Over 1,200 UK stores to open for midnight 3DS launch, official retail event to be held in London

Nintendo UK has revealed that over 1,200 UK stores will open their doors at midnight for the launch of its new 3DS handheld.

An official UK retail launch event will be held at HMV's flagship Oxford Street store in London, where the first 500 people to purchase the new console will get a free 3DS game of their choice.

Alongside a medley of entertainment, you'll also get your hands on special Nintendo rewards, a blanket to keep you warm whilst queuing, a limited edition t-shirt, and an exclusive edition of Official Nintendo Magazine – at least while stocks last.

HMV's Liverpool One store will oversee the console's launch outside of the capital.

An additional 13 VIP events (a full list of which can be found below) will take place simultaneously around the country at various GAME, Gamestation, and other related stores.

Purchase a 3DS at one of these locations and you'll be rewarded with 3DS software discounts and freebies. You'll also get a free taxi ride home if you're the first in the queue.

A total of 482 GAME and Gamestation stores will be opening for the launch, with GAME's Oxford Street store hosting a special event with comedian Iain Lee. All 482 stores will give away a free Nintendo 3DS to one lucky raffle winner.

Are you planning to attend one of the midnight openings? If so, take a photo of the queue and send it to rob [at] pocketgamer.co.uk. If we publish it, we'll send you, well, nothing, but you will at least be slightly famous.

Asda - Derby - Martin Luckwood, Asda Derby, Derby Road, Spondon , DE21 7LW
Tesco - Barr Hill - 15-18 Viking Way. Barr Hill, Cambridge, CB23 8EL
HMV - Liverpool - 15 South John Street, Liverpool, L1 8BU
Argos - Leeds Headrow - Unit 2, The Gantry, 22-26 The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8EQ
Gamestation - Birmingham New Street - 138 New St, Birmingham, B2 4NS
Smyths Toys - Dublin - Jervis Street, Dublin 1
Xtra-Vision - Letterkenny - Unit 6-8, Letterkenny Shopping Centre Co. Donegal
Gamestop - Dublin - Henry Street, Dublin
GAME - Glasgow Sauchiehall Street - 146 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 2DH
GAME - Cardiff - 5 Grand Arcade, St Davids 2 Centre, Cardiff, CF10 2ER
GAME - Manchester - 124 Peel Centre, Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8BL
GAME - London - 100 Oxford Street W1
Gamestation - GST Hull - 59-60 Prospect Centre, Hull, HU2 8PW