Nintendo World opens its doors

Although most eyes are pointed West, where E3 opens in just two days, game maker Nintendo did its best to focus some attention on the other coast. Today in New York City, Nintendo World opened its doors to the public. The game publisher celebrated the opening of this first Nintendo-themed retail location with a daylong block party at the Rockefeller Plaza storefront.

Nintendo World encompasses 10,000 square feet and two stories with all manner of Nintendo-branded merchandise, including exclusive items not sold anywhere else.

Other store features include more than 50 interactive gaming stations, a multiplayer gaming wall featuring Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS systems, a surround sound gaming lounge with rumble seats, and the Pokémon Center, which first opened in that location in 2001.

The day's festivities included an appearance by professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, exclusive Pokémon downloads and trading cards, a video game tournament, contests, and giveaways.

Nintendo started the grand-opening celebration on Thursday night with a sneak-peek VIP party held in the store. Celebrities from The Sopranos--Robert ller (AJ) and Steve Schirripa (Bobby)--Danny Masterson who stars in That 70s Show, and Richard Belzer of Law & Order: SVU walked Mario's blue carpet and gamed late into the night. Going forward, Nintendo World will host other special events for new Nintendo products and Pokémon fans.