Nintendo planning party in NYC for 3DS launch

If you live in or are planning to visit the New York City area this weekend, Nintendo wants you to know that Union Square will be the hottest spot in all of Manhattan.

That’s where the official launch event for the 3DS will take place. Union Square, which is constantly brimming with students from nearby schools including New York University, consists of an expanse of retail storefronts and a well manicured outdoor park.

Nintendo will take advantage of both aspects, bringing a full day’s worth of activities to the park, from noon until 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 27. This will consist of live music, an upbeat atmosphere, and, of course, demo 3DS stations set up outside.

Then, at 9:00, the Best Buy right across the street will become the center of attention. That’s when the launch festivities officially get underway, meaning Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime will be on hand to pump up the crowd, line-waiters will get all sorts of exclusive 3DS swag, and media from all over the tri-state area will be there to add to the excitement.

The doors open at midnight and the first 300 people to walk through the registers of that Best Buy and buy a 3DS will receive a free carrying case. Nintendo didn’t say how many people it expects to show up.

Other Best Buy locations do not appear to be signing up for midnight launches, but several GameStop stores around the country will.