The US launch of Nintendo’s new Wii console kicked off last night with a midnight store opening at New York’s Toys “R” Us in Times Square and Universal Citywalk’s Gamespot.

Fans turned out in their droves to secure their very own version of the hotly anticipated Wii console, which launches in the UK in just over three weeks on 8th December.

Dawn Paine, Marketing Director, Nintendo UK, commented:

“The success of the Wii launch in the US this weekend was phenomenal and is very encouraging. Hundreds of people queued up to purchase a Wii and fans weren’t disappointed by the atmosphere at New York’s Times Square Toys “R” Us and Universal Citywalk’s Gamestop.

With just over 3 weeks until launch, we are very excited about Wii arriving in the UK and look forward to a really successful launch. Whether you’re a non gamer or an avid gamer, Wii looks set to be top of all the Christmas lists this year, following in the footsteps of Nintendo DS as a groundbreaking market leader.”

Tags: wii, nintendo, console, dawn paine