Joystiq

Nintendo World hosting Wii U launch event in NYC

JC Fletcher — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST

Want to buy a Wii U on November 18 in a celebratory setting, surrounded by other Nintendo fans and even Nintendo staff? Want lifelong nightmares? The Wii U and celebrations are courtesy of Nintendo World's launch event in New York City, starting at 6PM on November 17.

The nightmares are courtesy of "Mii costumed characters" stalking the event.

Fans waiting in line will get exclusive bonus items, and Nintendo will sell New York-themed Mario shirts to benefit the Red Cross. Also, you may actually have a chance to buy a Wii U, which seems like a rare event on launch day.

Continue reading Nintendo World hosting Wii U launch event in NYC

Nintendo World hosting Wii U launch event in NYC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Get Zelda: Skyward Sword a day early at launch event, get Penny Arcade comic now

JC Fletcher — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:03:00 EST

You won't have to go on a treasure hunt through dungeon-like NYC game stores to get a head start on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. If you're in the city, you'll be able to purchase the game a day early, and celebrate the launch with some fellow Triforce enthusiasts while you're at it.

Nintendo will host a launch event on Saturday, November 19, from 9am to 1pm at its Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center. During the event, people who pick up copies of the Wii game (one day before its official release date!) will get a "limited-edition poster." Nintendo will also unveil a "Master Sword replica," give away prizes, and offer demos.

If you can't make it to the event, at least you can ... look at some pictures of Link. Try doing that at the launch event ... ! Nintendo has partnered with Penny Arcade to produce a special weekly Skyward Sword comic, and the first page is up already online.

Continue reading Get Zelda: Skyward Sword a day early at launch event, get Penny Arcade comic now

Get Zelda: Skyward Sword a day early at launch event, get Penny Arcade comic now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pokemon Black and White launch event coming to Nintendo World Store

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST

You should probably clear your schedule on the afternoon of Saturday, March 5 -- unless, of course, you want to miss out on the coolest* party of the year. On the eve of the launch of Pokémon Black and White, Nintendo's hosting a launch shindig at its Nintendo World Store in New York City's Rockefeller Center. Attendees can check out original Pokémon artwork, and can collect stamps on a "passport," which they can exchange for a limited edition Poké-T-shirt. We're guessing the passport allows you to travel to cooltown**.

Attendees can also go to a special download station to grab a Liberty Pass, a key item which lets players catch the new legendary Pokémon Victini -- which you'll also be able to do from home over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

* - least cool
** - anywhere but cooltown

Continue reading Pokemon Black and White launch event coming to Nintendo World Store

Pokemon Black and White launch event coming to Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo World Store 'reopens' Nov. 7 with a Mario celebration

JC Fletcher — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EST

The Nintendo World Store in New York City is open once again after a couple of weeks of remodeling. Next week, Nintendo will "officially" open the store in style, with a Mario party. Not a Mario Party, though, to be clear.

On November 7, from 12-5 PM, Nintendo will host a party in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Attendees will be able to play various Mario games, record their Mario memories for posterity in a video station and eat some Mario-themed cake.

Don't dismantle that Bullet Bill costume you built for this Halloween yet -- Nintendo is also encouraging fans to come in their finest Mario series costumes. Do keep in mind, when deciding what to wear, the thing we mentioned before about posterity.

Gallery: Nintendo World Store remodel

Nintendo World Store 'reopens' Nov. 7 with a Mario celebration originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo World Store closed for remodeling

JC Fletcher — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

We hope you didn't have an urgent need for a Waluigi doll. The Nintendo World Store in New York City closed its doors last night for remodeling. It'll open again at 9AM on November 1, with new DSi and DSi XL stations, and twice the space devoted to displaying rare and vintage Nintendo items in the Nintendo Showcase.

Then, on November 7, Nintendo will hold a "grand re-opening" event that will run throughout the day. There's no information yet about what exactly will occur at the event, but you can probably expect to meet some kind of industry personality and pick up some kind of free item. And wait in line.

Nintendo World Store closed for remodeling originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Meet Yuji Horii at Dragon Quest IX launch event

JC Fletcher — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:08:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Those in the New York area eager to pick up Dragon Quest IX a day early -- and have Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii autograph their plush Slimes -- should make their way to the Nintendo World Store Saturday, July 10.

