Editor's note: Derek played cub reporter for Bitmob and covered the launch of New Super Mario Bros. Wii for us at the Nintendo Store in New York City. How many of you have Mario relics worthy of inclusion in this museum? -Jason
I took the train down to New York City to attend the New Super Mario Bros. Wii launch event at the Nintendo World Store. Advertised as a huge extravaganza, with an ad-hoc museum and everything decorated like the Mushroom Kingdom, I was looking forward to what a large company like Nintendo had in store for the latest release in their flagship series.
Unfortunately, while waiting in line, the weather decided to warp us to Minus World — it got a little wet outside. I kept my spirits and hopes high, eagerly awaiting what could be in store for me in the “Mushroom Kingdom” museum. However, those hopes quickly turned as sour as the weather when I caught a glimpse of the “museum.”
The inside wasn’t much to speak of, either, consisting mainly of every Mario game behind glass along with a few novelty relics.
After spending no more than 2 minutes inside the tent, I decided to go inside the store and get my mitts on the game. On the way in, I spotted the other outdoor event, a real-life modernization of The Wizard.
As soon as I stepped inside, I made my way over to one of the NSMBW kiosks. After waiting about 10 minutes, I got my chance and played through a couple of stages fairly quickly. The game felt good, although the jumping seemed to be slightly different from past Mario games.
The store was packed with little kids and big kids like me, all there out of admiration — and anticipation — for a fat Italian plumber. Oh wait, there he is! (In case you're wondering, the guy next to him had to lead him around.)
After all that madness, I managed to meet up with Bitmob’s Rich McGrath for some discussion on the event and game. As we chatted, a reporter from CNN Business stood in front of a camera behind us and pretended that she had any clue about what she was covering. At that point I called it a day and made my way back home.