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What the Nintendo Direct Means for Your 2025 Launch Plan | Toy Talk

Plus, Mattel’s KATSEYE remix fuels Monster High’s next marketing chapter

Author

Sophie Bruxner-Randall
July 23, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Attribution Angle 🎯

The Biggest Mistake This Agency Sees 😬 | Jamie Bolton

Dan Sava from Neon Growth breaks down why so many brands are trapped in a cycle of over-investing in bottom-of-funnel (BOF) tactics.

The root cause? Overreliance on Last Click attribution — a model that ignores how awareness and consideration channels influence the final conversion. When only the last interaction gets credit, BOF looks like the hero. But it’s a distorted view that leads to skewed budgets and missed growth opportunities.

To truly grow, marketers need clarity across the full customer journey. That means measuring impact at every stage — from brand discovery to final conversion — and understanding how channels work together, not in isolation.

👉 Ready to measure the full funnel and grow?

Sector Spotlight 🎥

GAMING SHOWCASE

Rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showcase stir anticipation with potential significant game announcements, including a new Animal Crossing set for a possible 2026 release. Third-party developments like Metroid Prime 4, Kirby Air Riders, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade enhance the platform's appeal with strategic title launches slated up to 2025. These releases are crucial for marketers to time promotions, ensuring alignment with Nintendo's ecosystem and consumer engagement through strategic campaign alignments with major game releases.

BUSINESS EXPANSION

Abacus Brands' acquisition of Pixicade enhances its presence in creative technology and STEAM learning, bringing new opportunities for interactive educational experiences. Pixicade, known for converting kids' drawings into digital games, will benefit from Abacus' expertise in immersive technology and global reach. Marketing professionals should note this integration's potential to drive innovation in interactive learning and expand retail and digital offerings.

MUSIC COLLABORATION

Mattel's collaboration with KATSEYE offers a fresh take on the iconic Monster High anthem "Fright Song," infusing it with modern appeal aimed at young fans on streaming platforms. This venture exemplifies the strategic blend of cultural inclusivity and brand nostalgia, utilizing custom, character-inspired dolls to deepen engagement. Marketers can observe how Mattel leverages multimedia content and customized products to foster strong brand-community ties while celebrating individual uniqueness.

WEARABLE MERCHANDISE

Games Workshop has unveiled its first-ever wearable Space Marine helmet, modeled after Lieutenant Titus' helmet from Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2. Priced at $169.99, this intricately designed helmet, created by JoyToy, includes a stand and is available for preorder on the official Warhammer merch site. This launch is a potential marketing strategy to captivate collectors and fans, illustrating how detailed, high-quality merchandise can strengthen brand loyalty and enhance consumer engagement.

Optimization Hub ⚙️

RETAIL ANALYTICS

Leveraging AI and first-party data revolutionizes in-store retail media measurement, enabling precise targeting and actionable insights. Marketers now have the tools to analyze shopper engagement with campaigns, directly connecting them to sales and refining strategies in real time. With the integration of advanced analytics, marketers can optimize the full customer journey, making in-store media more strategic and effective.

ECOMMERCE MARKETING

The weekly Google Ads audit checklist offers eCommerce marketers a structured, detailed approach to optimizing ad accounts, monitoring core performance metrics, and addressing disapproved products. By focusing on various performance levels and time frames, marketers can identify and address trends, ensuring efficient budget allocation and better campaign results.

ClickZ is a ClickZ Media publication in the DTC Ecommerce division