Midnight @ the Nintendo Experience Melbourne

Last night, Australia and New Zealand were treated to the release of a brand new Nintendo system before both North America and Europe.

In a similar scenario to Nintendo’s homeland, Japan, existing models of the 3DS had reportedly reached the point of complete market saturation within Australia and New Zealand. As a reward of sorts, both of these countries were selected by Nintendo to assist in the western launch of the New Nintendo 3DS and XL. In-particular, to help test the waters for the eventual wider European release.

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Of course, Nintendo’s latest iteration in its portable line was not the only release fans were celebrating. The launch of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire was also last night, with copies of both versions in high demand – as reflected by crowd numbers.

To mark the special occasion fans dressed up in appropriately themed Pokémon cosplay, whilst others spent the time prior to launch of the New Nintendo 3DS and Pokémon, respectively, training their pocket monsters in X & Y, and even enjoying multiple rounds of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

Cosplayers @ the Nintendo Experience Melbourne

The New 3DS and New 3DS XL are scheduled to arrive in North America and Europe at some point during 2015. Readers across Europe are able to import the New 3DS from Australia and play both physical and digital games from their own territory, but unfortunately for fans in the US this is not the case. As for the latest Pokémon titles, the new entries are now available across America, while Europe will have to wait until November 28th.

If you attended one of the many midnight launches in either Australia or New Zealand for the New 3DS and Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, let us know in the comments about your experience on the night, and if you bought just one item or all of Nintendo's latest offerings.