For the first time in over twenty years, Battletoads is getting a fresh installment. Microsoft announced today at their E3 conference that Battletoads would be coming back in a big way. The critically acclaimed series has lain dormant since the 90’s, save for a few guest appearances and Easter eggs here and there.

The newest installment will feature three player couch co-op and 4K, hand-drawn, 2.5D graphics. Pretty much what everyone’s wanted out of a modern Battletoads.

The internet is already abuzz with hype, and Microsoft isn’t going to let that hype die. Not when it’s the only thing they have going for them right now. They want Battletoads to be one of their new killer apps, and are gonna make sure there’s some strong marketing behind it. Which is why they’ve sought-out quite the unorthodox advertising partnership. GameStop.

Calling GameStop for Battletoads is a meme as old as le interwebz itself, dating back to the golden era of 2007 according to le epic meme historians at www.KnowYourMeme.com. But now le shoe is on le other foot. Oh, how le tables have le turned. Le epic style.

As part of a new viral marketing campaign spearheaded by Microsoft, GameStop will be calling every single number in its database at odd intervals for daily reminders to pre-order the new Battletoads game. There is no way to opt out of these phone calls, and they will most definitely come at the most inconvenient times. They will not stop dialing your number until you pick up, and when you do, you will be given a curt reminder to reserve Battletoads. Then they’ll hang up, and you won’t hear from them again for a good four or five hours. Then they’ll call again and repeat the process.

According to current GameStop CEO Daniel A. DeMatteo, this advertising campaign is “right in line with GameStop’s current business model”, and that they “look forward to pursuing more partnerships like this”. He closed the interview with a message to the gamers, saying “pre-order Battle Toad, gamers! Gamer up!”

Battletoads is currently slated for some time in 2019, meaning this will be a long year for anyone that’s ever shopped at GameStop. Remember, even if you don’t have their reward card, they still have your information in the system. You will be called. There is no escape.