Wii U Launch Day!

Full-sized Mii character danced at the launch event.

It's official.

Nintendo's newest home console, the Wii U, is available for purchase in North America. At midnight Eastern Standard Time the Wii U launched at video game outlet GameStop and at Best Buy locations. But nowhere was the launch bigger than in midtown Manhattan at Nintendo World. There, in the shadow of the GE Building, fans assembled to buy some of the first Wii U copies ever sold.

Over 700 fans attended the midnight launch party, one of whom had waited in line since early October.

Throughout the night, attendees were entertained by club music, dancing Mii characters, and fan favorite Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America. In the final few minutes before midnight, Fils-Aime took the stage to begin a final countdown. “Are you ready to usher in the next generation of gaming?” Fils-Aime asked the crowd. “On behalf of Nintendo of America, thank you for spending tonight with us.”

NOA President Reggie Fils-Aime speaks to the crowd.

Wii U is now available all over the United States, although finding a system may be difficult. Many units were reserved in September as pre-orders. GameStop alone reserved 500,000 units for pre-order buyers. Good luck to those who still wish to buy a Wii U! Below is a list of retailers for your convenience.

GameStop is currently out of stock online.
Best Buy is currently out of stock online.
Toys R Us is offering a bundle.
Walmart is offering a bundle.
Target is offering consoles in store.

More pictures from the NYC launch: