Nintendo holding 3DS launch party in NYC

To celebrate the launch of the Nintendo 3DS in the US, Nintendo is holding a special launch event at the Best Buy located in New York City's Union Square.

The event begins at 9pm on March 26, with 3DS demos, food, music and giveaways leading up to the midnight release on Mach 27.

While the New York event is the official US launch party for the 3DS, Best Buy stores across the country will also hold midnight releases for Nintendo's new handheld. Those hoping to buy a 3DS at midnight should contact their local store to ensure it will participate in the midnight release.

The US launch is slightly less impressive than the 1,200 UK stores participating in the 3DS midnight launch.

The Nintendo 3DS will launch with 18 games - a slightly modified list from the 15 UK launch titles. Unlike the UK, the US 3DS launch will not include Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell but will include Steel Diver, Madden Football, Bust-a-Move Universe and Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D.