Nintendo UK and HMV have today announced that they have partnered for the official launch of the Nintendo 3DS across the United Kingdom,
It will be HMV’s London flagship store at 150 Oxford Street that is due to host the official UK retail launch event, which will include the first official customer purchase when the console makes its UK debut at 00:01am on March 25th.
Alongside the Oxford Street store, a further 99 HMV stores across the country will open at midnight including HMV’s LiverpoolOne superstore as the secondary venue to officially launch the system within the UK.
The first 500 fans to purchase a Nintendo 3DS at HMV Oxford Street will also be able to claim a free game for the handheld of their choice, and all in attendance, whilst stock lasts, will receive a special commemorative launch-night pack that contains numerous Nintendo rewards. Contents include a space blanket to keep you warm whilst queuing, a limited edition launch t-shirt and an exclusive Nintendo 3DS launch edition of Official Nintendo Magazine.
You’ll also be able to take to the stage to demonstrate your skills on Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D in live head-to-head battles.
As Nintendo UK continue their launch celebrations, the company will host an exclusive VIP event at London’s Old Billingsgate for 2,000 guests that will be hosted by comedian Russel Kane and feature live performances from recent BRIT’s winner Plan B, rock band Hadouken, dance act DJ Yoda and girl band Parade.
Tickets are due to be released to all UK Club Nintendo members from March 9th, and by responding to the email you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win tickets. You’ll have until March 11th to respond to the email, and will be notified by March 14th if you’ve been lucky enough to win tickets.
You’ll also be able to win tickets through competitions on XFM radio station and in the Metro newspaper from March 14th onwards, with a further fifty tickets also being offered to members of HMV’s pureHMV loyalty programme. Those in attendance at the event will also be able to purchase a Nintendo 3DS at HMV’s pop-up shop at the location.
Entry to the launches will be via wristband – which will be distributed as people arrive to queue on a first-come-first-served basis.
“Nintendo 3DS allows everyone to experience true 3D entertainment by bringing portability, affordability and glasses-free technology together for the first time anywhere in the world”, commented David Yarnton, General Manager of Nintendo UK. “In the way Wii brought families together, Nintendo 3DS will bring people together, and we’re delighted to be working alongside HMV to make this our biggest launch ever in the UK.”
HMV’s Head of Games, Tim Ellis, further added “We’ve already been seeing huge interest for the 3DS through pre-orders instore and online at hmv.com, and on release we expect many thousands more gamers to turn up to midnight events around the country, not least at our Oxford Street flagship and our LiverpoolOne superstore, which I’m absolutely thrilled have been selected to host the official UK launch. Like the Wii before it, I feel sure Nintendo’s 3DS will not only take gaming to a new level – further changing the way that we consume games content, but will play a major role in helping to popularise 3D as a growing entertainment format.”
For a full list of all HMV stores due to open at midnight, check http://hmv.com/hmvweb/navigate.do?pPageID=5289
Nintendo and HMV partner for Nintendo 3DS official UK launch
