Nintendo 3DS Launch Day Roundup (So Far)

Product mentioned in this article

Nintendo 3DS
Though it's uglier and trickier to get the hang of than its predecessors, the 3DS manages to be a unique gaming machine that Nintendo fans will want.

Nintendo's 3DS game system debuted at stores everywhere Sunday, letting gamers pounce on the world's first 3D handheld that doesn't require goofy glasses. Early reports suggest the launch of Nintendo's $250 3DS games system is off to a hitch-free start. A few retailers like Best Buy and GameStop even opened at midnight, allowing fans to get their 3D gaming fix early.

Here's a brief roundup of buzz, news, and reports from the front lines.

[ Our official 3DS review ]

3D Midnight Madness

At nearly a dozen Best Buy stores around the country, 3DS previews started at 10 p.m. with sales beginning at 12:01 a.m. Lines for the 3DS snaked around the block at San Francisco's Powell Street GameStop. IDG's own GamePro.com says about 50 people were waiting in line for the store to open a minute past midnight.

GamePro.com reported the first person in line, 21-year-old Kyle Tillisch, had been waiting since 9:30 p.m. Other North American retailers offering midnight launch events included Best Buy, and in Canada, tech retailer Future Shop.

Nintendo 3DS Lines, or Not

On Twitter, many gamers reporter huge lines at places like Best Buy's Union Square store in New York City, where Nintendo held an official launch event. One person who presumably waited in line at Union Square, Ashtondo, tweeted: "Nintendo is going all out. Free food, music and entertainment for everyone waiting in line to buy a 3DS."

There were reportedly no lines for the Nintendo 3DS system in other parts of the U.S. Twitter user UFLinguist wrote: "Swung by Best Buy. 90min to launch and not a soul in line? Did I misinterpret how popular the 3DS is gonna be?"

Another Twitter user, Mr_Zanzabar, who identifies himself as from Arizona, wrote: "Boohaha! No line for me to get my #3ds ..."

$100 3DS Buyback, Almost

While some retailers drummed up excitement for their Nintendo 3DS launch with midnight sales, others such as Walmart decided to appeal those looking to save a nickel.

Walmart is offering $100 in trade-in credits toward a new 3DS games system for older Nintendo DS handhelds. The promotion, which expires April 30, is good for trading in up to two DS systems. Before you leap, however, scan these promotional caveats:

* Nintendo DS trade-in systems must include AC power adapters.

* Walmart is offering trade-in deals only at participating stores in: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina.

Toys R Us is offering free shipping on online orders of 3DS game systems along with deals on 3DS games ( buy one get the second game title half price).

For a complete list of Nintendo 3DS deals read Game On's Matt Peckham recent post where he outlines deals from Kmart, Amazon, Target, and more.

Image Credit: GamePro.com: Kyle Tillisch (third from left) was the first to purchase a 3DS, arriving to wait in line just at 9:30 p.m.

The Buzz

As of this writing, the Nintendo 3DS launch appears to be going smoothly. Unlike Nintendo's late February launch of the 3D system in Japan, where it sold out quickly, there are no reports (so far) of retailers selling out here in the U.S.

Online retailer Amazon, which was offering a $25 credit on pre-orders of the 3DS game system, currently reports the game system "in stock." Last week Amazon's U.K. storefront said the Nintendo 3DS had broken its record for console pre-orders, beating previous pre-order record-holder, the Nintendo Wii.