NES Classic Edition Midnight Release: Nintendo NY To Host Event; GameStop Still A Gamble

The NES: Classic Edition releases Nov. 11, but fans young and old will want to get their hands on the Mini NES to play some of the best 30 games of that generation as soon as possible.

Those fans who are looking to get the NES: Classic Edition extra early will have to look for a place open at midnight to purchase the Mini NES because pre-orders are seemingly non-existent.

So where can you find the NES: Classic Edition at midnight? If you’re in the New York City area the Nintendo NY store will be hosting a giant event while also selling the Mini NES to the first 250 attendees.

Here’s a rundown of what some of the NES: Classic Edition festivities will be:

• Retro gaming night: fans can play all 30 NES Classic Edition games
• Throwback Clothing Contest: The top three costumes will win a prize and there will be two categories. 1 ^st category for streetwear and the second for 80’s characters/icons (I.e Marty McFly, Cindi Lauper, Jem, Nintendo characters etc.)
• Video Montage: Original NES veterans discuss the creation of the NES
• 80’s themed breakdance performance!
• A Jeopardy-inspired ultimate Nintendo fan retro game show
• 80’s retro NES photo backdrop
• Showcase display on the history of the NES / 8-bit characters
• 80’s themed giveaways and 80’s inspired snacks
• The first sale of the NES Classic Edition at midnight

If you can’t make the Nintendo NY event, you can try out GameStop and other video game stores like Best Buy for your midnight release fix. These stores should be open at midnight for Dishonored 2’s midnight release so while you’re there you can try and pick up a Mini NES. Don’t be too bummed as the GameStop site don’t have any available for purchase online, but you may have a good shot if you’re there in person.

Check out Gamestop’s store locator for where you can find your local Gamestop and pick up a Mini NES.

If you’re going to a Best Buy, check out which of the Best Buys near you are opening at midnight for the release of the Mini NES by checking their online store locator.

If you're getting your Mini NES from either Target or Walmart, you'll need to call your local store and find out if they're doing a midnight release or not. Sometimes the Target/Walmart strategy can pay off since they're not the sites most gamers go to for midnight releases and the lines can be shorter. However, every location is different so your local store might not be doing a Mini NES midnight release. Use the Target store locator and Walmart store locator to find out which place near you will let you get your Mini NES on at 12:01 a.m.