Continue reading Meet Yuji Horii at Dragon Quest IX launch event

Meet Yuji Horii at Dragon Quest IX launch event originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mega Man 10 launch event this Sunday at Nintendo World NYC

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:45:00 EST

Even with staggered March release, Mega Man 10 still a Wii exclusive for another week. By that logic, it makes perfect sense that Capcom would hold a launch event this Sunday for the game at the Nintendo World Story in NYC -- almost a week after its WiiWare release.

If you're on the island of Manhattan this weekend, head on over to the Nintendo World Store near 30 Rock at 11AM for swag -- wait, not swag. You'll have to purchase a 2,000 point Wii card and Capcom will give you a T-shirt. The store will also give out posters with a purchase -- not of the game, of course, because that's only available online. So, let's get this straight: this post-launch event will sell a T-shirt with purchase of something that Mega Man fans would have needed last week. Do we have that right? Hey, at least the fans can use those points on the incoming DLC.

Gallery: Mega Man 10

Mega Man 10 launch event this Sunday at Nintendo World NYC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo World Store holding Band Hero launch event tomorrow

Xav de Matos — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:45:00 EST

No, that isn't your high school gym teacher (pictured right), that's Weezer front man Rivers Cuomo and he's joining with Nintendo to help launch the upcoming Pop-centric music title, Band Hero. Tomorrow, November 1, beginning at 11AM (EDT) at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza, players will have a chance to play both the Nintendo Wii and DS versions of the game before lining up for an exclusive autograph session with the singer from 3PM to 4PM.

Need more incentive to join the party? The first fifty players in line will walk away with a pre-release copy of the game to call their own and other random giveaways. Finally, you yourself can interrupt your sister's Taylor Swift karaoke sessions in homage to Kanye West's VMA performance. We call that, "emergent gameplay."

[Image Credit]

Nintendo World Store holding Band Hero launch event tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Scenes from the Scribblenauts launch at Nintendo World

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST

Did you miss the Nintendo World launch event for Scribblenauts yesterday due to your inability to spell "transporter beam" (that silent a is a killer)? Well now's your chance to experience it vicariously through three still images: it'll be magical! Above you can see a long line of people wearing the infamous rooster hat in the middle (uptown-ish) of Manhattan, waiting for their chance to purchase the game.

After the break, you can see that lucky lady on the far left picking up her copy of the game and there's another image of Scribblenauts' Art Director Edison Yan, Creative Director Jeremiah Slaczka and Technical Director Marius Fahlbusch signing autographs at the event. You can pick up your copy of the word-infused title starting tomorrow at your local gamemonger.

Continue reading Scenes from the Scribblenauts launch at Nintendo World

Scenes from the Scribblenauts launch at Nintendo World originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Reminder: Early Scribblenauts launch today at Nintendo World NYC

Alexander Sliwinski — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST

Friendly reminder for Scribble-natics in the tri-state region: the Nintendo World store will begin selling Scribblenauts today at 11AM as part of a special early launch. For those who don't want to wait until their retailer of choice gets the game sometime this week, now is the time to get on the LIRR, Metro-North, MTA, ferry or paddle boat and head on over to Rockefeller Plaza.

The 5th Cell team should be on hand for autographs (hopefully for longer than an hour) and demos of the game. Scribblenauts will allegedly only be sold between 11AM-2PM, so take that into consideration. If you're reading this post from the line at Nintendo World, feel free to let us know how long the queue is in the comments.

Reminder: Early Scribblenauts launch today at Nintendo World NYC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Special Scribblenauts launch at Nintendo World store Sept. 13

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:13:00 EST

For those in the New York area, pencil in on your calendar that Scribblenauts will launch two days early at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza. Scribblenauts creative director Jeremiah Slaczka will be there to autograph copies of the game, and there will also be "premium item giveaways" -- which had better be the infamous "rooster hat."

The event kicks off at 11AM, but for those who've got their h-e-a-r-t set on picking up a copy of the game, it may be prudent to arrive earlier. We have no idea how big of a launch this will be, but in a city of 10 million-plus people, there's surely a long line in the making. It's best not to tempt fate. Hmm, fate gets us thinking of karma. Wonder if we put k-a-r-m-a in the game ... will we get a female dog?

Special Scribblenauts launch at Nintendo World store Sept. 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Celebrate the launch of The Legendary Starfy, only a month after it happened

JC Fletcher — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:10:00 EST

Nintendo announced today that it will hold a launch event for The Legendary Starfy at its Nintendo World Store in New York City on July 11. You may be looking at your copy of Starfy right now and wondering if another one is coming out -- no, this is for the one that came out on June 9.

The event will run from 1-3 p.m. and will feature Starfy-themed contests, face painting, balloons, and even a life-sized Starfy mascot character. That seems like a lot of attention for a game from a developer who usually doesn't even take credit for the games it works on. Good for TOSE.

Celebrate the launch of The Legendary Starfy, only a month after it happened originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Go to NYC Pok�mon party, get Platinum a day early

Justin McElroy — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST

So just how bad do you want Pokémon Platinum? Would you, for example, be willing to attend a Pokémon-themed party in the hub of the civilized world where you could be seen by the national news media and (more alarmingly) girls to get the game a day early? You'll have the opportunity to put your Charizard where your mouth is at New York City's Nintendo World Store on March 21, where the game will be sold a day early as part of a full-on Poképalooza.

Just remember: Everyone's anonymous when they're cosplaying as Ambipom.

Go to NYC Pok�mon party, get Platinum a day early originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars launch party at Nintendo World Store (plus: new trailer)

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:45:00 EST

Imagine: a world of Nintendo products -- a Nintendo World if you will. New York's Nintendo HQ is playing host to yet another launch event. Although the venue may be the same, the atmosphere will stray far from the norm. The M-rated Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars deserves its own mature-themed party.

DJ OhNo will be on hand providing music throughout the night in an event "all fans ages 17 and up" are invited to. The first 25 fans that purchase the game will be given a chance to get some exclusive, limited edition swag, such as GTA Kubrick sets. A limited edition customized Chinatown Wars DS Lite system will be on display, and "even more surprises" are being planned for the evening's festivities.

The event takes place the evening of March 16th, from 11:59PM to 2AM. Let us know if you can make it. For those of you outside of NYC, take this new trailer (after the break) as a consolation prize.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars launch party at Nintendo World Store (plus: new trailer)

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars launch party at Nintendo World Store (plus: new trailer) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jilted Bob's Game creator fights back by littering

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS

If you somehow managed to watch the video we've posted after the jump without reading this wall of text, you may be befuddled as to why we've posted a video of The Cure frontman Robert Smith gleefully vandalizing the Nintendo World store in NYC. Little do you know that the combat-booted troublemaker featured in the video is none other than Bob Pelloni, the jilted sole creator of Bob's Game, whom Nintendo is still refusing to sell a software development kit to. Gee, we can't imagine why.

Pelloni's assault on Nintendo World took place on "Stage 50" of his 100-day sit-in protest (the rules of which can apparently be bent to allow for a brief littering excursion). He and his accomplices plastered the store's walls in Bob's Game posters, covered the floor with business cards, and filled store shelves with mock-up game cases. Given this latest desperate attention grab, and the fact that his once-humble development blog currently shows Pelloni consorting with aliens, we're guessing he's exchanged his game development ambitions for fleeting e-lebrity status. What a shame.

Continue reading Jilted Bob's Game creator fights back by littering

Jilted Bob's Game creator fights back by littering originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

HDD-equipped Wiis now taunting you at Nintendo World Store

Chris Greenhough — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Video

The next time you pay a visit to the Nintendo World Store, we advise taking a balaclava and a glass cutter. As the above video demonstrates, the outlet now boasts a bunch of hard drive-equipped Wiis, each of which has around 20 games stored on it, ready for instantaneous selection; generally really good games, as well.

Judging by the menu from which you choose titles, these are identical to the Starlight Foundation Fun Centers that have been getting installed in hospitals. Now, you can try one out for free, without even having to break one of your limbs or anything.

[Via Go Nintendo; thanks, Glare!]

HDD-equipped Wiis now taunting you at Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sonic Chronicles: The Lining Up at the Nintendo World Store Brotherhood

JC Fletcher — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

The latest edition of Gamespot's On the Spot show reveals an incentive for Sega fans to get over to New York City's Nintendo World Store: a shot at an early (or, to be appropriate to the source material, really fast) copy of Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood, signed by members of the game's development team. The NWS will have copies of the game available on September 28 (though the rep says August 29), two days before Chronicles' official release date! Sega will also offer an exclusive downloadable Chao.

Skip to about 45:00 to hear this directly from Sega's Associate Brand Manager, Ken Ballough -- while seeing video of the game in action! Unless you want to watch the whole thing and see stuff about other systems or whatever.

Warning: video (and game) contains Rouge the Bat.

[Via RPGamer]

Sonic Chronicles: The Lining Up at the Nintendo World Store Brotherhood originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rock Band, live and up close this weekend

Phil Larsen — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

The fun never stops at the Nintendo World Store. So soon after that one smashing tournament, the chaps have decided to celebrate the release of Rock Band on the Wii. It's good to make the most of a bad situation, so applause is necessary.

The action goes down from 10am - 4pm this Saturday (June 21), and the more enthusiastic fans can come along dressed as some kind of rock star. They might even win a Rock Band game bundle. If that sounds like you, then New York City is the place to be. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you can still buy the game the next day.

[Via GoNintendo]

Rock Band, live and up close this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo brings families closer with Father's Day tourney

Majed Athab — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Click image to enter the gallery

Yesterday was Father's Day and there were so many ways to celebrate love for dad. One such way was to just spend time with dear dad playing games. If you're a father yourself, the same concept applies -- spend some time playing games with the kids. Though, if you're reading this, perhaps you've already done your fair share of getting the kids involved with your gaming habits. Anyway, Nintendo thought the idea was good and ran with it this Sunday by holding a Super Smash Brothers Brawl tourney for fathers and their children at the Nintendo World Store. We caught up with some of these father-son/daughter teams to see how gaming has played into their lives.

Paul and his son Samuel arrived at the tourney with a strong game plan. They set out to scout out the competition and "protect each other" when it came time to brawl. Paul himself is a longtime gamer: "I'm old school. Remember Space Invaders?" He's been playing with his son since the N64 days, and we suspect that's where that serious competitive edge comes from. Many other dads, like Larry, had never played games before or rarely did with their children. Larry's sons Jeffrey and Philip got him to go to today's event and try out a game for the first time. Interestingly, he liked it and even said he'd play more often with his kids from now on.

Out of the 32 teams, the most interesting story comes from tourney winners Dennis and his son Michael. "I'm a Zelda guy," said Dennis. The family plays games every weekend. "It's our thing. We play until we're tired." Like Paul's family, Dennis and his kids have been playing together since the N64 days, and like them, they too came with a strong game plan: "We're pretending to not know how to play," we were told. It's a strategy that worked, resulting in them beating out all other father-child duos. Dennis and Michael won themselves a Wii, a trophy, and a copy of Smash Bros. We guess that the family that plays together ... wins tournaments together. Fancy that.

Gallery: Father's Day SSBB Tourney

Nintendo brings families closer with Father's Day tourney originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendads? Father-son Brawl tournament

Phil Larsen — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

Nothing shows Dad your life-long appreciation more than kicking his butt at Super Smash Bros. Brawl, further affirming to him that he is now a lost soul in a whole world of new technology. Well, that could be the case, but plenty of parents have proven their dedication to gaming in the past, so the chil'n may not have the upper hand.

Stroll on down to the Nintendo World store in New York City on Father's Day for an official Brawl tournament, where fathers and sons will engage in battle, bond lovingly, and question each other's sexuality upon choosing Peach or Zelda.

Save any household fussin' and feudin' for the tournament, as pent-up male rage is set to explode in an ocean of umbrellas, star wands and banana peels. Nintendo is awarding two Wii consoles, two copies of Brawl and a winner's trophy for whichever dynamic duo takes the tournament crown. All the action goes down from 1 - 4pm on Sunday, June 15.

Nintendads? Father-son Brawl tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Darkrai to stalk our dreams at Nintendo World Store

Chris Greenhough — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Downloads, News

Pokémaniacs, take note: between now and the end of June, the Nintendo World Store in New York will be offering Darkrai as a free download. That means you've got precisely twenty-seven days to save up for and book a flight/ferry/coach ticket to the Big Apple to scoop one of the more elusive thirteen Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Diamond or Pearl (note: there are certain other methods to obtaining Darkrai that lack scruples).

