The Nintendo Experience above EB Games on Swanston St. in Melbourne, Australia, is undoubtedly the place to be for any Nintendo-related shenanigans. On the night of November 29, it proved once again that gamers know how to party, with the Australian launch of the Wii U.

Enthusiastic gamers began queuing up outside the store well before the advertised opening time of 10 p.m., and by the time the party started a sizable crowd had amassed. A balloon artist crafted Mario characters for those waiting in line, making the Mario bros., Yoshis, Wario, a Chain Chomp, and even a Boo.
The first people to arrive on the scene were rewarded with a Wii U tote bag featuring a lanyard, a pen, and a 2GB flash drive with the console logo on it. Not a bad little bonus.

And then the real fun began. This was no mere "line up, wait till midnight, grab your console and head home" rubbish. A DJ pumped tunes throughout the store, throwing in the occasional Zelda remix or Mario chiptune for good measure. Demo Wii U units were stationed around the store, allowing people to get an early taste of games like Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U. A few regular Wiis were also set up with Mario Kart and Donkey Kong Country Returns for those who didn't want to spoil their next-gen gaming early.

Partygoers were treated to free slush drink to beat the summer heat and sprinkled Krispy Kreme doughnuts to keep their gaming vitality up—both treats came in a choice of Mario red and Luigi green, of course.

Throughout the night, crazy competitions were held to score a pre-launch copy of New Super Mario Bros. U, including hopping endurance challenges and a cosplay competition. I'm almost sad to report it, but they also held a Gangnam Style dance-off. 

As midnight approached, those who had a console reserved gathered in the store below to participate in a countdown until they could officially pick up their Wii U systems. The resounding "WIIIIIEEUUUWWWW" cheer at the stroke of midnight marked the birth of the next generation for Nintendo in Australia. 

All in all, it was an awesome party. Instead of my usual blog-style schtick with photo captions, I'll simply say check out the gallery below—the pics tell the story of how things went down. If you were at the party or were one of the attendants I photographed, feel free to sound off in the Talkback thread!

That is, if you're not busy playing Wii U games.