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WiiU

Nintendo to Celebrate Wii U Midnight Launch at Nintendo World Store

by Ariel Ruff - November 9, 2012, 8:22 am EST
Total comments: 12

Nintendo launches the Wii U on its own turf for a change.

Nintendo is gearing up to hold its midnight console launch celebration for the Wii U at the Nintendo World Store, located in Manhattan. 

The celebration will take place on November 17 from 6 p.m. to midnight, when systems will officially go on sale. Some of the festivities include Mii costumed characters, item giveaways, and a guest appearance from Nintendo President & COO Reggie Fils-Aime.

Nintendo held its past console launch celebrations for the Wii and 3DS at Toys 'R' Us and Best Buy, respectively. The Nintendo Wii U is slated to be released on November 18 in North America.

Nintendo to Celebrate the U.S. Launch of Wii U with Midnight Gathering at Nintendo World

First Wii U consoles go on sale in New York on Nov. 18 with midnight launch event
              
WHAT:

Consumers will have the chance to be among the first in the world to purchase the Wii U console when the clock strikes midnight on Nov. 18 at Nintendo World in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza. Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime will be on hand to count down the launch and sell a new Wii U to the first consumer in line. Fans waiting in line will get premium items (while supplies last) during the event. Note that supplies are limited, and systems will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

 
Nintendo is also selling New York-themed T-shirts with Mario’s image at the event. All proceeds from sales of the shirts will be donated to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.
 
The new Wii U home console offers entirely new ways for consumers to play games in HD and enjoy their favorite programming. More than 20 games will be available for Wii U at launch, which will be offered in two different colors and configurations. The Basic Set will be offered in white at a suggested retail price of $299.99, while the Deluxe Set, which includes higher storage capacity, additional accessories and the new Nintendo Land video game, will be offered in black at a suggested retail price of $349.99.
 
More information about Wii U can be found at http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu.

 
WHO:

Adults, teens, tweens, parents, video game fans and consumers

 
WHEN:

Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012

Launch event: 6 p.m. - midnight
 
WHERE:

Nintendo World at Rockefeller Plaza

10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10020
 
VISUALS:

Scores of fans lined up in front of Nintendo World for a chance to be among the first people in the world to purchase the new Wii U console
Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime welcoming consumers to the Wii U launch event
Attendees joining together for a midnight countdown as the launch approaches
Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime presenting the first consumer in line with a Wii U
Mii costumed characters

Talkback

azekeNovember 09, 2012

That's where Triforce stands, right?

NorexAriel Ruff, Staff AlumnusNovember 09, 2012

Yup.

EasyCureNovember 09, 2012

Do I have to pick one up? Like it is invite by pre-order only? I already pre-ordered mine but wouldn't mind stopping by and checking out the festivities, even pick up a game (or at the least some of their cool merch). Wouldn't want to make the trip into the city just to be turned away though (lol as if there isn't anything else I could do..)

Who else is going? Maybe I'll see you there.

NorexAriel Ruff, Staff AlumnusNovember 09, 2012

Quote from: EasyCure

Do I have to pick one up? Like it is invite by pre-order only? I already pre-ordered mine but wouldn't mind stopping by and checking out the festivities, even pick up a game (or at the least some of their cool merch). Wouldn't want to make the trip into the city just to be turned away though (lol as if there isn't anything else I could do..)

Who else is going? Maybe I'll see you there.

Both people with pre-orders and those looking to pick one up are allowed, as far as staff, I'm not sure if anyone is going.

EasyCureNovember 09, 2012

Hm.. I don't have anything planned yet for the evening, and I've acted as NWR's unofficial photographer for these events before.. maybe I will go...

webbubbaNovember 09, 2012

Do you know how many wii u consoles will be sold at the event? Based on your article, it looks like only one!?! My kid is dying for one!!!

lennyNovember 10, 2012

I'm glad I live in Ohio we're an hour ahead of NY! sorry Triforce!! :P

TJ SpykeNovember 10, 2012

Quote from: lenny

I'm glad I live in Ohio we're an hour ahead of NY! sorry Triforce!! :P

Actually, you are an hour behind New York.

Ohio's in the same time zone as New York. Central doesn't begin until you hit Illinois.

CericNovember 10, 2012

Quote from: NWR_insanolord

Ohio's in the same time zone as New York. Central doesn't begin until you hit Illinois.

Or go straight South into Tennessee >

I didn't realize that, I just knew that in my annual trips to South Bend, Indiana it's still Eastern time. I've actually never been in the Central time zone (well, at least on the ground).

EasyCureNovember 10, 2012

Quote from: webbubba

Do you know how many wii u consoles will be sold at the event? Based on your article, it looks like only one!?! My kid is dying for one!!!

Your best bet is to line up early. I've worked there before, for the Wii launch actually, and while they did have a heavy supply for the first day (and a steady supply thereafter) they do limit how much they sell in order to keep the supply flowing.

I can't give you figures on how many sold in a day, I wasn't in a position to be privy to that info and the day of launch I was stationed doing various tasks so couldn't even estimate.. sorry!

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