If you were looking for a perfect excuse for a break in The City That Never Sleeps, this could be it. Just don't forget to send us a postcard.

Darkrai to stalk our dreams at Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Namco hosting We Ski event at the Nintendo World Store

David Hinkle — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Fan stuff

The folks at Namco Bandai have announced that they'll be hosting an event in celebration of their title We Ski. It all goes down at the Nintendo World Store in New York City this Saturday, between 12pm and 4pm. Demo kiosks will be available to demo the title, either with the Wiimote and nunchuk or using the Balance Board. There won't be much in the way of goodies available, but the first 500 people to pick up the game will get a free poster.

Gallery: We Ski

[Via press release]

Namco hosting We Ski event at the Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wii Fit gets people on their feet (to wait in line to play Wii Fit)

JC Fletcher — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Nintendo's Wii Fit launch event in Central Park drew a crowd of interested onlookers and Balance Board tryer-outers yesterday. They could just walk over to the Nintendo World Store to buy the thing, but the rest of us chumps have to wait until tomorrow at the earliest. Oh, well, pacing is exercise too.

To entice the crowd to make that purchase, Nintendo offered live demonstrations of the game as well as personal Wii Fit sessions with trainers (who probably trained people to take their shoes off and follow the instructions on the screen). The event also served as an American Heart Association fundraiser. We've got Nintendo's own pictures in our gallery below; for more, check out Engadget.

Wii Fit gets people on their feet (to wait in line to play Wii Fit) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nintendo recalls character lapel pins

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

If you received a lapel pin from Nintendo between 2004 and 2007, either as a giveaway or a purchase from the Nintendo World Store, you could be in danger. Not just the regular poking-based kind of danger associated with pins, either. The pins are painted with an unsafe level of lead, which could be harmful if ingested. Unlike other pins, which are harmless when swallowed.

Nintendo is recalling the affected pins, and will ship out non-poisonous replacements. More information is available at the link, or at (800) 431-0971. At least you get a shiny new pin out of the deal. Keep it out of your mouth just in case.

[Via Gamespot]

Nintendo recalls character lapel pins originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mario Kart Wii NYC launch: Mario + Priestley = BFF

Majed Athab — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Galleries

Click for high-resolution version

At the Nintendo World Store on Saturday, Mario and has-been heartthrob Jason Priestley combined forces to promote Mario Kart Wii. It was an unconventional union with perfect ties: Two products of the early 90s (90210 debuted in the fall of 1990, Mario Kart two years later) with a passion for racing. However, Priestley wasn't the only pseudo-star wearing a smug smile, as Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford made a surprise appearance to appease the crowd of young debutantes, while their mothers snuck photo ops with their old crush. Mario, of course, remained the most popular persona of the afternoon. After all, who could deny the charm of that adorable mustache?

For pics of the debaucherous after party (was Peach really not wearing any ... !) you'll have to try TMZ -- we were just there for the family-friendly festivities, where young and old challenged one another for racing supremacy. 250 lucky attendees were able to purchase the game early, while everyone had the opportunity to enter a tournament and go hands-on with the Wii Wheel. The top three tourney racers went on to challenge Priestley for a chance to win a Wii and copy of Mario Kart. Of course, there was only one winner: Nazareth (was it divine intervention?). The champion received his brand new system and game, a high-five from Mario, and all-important bragging rights. (So much for Priestley's experience on the race track.)

Other highlights from the Nintendo World Store party? Best Mario Kart t-shirt ever. So, cruise through the rest of our photo gallery below and then be sure to check out Game Daily's interview with Jason Priestley. Is the man a gamer? Find out.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii Launch Party

Mario Kart Wii NYC launch: Mario + Priestley = BFF originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jason Priestley wants to throw down in some Mario Kart with you

David Hinkle — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: News, Fan stuff

Following up the kind gesture of offering you a free lift, Nintendo has informed us that one and all are invited to the Nintendo World Store in New York City for fun and games this Saturday from 2 - 6pm, one day before the game releases here in North America. But, Nintendo, we have to ask: why not just hold the event on Sunday or let folks pick up the game then, on Saturday? Seems like it wouldn't be too fun to head on down for the festivities, try the game out then have to return back to your life for 24 hours before you can buy it.

