Nintendo 3DS already flying off shelves in UK

by Steven Mostyn - Mar 25 2011, 06:20

After watching with envious eyes while Japanese gamers rushed to splash the cash for a Nintendo 3DS on February 26, eager fans across Europe are now experiencing the glasses-free 3D console for themselves.

And, although it only launched at midnight on Thursday, March 24 (that’s seven hours ago), Nintendo is already claiming yet another success for its groundbreaking dual-screen device.

Speaking with videogame magazine CVG during one of London’s launch events, Nintendo UK marketing manager James Honeywell said fan reaction had been “fantastic” and that the new 3DS “is something they’re very passionate about.”

Adding to that, Nintendo UK general manager David Yarnton said around 140,000 pre-orders had been taken for the stereoscopic console prior to its launch across almost 1,000 retail outlets up and down the country.

Similar levels of anticipation met the 3DS when it launched in Japan at the end of last month, with Nintendo’s ambitious clamshell platform promptly shifting some 375,000 units during its opening weekend of availability.

While queues of expectant gamers gathered outside UK stores as the clock ticked closer to midnight, GAME marketing director Anna-Marie Mason perhaps summed the launch up best by describing the reaction of people using demo booths to sample the console’s 3D visuals.

“As soon as we let people through the doors to try demo units, that’s when the excitement started to build because, it sounds really cheesy, but they genuinely didn’t believe their eyes.”

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