HMV’s flagship store on Oxford Street will open at 11pm as the official launch partner of Nintendo. The public will be given the chance to play Wii Sports against celebrities including Ian Wright, Jodie Kidd, Pat Cash and Ricky Hatton. The retailer will begin selling Wiis at midnight until stock runs out.

Gamestation’s launch kicks off at 10pm in its Birmingham store, with DJs, food and a guest appearance from ‘Mario’ himself. Gamers will have the chance to test out the console before counting down the last seconds to midnight, when they will be able to pick up their pre-ordered consoles. A Wii-themed window will host demonstration Wii pods.

Birmingham store manager Matt Perks said: “The launch of the Nintendo Wii is big news for gamers and Gamestation’s midnight opening event is just going to send anticipation through the roof. 

“In addition, the Wii window will stay up after the event, giving gamers the chance to sample the latest in next generation gaming for themselves. This is another Gamestation exclusive and proves that we continue to be the gamers’ retailer.”

GAME’s event will be held at its flagship store in London’s Oxford Street on the same night, where customers will also be able to pick up pre-orders. The launch will also feature music and entertainment, as well as competitions, pizza delivery, a demonstration of Wii pods and a countdown to midnight.

“We are anticipating huge crowds of customers will come to our Oxford Street store to get their hands on their Nintendo Wii at the first possible moment," said GAME's marketing director Anna Macario.

“The console has been hotly anticipated by thousands of customers who have reserved this console for weeks in advance and we are working flat out to make sure customers get the products they want first.”