Still, it should be a fun shindig going down at the Nintendo World Store. They're going to give out personalized Mario Kart licenses, as well as hold a tournament where the winner can take on (and, we assume, whip the ass of) actor and driving enthusiast Jason Priestley. Just, uh, don't ask him what Dylan is up to these days.

See also: Fanswag: Mario Kart Extravaganza

[Via press release]

Jason Priestley wants to throw down in some Mario Kart with you originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Teenage Zombies: Launch Party of the Alien Brain Thingys

JC Fletcher — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Throngs of ~~the walking dead~~ children and people with nothing else to do will descend upon the Nintendo World Store on April 12th for a Teenage Zombies: Invasion of the Alien Brain Thingys release party. We're quite surprised -- Teenage Zombies doesn't seem like the kind of high-profile game that usually gets honored by an event like this. It's usually first-party games, anticipated third-party games in established series, and, of course, big licenses.

If you're at all interested in this game, and, of course, you're in the New York area, this is your chance to go and high-five the other Brain Thingys fans and probably pick up some kind of promo thingys! It's at the Nintendo World Store in New York City, on April 12th, from 11 to 4 (a NWS employee informed us of the time change when we called).

[Via GoNintendo]

Teenage Zombies: Launch Party of the Alien Brain Thingys originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joystiq on-hand at the Dragon Sword launch

David Hinkle — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: News, Fan stuff

Andrew Yoon, who you may know from Joystiq and enemy blogs PSP and PS3 Fanboy, has the benefit of being able to attend launch parties at the Nintendo World Store in New York city. This comes as a perk of living in New York, because for us to attend the Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword launch event, we'd have to hitchhike with strangers and probably ride a mythical beast or two.

For all of the juicy pictures from the event, including the game's development director, Yosuke Hayashi, hit up the gallery below.

Gallery: Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword launch

Joystiq on-hand at the Dragon Sword launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Limited-edition DSes spotted at Nintendo World Store

Eric Caoili — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Flickr user anmghstnet photographed an excellent collection of special-edition DSes now on display at New York City's Nintendo World Store. We recognized most of them from imported bundles, like the Square-Enix handhelds and the SD Gundam G Generation Cross Drive DS, but there are a few we haven't seen since they were first announced, like the Momotaro Dentetsu and Pokemon Daisuki Club systems.

There are also some DSes we've never seen in the wild -- the Corocoro Dragon Comics-branded portable pictured above being a good example. The cheap-looking Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Kirby: Squeak Squad, and Wario: Master of Disguise systems? Those were special K-Zone editions given away by the magazine as prizes for past competitions. Hit the gallery below for more photos of the limited-edition handhelds.

Limited-edition DSes spotted at Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Legend of the Engraved DS

Eric Caoili — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

New York City's Nintendo World Store has been offering a DS engraving service for over half a year now, so we're surprised that we haven't heard from more people who've taken advantage of this $20 customization. The etched system above comes from Zelda fangirl Kimya, showing off a Minish Cap-era Link handling a gust jar.

What would we get if we had the opportunity to have our handheld engraved, you ask? Well, we have a certain lizard in mind ...

See also: Someone put a damn unicycling llama on their DS

The Legend of the Engraved DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

One place in the U.S. is still getting Wiis daily

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

As the guillotine's blade falls ever closer to your neck (see: Christmas is right around the corner), you might be in a panic that you're not going to get that Wii for your loved one. It sucks, we know. But, if you live in or around the New York city area, there's one place that's getting Wii shipments on a daily basis: the Nintendo World Store.

New York City's Rockefeller Center is no stranger to crowds. But, it's been commented that multiple people have been lining up outside of the Nintendo World Store each morning, as the news of consoles being seen at the store each morning gets passed around, with "at least 20 [Wiis] lined up behind the main counter. Just Wii boxes waiting for the next person in line." Bag, please open and release cat.

If you live in the city, you might want to check this out. Any of our NYC readers planning on doing this? Did you get your Wii from the Nintendo World Store?

