Nintendo 3DS sales start at midnight

If you're a late-night gamer and love some 3D then you'll probably want to heard over to Union Square come March 26, since Nintendo is planning a midnight launch for its new 3DS. The event – which marks the release of the 3D-capable console in the US on the following day – will be the earliest (official) opportunity to buy a 3DS.

There'll also be freebies, including free cases for the first 300 3DS buyers, and the chance to hang out with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime (though we doubt the first 300 buyers will be allowed to take him home as well). The 3DS itself is priced at $249.99.

Press Release:

Nintendo to Host Midnight Launch Event at Best Buy in Union Square to Celebrate U.S. Launch of Nintendo 3DS

New Yorkers to Ditch Their 3D Glasses for Good as Nintendo 3DS Brings Glasses-Free 3D to Portable Entertainment

WHAT:

New Yorkers are invited to leave their 3D glasses at home – permanently – and join Nintendo of America for a memorable midnight launch event for the new Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system. On March 26 at Best Buy's Union Square location, consumers and video game fans of all kinds will be treated to live entertainment, branded giveaway items (while supplies last) and hands-on demonstrations of the new system, which lets users enjoy 3D visuals without the need for special glasses. Food trucks will also be on-site to offer refreshments throughout the event. Starting at midnight, attendees will have a chance to be among the first U.S. consumers to purchase Nintendo 3DS. The first 300 attendees to purchase the system will receive a special carrying case.

Starting at noon, consumers can enjoy sampling opportunities, music and other fun activities in Union Square Park (across the street from Best Buy). Playable Nintendo 3DS games will include nintendogs™ + cats, Pilotwings Resort™ and Steel Diver™ from Nintendo, Super Street Fighter® IV 3D Edition from CAPCOM, Madden NFL Football from EA SPORTS, LEGO® Star Wars® III: The Clone Wars™ from LucasArts™ and Asphalt™ 3D from UBISOFT.

More information about Nintendo 3DS can be found at http://nintendo3ds.com.

WHO:

Adults, teens, tweens, parents, video game fans and consumers of all kinds

WHEN:

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Nintendo 3DS sampling: noon-8 p.m.

Launch event: 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

WHERE:

Best Buy in Union Square

One Union Square South (corner of E. 14th St. and Fourth Ave.)

New York, NY 10003