Zangeki no Reginleiv Promoted With Rentable Demo

Nintendo is testing a new marketing strategy with Zangeki no Reginleiv. Their plan is to get Sandlot’s sword slashing game in the hands of Wii owners before it launches, but the Wii doesn’t support downloadable demos for retail games.

Nintendo got around the issue by partnering with Tsutaya, one of Japan’s major media retailers, to loan Zangeki no Reginleiv demos to customers. While you can rent DVDs and music CDs, laws prohibit game rentals in Japan. Exceptions have been made like for promotional items such as Level 5’s Premium Gold Inazuma Eleven demo cartridge and this.

Zangeki no Reginleiv is scheduled for February 11. Demos will be distributed starting on January 21.