Opinion : console launches aren’t the event they once were

When machines such as the PlayStation 1, Wii, Wii U and 3DS launched there were big midnight launch events across the country, the main one usually being at HMV’s flagship Oxford Street store in London, these would always attract massive queues outside with many in fancy dress and photos online the next day of an excited gamer being handed his machine by the staff.  I for one used to really like these events as it helped promote the new device and drum up interest.

Although I realise Covid has put pay to these events taking place now even prior to the pandemic a new console launch would not attract the likes of the events we used to see and that’s a shame.  I hope when normal times return that major midnight launch events will too.