This is definitely true. I had a SNES, but skipped the N64 and also for some reason never played Pokemon as a kid. It's still reflected in what Nintendo games I like. Zelda a Link to the Past was my favorite game. So I loved A Link Between Worlds. However, I really struggled getting into any of the 3D Zeldas because of lack of Ocarina of Time nostalgia. Same with 3D Mario games. I bought Pokemon for 3DS during a lot g layover on my first trip to Japan. I thought this would be the perfect drosetup to get into the series but without nostalgia it's too easy, to repetitive and I honestly saw no reason to get more than a handful of Pokemon.
Planting the seed early and reaping rewards for the entire life is definitely what works for them.