Midnight Wii events for UK

The wait for a Wii is almost over for UK gamers. Eager British Nintendans had to watch the US launch of the console on November 19, and the Japanese launch will also pass them by on December 2. However, next Friday, December 8, Nintendo's next-gen console will finally hit the shelves across most of Europe.

That isn't soon enough for some, though--with preorders on Amazon UK selling out within minutes, and the Christmas season fast approaching, some dedicated gamers will no doubt be standing in front of the store waiting for the very second the console will be released. These hardcore fans will be relieved to know that the UK and Ireland won't be missing out on midnight launch fun. Today, three major British and Irish gaming retailers revealed their plans for the evening of December 7.

Game will be holding midnight events at its Oxford Street, London, and Dublin, Ireland, branches only. The two events will feature music, entertainment, competitions, free pizza, and demonstration Wii pods to play on. Game's marketing director, Anna Macario, said, "We are anticipating huge crowds of customers will come to our Oxford Street [and Dublin] store to get their hands on their Nintendo Wii at the first possible moment."

As far as UK-only events, Gamestation will be hosting parties at its Birmingham and Edinburgh stores. At the Birmingham New Street branch, local radio station Kerrang DJs will be spinning tracks, models will be serving food, and there will be competitions including a play-off in each of the store windows to win a Wii. There will also be a guest appearance by Nintendo icon "Mario"--either an impersonator or (more likely) a CG re-creation--via a satellite link with the US. Both events are expected to start at around 10 p.m. and finish up at around 2 a.m.

The main official Nintendo event is still under wraps, but the company has revealed to GameSpot that it will take place at the Oxford Street HMV store and will feature an appearance by an as-yet-unconfirmed Nintendo executive. "There'll be all kinds of exciting things going on," a spokesperson said.

[UPDATE] Nintendo today released more details of its HMV party, taking place at the branch located at 150 Oxford Street, London. The start time of the event will be 11 p.m. and while they are waiting, gamers will get a chance to play Wii Sports against sports celebrities including Ian Wright, Jodie Kidd, Pat Cash, and Ricky Hatton. In addition, the first 200 people to buy The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii will receive a limited-edition Zelda tin.