One place in the U.S. is still getting Wiis daily originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mario brings his sexy back at 'Galaxy' launch party

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii, Action, Adventure

"That's a real nice ass," blurted the DJ as Mario jiggled his backside in front of a Super Mario Galaxy backdrop. The scene was something out of "Mario's Bar Mitzvah," CAG's Wombat observed inside a crowded lot adjacent to New York's Nintendo World Store where an awkward clash of tweens, performing impromptu dance routines to yesterday's Top 40, and bundled-up twenty-somethings merged in the dwindling hours of a chilly Sunday night. Despite a Velcro wall and bungee run, some laser lights, and an abundance of Mario-equipped Wii kiosks, the Galaxy launch party never escalated into the full-on carnival that Nintendo had envisioned -- next time, don't forget the funnel cake.

The ringleader was too disoriented to command the crowd, perhaps punchy (it gets hot in those suits) as he latched on to an attractive mom. Urged by the DJ to bring his sexy back, we couldn't fault Mario for his diverted interest. But is it really cougar hunting season already?

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy launch (Nintendo World Store)

Mario brings his sexy back at 'Galaxy' launch party originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Zelda: Phantom Hourglass launch draws cosplayers to Nintendo Store

Andrew Yoon — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Fashion, Galleries

Click for high-res image.

The newest Zelda game, Phantom Hourglass for the DS, launched a day early to the surprise of Nintendo World Store shoppers today in New York City. It's not every day that a new Zelda game graces the Nintendo faithful, and the World Store housed some rare memorabilia from the series' long-running legacy. In addition, cosplayers flocked to the store for a chance to nab the game for free. Excuuuse me, but this Link from the original Saturday morning cartoon wins the cake from us.

Gallery: Zelda: Phantom Hourglass launch

Zelda: Phantom Hourglass launch draws cosplayers to Nintendo Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

DS Daily: Kicking off Zelda week!

Alisha Karabinus — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

It's here at last -- The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass! Like the Nintendo World Store, we know how to celebrate, though with considerably fewer prizes, unfortunately. That doesn't mean we aren't hyped, though; in fact, we'll be spending time focusing on all things Zelda for the entire week.

Anyone headed to the event in New York? We'd love to hear about it if you're going (or if you already have). If, like the rest of us, you're not close enough to join in on the fun, share your excitement with us here. We've been waiting for this one for a long time ....

DS Daily: Kicking off Zelda week! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 30 Sep 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Food, fun, and photos from the Cooking Mama event

Alisha Karabinus — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

Reader Alex answered our call for photos from Saturday's Cooking Mama kickoff event held at the Nintendo World Store, and he wasn't messing around -- his Flickr set contains nearly 100 pictures! It's just like we were there ourselves, and thanks to his efforts and our caption skills, you can experience it as well. Hit the jump for a selection of photos, and then go wallow in the entire set. It's enough to make our tummies rumble.

Continue reading Food, fun, and photos from the Cooking Mama event

Food, fun, and photos from the Cooking Mama event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York Cooking Mama event at Rockefeller Center

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo Wii

As part of the launch for Cooking Mama: Cook Off on the Wii, Majesco is holding a little cook off celebration of their own. On March 31 at the Nintendo World Store in New York's Rockefeller Center, Majesco will host an event from 11 AM until 4 PM. There will be snacks, competitions featuring Cooking Mama and winners will acquire a copy of the game. Everyone who attends the event will receive a Cooking Mama apron while supplies last.

It's the perfect event to bring a little sibling, niece, nephew or even your own child to. Then again, that's what everyone else who reads this is thinking. Beware the hardcore Cooking Mama fanboys, they may look innocent, but they know how to wield a Wiimote like a knife -- ALLEZ CUISINE!

New York Cooking Mama event at Rockefeller Center originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cooking Mama kicks off at Nintendo World Store

Eric Caoili — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Fan stuff

Cooking Mama: Cook Off is already out in shops starting this week, but Majesco's official launch event for the Wii game takes place at NYC's Nintendo World Store on March 31st, the Saturday after next. There will be a variety of competitions for gamers to take part in at the store's interactive stations. We hope that doesn't mean they'll actually be cooking anything themselves, as some 13-year-old kid is bound to burn the Pokémon Center down while trying to flambé.

The Nintendo World Store will have limited edition aprons for attendees and copies of the game for contest winners. If that isn't enough to bring you in, there will also be free food! Keeping with Cooking Mama's theme, an on-site chef will be fixing snacks for the party. If you're in the area, this is definitely worth checking out!

Cooking Mama kicks off at Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments