HMV named as official UK launch partner for 3DS

Nintendo has chosen HMV as its official launch partner for the release of the 3DS handheld at 00:01 on March 25.

Both the retailer's 150 Oxford Street branch and HMV LiverpoolOne will be opening its doors at 11pm the night before to offer shoppers the chance to take part in various competitions and offers, before begining sales at midnight. The first 500 customers to buy a 3DS will receive a free game.

"We've already been seeing huge interest for the 3DS through pre-orders instore and online at hmv.com, and on release we expect many thousands more gamers to turn up to midnight events around the country, not least at our Oxford Street flagship and our LiverpoolOne superstore, which I'm absolutely thrilled have been selected to host the official UK launch," said HMV head of games Tim Ellis.

"Like the Wii before it, I feel sure Nintendo's 3DS will not only take gaming to a new level - further changing the way that we consume games content, but will play a major role in helping to popularise 3D as a growing entertainment format."

In total, 100 stores will open nationwide at midnight to celebrate the launch, whilst Nintendo are also hosting an evening's entertainment at London's Old Billingsgate for 2000 guests, featuring DJ Yoda, Plan B and comedian Russell Kane.