There's something about a new console launch that triggers something in the minds of the great British public. If you asked someone to stand outside a shop for upwards of three days, without being able to leave, lest they lose their place in the queue, they'd likely look at you as if you were mad. But when launch events come around, that's not the exception to rule - it's the least that can be expected.
Still, there's something phenomenally British about being sent a press release that lets you know which stores will be opening at midnight for the 3DS's launch, as a way of giving you advance warning as to where and when you should be queuing come the 24th March. Because, after all, if there's one thing we're good at, it's queueing.
Partnering with HMV for their latest handheld launch, Nintendo will be launching the 3DS to a ravenous British public on 25th March, and have partnered with HMV as their official launch retailer, with stores up and down the country set to open at midnight to get the 3DS into the hands of the public as soon as possible. With the main 3DS launch event going down at HMV on Oxford Street, there's an extra incentive to queuing up there (as if we need one), as the first 500 people will be able to choose a free 3DS game of their choosing (while stocks last). Never mind that the in store price at HMV is roughly a 3DS game above what you can buy the console for on the internet - it's the experience that counts. And the queuing.
HMV Oxford Street - home of the 3DS launch.
Fans attending the launch will, however, be given a money-can't-buy goodie bag, featuring a space blanket (for keeping you warm on the bitter London night), a limited edition launch t-shirt (which we already really want, despite having no idea what it looks like), and an exclusive 3DS launch edition of the Official Nintendo Magazine. Along with the goodie bag, and a free game, you'll also get the chance to show your mad skills (or get thoroughly beaten) at Street Fighter IV, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 on the big screen.
In the mean time, members of the press, and a number of lucky fans will be invited along to the official VIP launch of the 3DS at Old Billingsgate, where Russell Kane, girl dance act DJ Yoda, and BRIT winners Plan B, amongst others, will entertain the guests. If you're a member of Club Nintendo, Nintendo's online rewards program, you'll likely have already received an e-mail about this, asking you to enter a prize draw to win tickets - and numerous other places will be running giveaways and promotions in the weeks approaching the launch.
With just a fortnight to go, the 3DS anticipation is reaching fever pitch now. If you're interested in queuing (and, lets face it - why wouldn't you be), a full list of the HMV stores that'll be opening at midnight can be found here
