HMV’s London flagship store at 150 Oxford Street will welcome Yoshinori Ono, Producer of Super Street Fighter IV 3DS to battle on stage and conduct an exclusive signing at the official UK retail launch event of Nintendo’s glasses free 3Dentertainment device, Nintendo 3DS – launching at 00:01 on 25th March 2011.

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 they’ll be also be in with a chance of taking to the stage to demonstrate their skills on Street Fighter IV 3DS in a live head-to-head battle with Mr Ono, which will form part of the fantastic instore entertainment on the night.

In addition the first 500 to purchase the console will each be able to claim a free 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).

Midnight games launches typically attract thousands of highly dedicated fans, and HMV is expecting huge interest from games and Nintendo enthusiasts, with queuing outside its London Oxford Street, Liverpool One and other stores likely to commence a good few days prior to the official release. Entry to the launches will be via wristband – which will be distributed as people arrive to queue on a first-come-first-served basis.

“Nintendo 3DS allows everyone to experience true 3D entertainment by bringing portability, affordability and glasses-free technology together for the first time anywhere in the world”, says David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK. “In the way Wii brought families together, Nintendo 3DS will bring people together, and we’re delighted to be working alongside HMV to make this our biggest launch ever in the UK.”