DSi Midnight Launch Event Extravaganza!

There was a big buzz going on surrounding the [url=http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid18528828001?bctid=18631804001]DSi Launch[/url] late last night throughout Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles, California. Gamers and non-gamers alike got the opportunity to share an amazing unveiling with celebs, industry guests and other Nintendo fans from around the area.

Nestled in the back area of Universal Citywalk, there lies a gigantic GameStop retail store that is often the center of attention when the company has a big product to release for public purchase as soon as street date hits. 12:01 in the morning on the day of the release. They have completely blown the lid off of midnight releases many times in the past, but none has been more grand than the Nintendo DSi launch.

In the center of the open area in front of the store, there was a huge stage set up where quite a few live events were taking place to get the crowd hyped for the launch. There was Mirror’s Edge “extreme running” demo performed by a team of incredibly talented guys. They jumped and ran, climbed and flipped about, emulating the fantastic moves of Faith from the game. LA’s KIIS FM radio station was holding it’s “[url=http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/breakoutstar/voting.html]Breakout Star[/url]” contest in which bands competed live for a chance at fame.

There was also a special appearance by [url=http://gymclassheroes.com/]Gym Class Heroes[/url], which I have to admit, was quite incredible. Everyone in the crowd was feeling the music and moving to the beat. I can say for sure that they sold at least one new album that night. You can check out their new album The Quilt, in stores now.

Preceding the midnight Launch, there were Nintendo representatives demoing DSi units to anxious attendees of the open event. After the demo, they were awarded with various swag, including SD card holders, styli (it’s a word!), pins, DS headsets and even a card with 2,000 Nintendo points for use on the shop channel. Selected artists from [url=http://www.iam8bit.net/]i am 8bit[/url] were present, signing their specially crafted works and even drawing attendees into them! There was a photo booth where people could get their pictures taken dressed up as Nintendo characters in front of a stylized mural of the Mushroom Kingdom.

G4′s Kevin Pereira was on-hand to host the event. There to kick off the new console launch was Nintendo’s VP of marketing, Cammie Dunaway who seemed, understandably, extremely excited about the launch of her company’s new system. As the clock stationed in front of the doors of the flagship GameStop counted down the hours, then minuted, and then seconds until the launch of the DSi, the crowd became louder as Mr. Pereira hyped up the final seconds until midnight, Cammie prepared to hand the first DSi to the lucky new owner.

First in line was a close friend of mine, [url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30055129/displaymode/1176/rpho/30055129/]Vince Jimenez[/url], apparently [url=http://www.vgblogger.com/?p=4575]super stoked[/url] about the anticipation of receiving his Blue DSi. They loaded Vince up with a Mario DS holder (seen below), 10,000 Nintendo points and an awesome i am 8bit t-shirt. Early bird catches the worm, they say.

What color DSi did you get?
~Meg