Nintendo World Closing January 19 For Construction
The iconic Nintendo World store located in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center will close its doors from January 19 through February 18 to undergo a massive remodel. On Friday, February 19 it will reopen with a new name: Nintendo NY. The interior will be completely redesigned, with brand new Wii U and 3DS demo stations, a 15-foot gaming screen, and even a bronze coin at the store’s entrance displaying the store’s tagline: “Where everyone comes to play.”
The date of the store’s reopening just so happens to be the release date of Fire Emblem Fates for the Nintendo 3DS. Expect long lines of people that weekend as Nintendo is planning to give away a bunch of prizes as well as meet and greet opportunities with Mario and Luigi. To top it all off, special souvenirs will only be sold that weekend, while supplies last.
Now, I might be reading too much into this remodel, but I do find it interesting that the Nintendo World name is being abandoned for a more specific location, Nintendo NY. Does this possibly open the way for more Nintendo stores to open across the world? Perhaps a Nintendo London, Nintendo Paris, or Nintendo Minneapolis (this place would be packed at the Mall of America) isn’t too far fetched? Read on for the official press release:
On Jan. 19, the iconic Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza in New York will temporarily close its doors for a major renovation. When the store reopens on Feb. 19, it will do so with a new look and a new feel. The powered-up overhaul will include an updated interior design, new Wii U and Nintendo 3DS demo units, a 15-foot gaming screen and more fun elements and surprises. In addition, a large bronze coin installed at the store entrance will display the store’s tagline: “Where everyone comes to play.”
The weekend of the reopening (Feb. 19-21), the newly branded Nintendo NY store will host a series of reopening activities, including giveaways (while supplies last) and appearances by costumed characters like Mario and Luigi. The store will also sell exclusive souvenirs that can only be purchased that weekend, including a limited-edition T-shirt featuring Mario or Link. Fans who want to try out some of Nintendo’s latest games are in luck, as new and upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games will be available to play.
“Nintendo is constantly evolving its experiences for fans,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “The new Nintendo NY store is a must-see location for anyone that has a memory of Nintendo, or who wants to see what Nintendo has in store for the future.”
Located in Manhattan’s historic Rockefeller Plaza, the Nintendo store is a huge, two-floor space dedicated to all things Nintendo. Whether people want to purchase cool Nintendo gear that’s not available anywhere else or just stop by to play some of the hottest upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games, fans of all ages will have a blast when visiting. The store originally opened in 2005.
For more information about the Nintendo NY store, visit http://www.NintendoNYC.com, or keep an eye on Nintendo of America’s social media channels for updates throughout the renovation process.
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
