Disney and Nintendo are teaming up to create an original TV program that centers around families competing in Nintendo Switch games.
Named the “Nintendo Switch Family Showdown,” parents and kids will team up and battle against Disney Channel stars in games such as Super Mario Odyssey and Just Dance 2018. Would-be contestants are advised to submit a one-minute-long video to Disney describing why they deserve to compete on the show.
The Nintendo Switch Family Showdown will air on TV channels such the Disney Channel and Disney XD, as well as online options like the DisneyNOW app.
Aside from The Nintendo Switch Family Showdown, the Disney Channel and its subsidiary channel Disney XD, began airing original esports content provided by ESL on July 17, 2017. Additionally, on May 27, Disney-owned ESPN entered into a multi-year partnership with League of Legends developer Riot Games to bring the North American League Championship Series to the official ESPN app and website.
Likewise, Disney rival Nickelodeon has also been getting into competitive gaming, as it was part of a $15 million seed round into the Minecraft-centered Super Gaming League.
“Nickelodeon is interested in esports because gaming is an important passion point for kids today, and forging this partnership with Super League puts us at the forefront of where kids will be playing next,” Nickelodeon’s executive vice president Matthew Evans told Variety on June 29, 2017.
The Nintendo Switch Family Showdown will begin airing in the summer of 2018.
