The date has arrived. The worldwide release date for "Pokémon X and Y" and the occasion was celebrated with a midnight launch at Nintendo World in New York City.
Outside Nintendo World, by Rockefeller Center, hundreds of Pokémon fans waited for several hours to participate in the showcase ahead of the midnight launch of the sixth-generation video games.
Fans waiting on line were also given wristbands that represented priority when the time came to purchase either edition of "Pokémon X and Y."
Ahead of the midnight launch, a four-hour spectacle took place ranging from a photo booth, balloon replicas of the starter Pokémon and legendaries, game demos, and prizes.
The gates opened up a few minutes after 8 p.m. EST, and guests were given visors of Froakie, Fennekin, or Chespin, a poster, and a collectable Pokéball.
Either in costume or not, the Pokémon fans were thrilled to be part of history as "Pokémon X and Y" are the first games to be launched on the same day worldwide, instead of the usual Japan having first dibs ahead of Europe and North America.
Immediately noticeable was the hostess of the festivities. With a microphone on hand, she asked many fans on what they were excited for in "Pokémon X and Y," and many fans responded with either Mega Evolutions, the starters, new Pokémon, or simply everything.
The hostess went on stage to start many side events ranging from a freeze dance contest, costume showdowns, trivia, who's that Pokémon
A memorable moment occurred during one session of the costume showcase when a woman was dressed as Pikachu shared the spotlight with an actual Pikachu. The hostess noticed the Pikachu wanted to share a message but couldn't understand his language. A "Pokémon translator" was brought on stage to translate what Pikachu wanted to alert. The translator was in fact the boyfriend of the original woman dressed as Pikachu.
Folks, a marriage proposal took place.
"I choose you," said the Pokémon translator.
The girlfriend said yes and now everyone understood why the big Pikachu was excited in the first place.
Pokémon-related costumes include a Team Magma grunt, Team Rocket Boss Giovanni, Ash Ketchum, Misty, Mega Absol, Lucario, Vaporeon, Sylveon, Giratina, Helioptile, the Pokémon Breeders, and "Pokémon X and Y's" female protagonist Serena.
Meanwhile, the freeze dance competition winners were given a limited edition Nintendo 3DS XL, and to show that Pokémon are for all ages, the prize was first award to a mother.
While fans waited for midnight, many mingled with others while a DJ played nonstop music from pop, dance, techno, rap, and tunes from the anime series.
The final hour featured gameplay from the new video games by two members of Nintendo America. The gameplay included Pokémon battles against Weedle and Pikachu, Mega Evolution for Charizard and Lucario, how to increase effort values - or EVs, and Pokémon Amie.
During the final 30 minutes before midnight, it was speculated "Pokémon X and Y" Director Junichi Masuda would make an appearance.
He did, and he didn't.
Masuda appeared on a video message for the New York crowd, however, a staffer was holding a tablet that feature Masuda live, possibly from Japan.
The moment then arrived; it was the 10-second countdown to midnight.
"Pokémon X and Y" officially launched at 12 a.m. EST, although fans begin lining up outside the Nintendo World entrance since 10 p.m. with some fans given priority from earlier that day.
Fans waited on line as the first few customers made their way inside the Nintendo World store. As the clock continued to go by in the early morning hours, fans excitedly purchased either "Pokémon X" or "Pokémon Y," which provided further satisfaction following the hours of waiting in line before and during the Midnight Launch festivities.
With fans entering the Nintendo World, it was time to close shop with the photo and game demo booths. The audience by the stage began to revert their attention to the growing lines to buy the sixth-generation games.
Overall, the experience was positive and a test of patience for eager Pokémon fans who have been waiting since Jan. 8, when "Pokémon X and Y" were first confirmed during a Nintendo Direct presentation by Nintendo President and CEO Satoru Iwata.
"Pokémon X" and "Pokémon Y" is also available in Australia, Europe, and Japan and Australia for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS. With a suggested retail price of $39.99, each, the sixth-generation video games are rated E, for Everybody.
To view the slideshow from the Pokémon X and Y midnight launch, click "AUTO PLAY" or "START" at the top or bottom of the article.
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