The glasses come off: 3DS launches in the US

Nintendo 3DS has launched in America, with a Best Buy in New York being the focal point of the machine's release following a European ship earlier in the week.

Launched in the UK earlier this week, 1,200 stores in UK and Ireland opened at midnight so that customers could get their 3DS as early as possible.

Over in the US, retailers also flocked to the launch en masse.

Union Square, New York City

The Best Buy located at Union Square, the headquarters for the North American launch event, saw folks waiting in line since Monday, with the launch event itself starting at 9.00pm EST last night.

The official Nintendo of America Twitter account and Joystiq have published photos of the opening.

The $250 handheld is the first three-dimensional device of its kind to not require those pesky, plastic glasses, and people were able to try it for themselves through demo kiosks at the launch store.

Isaiah-Triforce Johnson - gotta love that name - was the first customer in line at the Best Buy location, having been there since Monday. The professional gamer from Brooklyn told the New York Post: "Nintendo always makes great innovative systems and games. I want to be able to experience that innovation that Nintendo makes."

Other Best Buy stores around the country opened at midnight to sell the device. Here's a list.

GameStop getting in on the action

GameStops across the US also opened early so Nintendo fans can get their hands on 3DS as soon as possible.

The retailer hosted events at more than 3,000 of its US stores with midnight launches and product demos.

More than 800 stores nationwide opened doors at 12.01am, and 2,400 other stores opened an hour early to sell the handheld.

Customers who trade in used Nintendo DS Lite, DSi or DSi XL systems will receive a $50-100 credit toward the purchase of 3DS system. See stores for more details. You can also click here to find stores near you.

Accessories surface

Lots of different accessories are already available for 3DS, with Power A and PDP recently revealing some Nintendo-licensed cases, chargers and cleaning kits.

Don't forget your Rainbow Telescoping Stylus Pack. Joystiq wants one, and so do we.

But what about the games?

The library of games launching alongside 3DS is impressive, and if any of the offerings on hand don't excite you overly much, there's plenty more heading to retail.

If you'd like to find out which titles are worth the $39.99, you can check out what UK and Europe thinks of the offerings through our reviews round-up here.

Reviews for 3DS hardware are included in that link as well. Despite a few complaints, it seems to be getting decent reviews. So are the games. So far the Metacritic rating for SSFIV 3D is 84, PilotWings Resort is 71, and Ridge Racer 3D is 78.

In the US, folks can choose from the following:

• Asphalt 3D
• Bust-a-Move Universe
• Combat of Giants Dinosaurs
• LEGO Star Wars III The Clone Wars 3D
• Madden NFL Football 3DS
• Nintendogs + Cats: French Bulldog and New Friends
• Nintendogs + Cats: Golden Retriever and New Friends
• Nintendogs + Cats: Toy Poodle and New Friends
• Pilotwings Resort
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D
• Rayman 3D
• Ridge Racer 3D
• Samurai Warriors Chronicles
• Steel Diver
• Super Monkey Ball 3D
• Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition
• The Sims 3
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Shadow Wars

Other games expected between May and September include:

• Balloon Pop 2
• Captain America: Super Soldier
• Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion
• Dead or Alive Dimensions
• Dream Trigger 3D for Nintendo 3DS
• Dual Pen Sports
• Face Kart: Photo Finish
• James Noir's Hollywood Crimes
• LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean
• Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions
• Pet Zombies in 3D - 3DS for Nintendo 3DS
• Pinball Hall Of Fame Williams Collection
• Resident Evil: Mercenaries
• SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI: DEVIL SURVIVOR OVERCLOCKED
• Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Pack for Nintendo 3DS
• SpongeBob Squigglepants
• Thor: God of Thunder
• Transformers Movie 2011