s the shitty part–it only works at Walmart. I normally avoid Walmart at all costs because saving 30 cents on cases of Pepsi isn’t worth the soul-sucking experience of going there, but a TMNT app like this could change my mind. Never mind that I’m 30 years old–I will stalk the toy aisle and the little boys’ clothing department and I will do it proudly, dammit.
But don’t get too excited if you’re a TMNT fan in the U.S.–the app can only be activated at Canadian Walmart stores.
The Turtles AR application, which can only be activated at Walmart Canada store locations from September 20 – September 27, enables iPhone, iPad2/3, Android or tablet users to experience augmented reality through their device camera. Walmart customers are invited to visit stores and search for Turtles signs in the toy, apparel and entertainment departments where they will help Splinter train each Turtle by unlocking their signature ninja moves through the augmented reality app. Once fans unlock the signature moves, they will have the opportunity to meet a life-size Turtle through their device screen. Users can then photograph themselves with the turtle and share the photo on Facebook, Twitter and email. The app also comes with an interactive game and a unique photo-share feature which enables users to customize their photos with special Turtles badges.
Oh well. Maybe it’ll be a huge success in Canadialand and eventually come to the U.S.
Don’t forget, the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles show will be premiering on Nickelodeon Saturday, September 29th!
