13 3DS VIP store openings planned

A whopping 1200 stores across the UK open at midnight Thursday to sell the Nintendo 3DS – 13 of which are classed as VIP store openings.

That means there will be entertainment and rewards, including free Nintendo 3DS games with console purchases.

At the VIP events, the first fans to buy a 3DS will also be rewarded with the chance to grab games at "substantial discounts", or for free.

HMV is the official Nintendo 3DS launch partner, with the flagship store at 150 Oxford Street the centre of attention.

There, the first 500 to buy a 3DS get a free 3DS game of their choice. You also get a free "special commemorative launch-night pack", which includes a space blanket to keep you warm. Really.

Also: "The first person lucky enough to be at the front of the queue will get a free taxi ride home." Really.

The VIP store openings:

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

HMV is the official Nintendo 3DS launch partner, with the flagship store at 150 Oxford Street the centre of attention.

The Nintendo 3DS is expected to be the biggest console launch ever in the UK. Brace yourselves.