Hundreds of technology fans lined Oxford Street today to buy the latest computer gadget — with one group of friends camping outside the HMV store for six days.
First in the queue for the new Nintendo Wii console was Izzy Rahman, 25, who had been waiting since Saturday. The businessman from Luton, who runs a video and computer game design consultancy, camped with three friends in two tents.
They passed the time coding and designing games and took it in turns to go home for showers.
Mr Rahman said he had been motivated to brave the cold out of respect for Nintendo, which he claims saved him from a life of crime when he was growing up.
“I was surrounded by boys who were bad news so if it wasn’t for video games, I would probably be on the streets right now,” he added. “They kept a tight leash on me. It was an escape so I had to show my appreciation somehow. Being number one in the UK is also a massive privilege.”
Also at the UK launch of the Wii U, the follow up to the original Wii console, was Isobel Marshal, 23, from Angel. The Boots beauty adviser said she had originally planned a trip to Ikea but never made it due to the bus strike, ending up in Oxford Street instead. “The atmosphere has been so nice and we have made many friends too,” she added.
HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: “This is the next generation of the Wii. It takes it to the next level.
“We have had a great turnout, about 300 people, which is fantastic.”
