Nintendo 3DS UK Release Takes on Apple iPad 2

Nintendo has buddied up with high street media peddler HMV for the official UK launch of the Nintendo 3DS.

Nintendo has announced that HMV’s flagship store on Oxford Street, London will be the place to be at one minute past midnight on March 25th if you want to be one of the first in the country to own the 3D handheld gaming device.

There’s 100 other HMV stores which will be also opening at midnight across the country and, should you be one of the lucky chosen 2,000 Club Nintendo members you’ll be invited to an exclusive VIP bash in London’s Old Billingsgate.

It really does look like Nintendo is really going for the ‘biggest UK console release’ title with the Nintendo 3DS.

As an added bonus to joining the early queue for your 3DS Nintendo promises that:

“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 the first 500 to purchase the console will each be able to claim a free 3DS game of their choice.” and….. “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).”

If you’re still in the queuing mood you after grabbing your 3DS you could of course then hot foot it down to Regent Street to join the snaking queue leading to the Apple Store for the iPad 2 – but then you’ve probably not read my piece about the bargainous iPad original or the limited gains to be had from the iPad 2 if you are thinking about it 😉

Still, if there’s many others like iJustin you’d be quite far back in the queue anyhow.

So – will you be queuing for the Nintendo 3DS or iPad 2? Let me know 🙂