[Community member Anus Mcphanus was at the big UK launch event for the 3DS, and he snagged some photos, swag, and a couple of pretty awesome surprises! VenusInFurs also took some pictures of the early launch prep in Union Square, so check that out in our Cblogs. — Kauza]
On the 25th March 2011 Nintendo unleashed their latest handheld to the great British public. HMV on Oxford Circus in London was chosen to host the monumental official midnight launch event and managed to draw in a rather respectable crowd.
Approximately 200 eager Nintendo fans descended upon the launch, which isn’t exactly the huge numbers we’re normally accustomed to for a major hardware launch but when you consider that two other retailers (GAME and Currys Digital) were also hosting midnight launches then it’s not so bad. Perhaps the insane price war lead the majority of consumers to shop online but that’s another story; this is about the launch.
Midnight launches are always something special. Excitement is high, the vibe is electric and there’s always something special going on. In this case Yoshinori Ono (Producer of Street Fighter 4) was going to be taking on challengers at his latest creation, Super Street Fighter 4 3D, and signing copies for fans. If I’m going to be honest, this was the main reason I was going to the midnight launch. The chance to play against Ono-san was a simple name out of a hat affair after giving your name and team name so there was no guarantee I’d face him, but I’d at least get to meet him. HMV were also giving away a 3DS game of your choice with every 3DS console which offset the rather expensive handheld somewhat.
Throughout the evening of the 24th March Nintendo stewards were offering fans the chance to play on the 3DS in the queue as well as hand out exclusive goodie bags and 3DS umbrellas, although luckily there wasn’t a rain cloud in sight; a welcome change for the British Isles. The clock was ticking ever closer to midnight; excitement was mounting and it was becoming more and more difficult to hide a smile in the exuberant crowd. Despite not being as anxious to get hold of a 3DS as some others in the queue, even I was getting increasingly excited of getting my own.
It’s now coming up to 11:15pm and the doors have been opened to begin the real festivities. Luckily for me and two of my Dtoid UK buddies I happen to know a few people and managed to score a couple of the first wristbands to the launch which meant we could jump to the front of the queue. Following the plush red carpet through the HMV store past rows of 3DS console demo pods and 3DS displays we ended up in front of the main stage at the back of the shop.
Music was supplied by Nintendisco who provided a decent variety of tracks and even threw in the odd game theme here and there, and before we knew it a rather overly dramatic host jumps on the stage to welcome passionate gamers to the official launch of the Nintendo 3DS and introduce Mr Yoshinori Ono to the stage to rapturous applause. His first challenger was the lead singer from the band Hadoken. Apparently Nintendo are pretty stingy when it comes to inviting celebrities to their events. It’s safe to say though that he didn’t stand much of a chance and Ono-san quickly defeated him. So while this was going on I was having a little wander around, speaking to some friends of mine who work at HMV when the host comes back and speaks over the PA:
“something, something, blah, blah, blah…. Destructoid.”
Excuse me?
“Dan Seto from team Destructoid come up here on the stage!”
HOLY CRAP THAT’S ME! So like an overexcited pre-teen I bounce up on the stage and nervously step up to Ono-san trying to remain calm so I don’t get beat down too hard but not without showing off my awesome t-shirt to everyone first.
Sadly, I let the side down and suffered a crushing defeat. It’s been quite some time since I’ve played Super Street Fighter 4 so my skills were rusty, and even though Ono-san was holding back a little my Sakura was no match for his Ryu. In my defence the second round was incredibly close and I don’t think anyone managed to beat Ono-san that night, except for the odd round or two.
So after a few more matches it was getting closer to midnight and we geared up to purchase our own Nintendo 3DS consoles. The hype is reaching fever pitch and the first 3DS is sold at midnight on the dot to the Smash TV theme playing over the PA. Marwan Elgamal (shown below) was the first person to purchase a 3DS in the UK and not only that, he was also the same guy who bought the first Wii when it launched in the same HMV back in 2006. That’s a real dedicated Nintendo fan right there.
Midnight launches are always unique experiences. A lot of people don’t see the point and would rather wait until the next day to pick up their products, but every midnight launch that I’ve attended has always been a spectacle. Enthusiasm is infectious and everyone who attended the 3DS launch had a great night. I never knew I’d have the chance to go toe to toe with Yoshinori Ono, but had I not gone I wouldn’t have had a chance at all and it was definitely worth it! Of course every launch has one thing in common: sweet glorious swag!
So here’s what I snagged:
• 3DS Umbrella – from a distance it looks like a Resident Evil umbrella corporation umbrella.
• 3DS launch bag
• 3DS space blanket – this is literally an extra large sheet of tin foil with the 3DS logo stuck on
• 3DS launch t-shirt
• This month’s official Nintendo magazine
• Plush dolls! – You’re only supposed to get one but I managed to blag two more. The choices of dolls include: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong and Wario. Unfortunately they were randomly placed in the bags so you didn’t get much choice in which doll you received which lead to some trading amongst fans in the queue.
• Sadly I didn’t get the 3DS in the picture for free but I also got….
• A copy of Super Street Fighter 4 3D signed by Yoshinori Ono.
All in all I think the event was a success. Fun was had by all and even though I wasn’t all that excited about the 3DS itself I am so happy that I went to the launch. Do I regret buying a 3DS? No, not at all; I’m quite enjoying messing around with it.
For more coverage on the UK launch of the 3DS you can check out VG24/7 which was covered by fellow old school Dtoider Atheistium – Be sure to keep an eye out for the interviewee in the article!
For more pictures you can also check out VG24/7 and be sure to listen to the third interview!
