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Nintendo UK has annoucned that over 1,200 stores in the UK are expected to open at midnight on March 25 to launch the 3DS.
In addition to partnering with HMV to officially launch its new portable 3D entertainment system, Nintendo has also confirmed that 13 additional stores across the UK will also host VIP events at midnight for fans unable to make it to the official launch in London.
At the additional 13 VIP events the first fans to purchase a Nintendo 3DS console at these locations will also be rewarded with the chance to pick up Nintendo 3DS software at substantial discounts or even for free, and the first person lucky enough to be at the front of the queue will get a free taxi ride home.
HMV’s London flagship store at 150 Oxford Street will host the official UK retail launch event, including the first official customer purchase, when the console makes its UK debut at 00:01am on March 25.
“We’ve been blown away by both retail and consumer reaction to Nintendo 3DS,” said David Yarnton, general manager, Nintendo UK. “With over 1,000 stores opening across the UK at midnight to launch the console, this has the potential to be one of our biggest launches ever in the UK.”
The first 500 people to buy a 3DS at the midnight launch at HMV Oxford Street will each be able to claim a free Nintendo 3DS game of their choice. Fans will also receive a special commemorative launch-night pack containing numerous Nintendo rewards, including a space blanket to keep them warm whilst queuing, a limited edition launch t-shirt and an exclusive Nintendo 3DS launch edition of Official Nintendo Magazine (whilst stocks last).
It’s worth checking with your local store to be sure a midnight launch is taking place.
VIP Stores
Asda-Derby-Martin Luckwood, Asda Derby, Derby Road, Spondon , DE21 7LW
Tesco-Barr Hill-15-18 Viking Way. Barr Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8EL
HMV-Liverpool 1-5 South John Street, Liverpool, L1 8BU
Argos-Leeds Headrow-Unit 2, The Gantry, 22-26 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8EQ
Gamestation-Birmingham New Street-138 New St, Birmingham, B2 4NS
Smyths Toys-Dublin-Jervis Street, Dublin 1
Xtra-Vision-Letterkenny-Unit 6-8. Letterkenny Shopping Centre Co. Donegal.
Gamestop-Dublin-Henry Street, Dublin
Game-Glasgow Sauchiehall Street-146 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 2DH
Game-Cardiff-5 Grand Arcade, St Davids 2 Centre, Cardiff, CF10 2ER
Game-Manchester-124 Peel Centre, Trafford Centre, Manchester, , M17 8BL
Game-London-100 Oxford Street W1
Gamestation-GST Hull-59-60 Prospect Centre, Hull, HU2 8PW
