With the Nintendo 3DS launch nearly upon us (this Friday!), the gaming giant has announced that over 1,200 shops across the country will be open from midnight on Thursday, ready for eager punters to get their mitts on the console before their better-rested friends.
Because Nintendo have partnered with HMV for the launch of the console, the store on Oxford Street in London will host the official UK Launch event, where the first 500 people to buy the 3DS will also get a free game. Every fan that attends the launch will come away with a goodie-bag, containing 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. You'll also be able to take part in special PES 2011 3D and Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition head to head contests on the stage.
Don't worry if you can't make it to London though, as thirteen other stores across the country will hold special VIP events, where the first few people will get discounts - or even free - copies of some games, while the first person in the queue also gets a free taxi ride home. Ah Nintendo. Their generosity knows no bounds. The 13 stores, scattered across the length and breadth of the UK, are as follows:
- 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 (5 South John Street, Liverpool, L1 8BU)
- Argos, Leeds (Unit 2, The Gantry, 22-26 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8EQ)
- Gamestation, Birmingham (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 (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, Hull (59-60 Prospect Centre, Hull, HU2 8PW)
With just four days left until the console launches, it's time to make your plans now. Which shop will you be going to, or do you value your time in bed more than a new console?
