Unprecedented retail and consumer response sees huge number of midnight openings. Thirteen additional 'VIP' store openings confirmed with entertainment and rewards, incl. free Nintendo 3DS games with console purchases*** at selected stores. Official UK launch for portable 3D entertainment system to be hosted by HMV 150 Oxford Street.
21 March 2011, London – Nintendo UK has today announced that over 1,200 stores in the UK are
expected to open at midnight on 25th Match to launch
Nintendo’s new glasses free 3D entertainment device, Nintendo 3DS. In
addition to partnering with entertainment retailer HMV to officially launch its
new portable 3D entertainment system, 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 25th March 2011. The Oxford Street flagship will be one of 100
HMV stores around the country that will open specially at midnight, including
also HMV’s LiverpoolOne superstore as the focus of a major regional
launch outside of the capital.
See
below for list of HMV stores opening midnight (from 24 March 23.00 hrs for 25
March 00.01 hrs sale).
Games enthusiasts attending
the midnight launch at HMV Oxford Street will not only be among the first in
the UK to get their hands on their very own Nintendo 3DS, but the first 500 to
purchase the console will each be able to claim a free Nintendo 3DS game of
their choice**. Fans attending the official launch will 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). They’ll also be in with a chance of taking
to the stage to demonstrate their skills on Street Fighter IV and Pro Evolution
Soccer in head-to-head battles live on stage, which will form part of the
fantastic instore entertainment on the night.
“We’ve
been blown away by both retail and consumer reaction to Nintendo 3DS”,
says 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.”
* Figure based on UK
retailer information provided to Nintendo UK as of w/e 18th March
2011. No figures are extrapolated or estimated.
** Additional thirteen ‘VIP’ store launches:
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 |
*** Whilst stocks last, subject to availability. Please check
with your local retailer for specific plans and offers before travelling to the
launch events.