HMV to host official Wii U midnight launch

The official midnight opening for next week’s Wii U launch will be held at the flagship Oxford Street store of entertainment retailer HMV.

Following reports of high demand for the new console, HMV has even secured extra stock for the launch so that customers will be able to purchase Wii U on the night if they have not been able to pre-order.

The first 100 people in the queue will be given a free copy of New Super Mario Bros U, plus one other title from a select range.

The second 100 people will be given a 5 voucher that can be redeemed against Wii U hardware and games on the night.

500 people will receive a Wii U goody bag, and everyone will be given the chance to win Wii U-related prizes throughout the evening.

Demos of ZombiU, Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros U will be on hand for gamers to try out ahead of purchase, with characters from ZombiU and Mario attending to entertain the crowds.

"We’re thrilled to be hosting the official midnight launch event for Wii U at our Oxford Street flagship, which is fast-becoming the natural home of all major games launches in the UK," said HMV head of games Ewan Pinder.

Nintendo’s UK marketing boss Shelly Pearce added: "We can’t wait to get the Wii U into the hands of our fans in the UK and are delighted to be partnering with HMV on this exciting night.

"Not only will those that come down to HMV be amongst the first in the country to get their hands on the console but there will be lots of opportunities to try the games and to find out more about what makes Wii U such a unique console."

The launch event begins at 11pm on Thursday, November 29th.