Feast your eyes on the magnificent banner of “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D.” (Photo Credit by Brandon Tanis)
Counting down the hours for the new hardware and software(s)
NEW YORK — Not too long ago, Nintendo World hosted another major event that focuses on the simultaneous launch of the New Nintendo 3DS XL along with two high profile titles.
The New 3DS XL garnered quite some attention within the gaming community when it was announced during a North American Nintendo Direct that aired approximately a month ago. What really sealed the deal for many viewers was the shocking reveal of “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D” and “Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate” sharing the same release date with the third iteration of the 3DS. Once @NintendoWorld, on Twitter, started to solicit the existence of this event, it was only a matter of time before a plethora of die-hard fans began to show up early at the entrance of Nintendo World.
Just like numerous of launch events within the past, the structure has remained the same as consumers continue to form a line near the golden double doors to the store. There’s usually a surplus of Rockefeller security officers that’s patrolling West 48th Street, however, that wasn’t necessarily the case this time around. In addition, the overall length of the line was considerably shorter compared the original Triple Event that occurred on Nov. 20, 2014.
Monster Hunter and Zelda cosplayers joined forces for the 2nd Triple Event. (Photo Credit by Brandon Tanis)
One reason for the lackluster results of participants is due to the fact that this event took place during the weekday. Based on Nintendo’s launch history with portable hardware, the seventh and eighth generation handheld line were available at various retailers on either a Saturday or Sunday — that is until the New 3DS XL came along and broke the long running streak. Even though Nintendo products generally appeals to a wide demographic, the majority of teenagers and young adults have to wake up bright and early for school the following day.
Without a doubt, another factor that caused many potential buyers to second guess their decision of waiting on line is because of how cold it was outside. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, given the fact that we’re still in winter; nevertheless, many individuals wouldn’t want to spend a hefty portion of their evening within those harsh conditions — especially when the temperature fell below the 10 degree mark. Over the course of the event, there were several of people who periodically went inside the Rockefeller Center to regain the feeling of their body along with buying a hot beverage to stay warm.
Me, Brandon Tanis, with Senior Manager of Marketing & Licensing Damon Baker. (Photo Credit by Anonymous)
Nintendo enthusiasts gradually became a prisoner to their watches as the official release period drew closer and closer. Luckily for the fanatics that cosplayed a particular hero or foe from “The Legend of Zelda” and “Monster Hunter” series, they gained early access to Nintendo World 30 minutes prior to midnight. These select customers had the opportunity to check out the decorations before anyone else, and they even got their photos taken for it to be displayed on the official website.
Once the short hand landed on 12, the Nintendo World representative only allowed 30 people at a time to enter the store in order to prevent a stampede of customers from barging in. Not only were the lines were progressing relatively fast, participants were also eager to receive free goodies for advocating the event. Moreover, it was welcoming to see a slew of Nintendo of America officials along with the Senior Manager of Marketing & Licensing Damon Baker greeting customers as they walk out with their new purchase.
You can check out the photos that I took at the launch event here.
Also, did you purchase the New Nintendo 3DS XL? If so, what color did you buy and what games did you pick up along with it? Let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Tanis
Brandon is a gaming enthusiast who enjoys reporting news and information that pertains to Nintendo. He goes out of his way to own the latest consoles/handhelds, so he can play exclusive games that appeals to him. Given the amount of time, energy, effort, and resources he invests towards gaming; Brandon will try the best within his powers to provide great game related Q&A, FAQs, hints, and tips.
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