Nintendo won’t be showing its upcoming software lineup to the world in a press conference during this year’s E3, but that doesn’t mean the console maker isn’t giving the public a chance to see them at all. Earlier today, The Big N announced that 110 Best Buy stores — set across the US and Canada — will host playable demos of these titles for the public during the week of the massive event in Los Angeles.
The days and hours that consumers will have a chance to get hands-on time with these games will be Wednesday, June 12 from 4-8 PM local time and Saturday, June 15 from 1-5 PM local time. Exact numbers for how many stores in each country will feature this opportunity are 89 in the US — across 35 states — and 21 in Canada.
Earlier this month, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime revealed the existence of the event and approximate number of stores but provided no other details.
“This year, we’re making E3 for the people, and we want to make sure you get the chance to try our games as well,” said Fils-Aime.
Given the nature of the 3DS and Wii U, the move reflects a statement made by Nintendo president and Nintendo of America CEO Satoru Iwata in April regarding Nintendo’s decision to not host a press conference at E3. Iwata claimed that the company’s “main activity” during the show is to “have people experience our software.”
You can find the full list of US Best Buy locations currently hosting these events below. Canadian stores have not been announced and those in the US are subject to change. Nintendo encouraged those curious to participate to keep up to date on the latest locations by visiting www.bestbuy.com/NintendoEvents.
Alabama
Birmingham
Huntsville
Arkansas
Fort Smith
North Little Rock
Arizona
Phoenix
California
Culver City
Elk Grove
Emeryville
San Jose
Tracy
Visalia
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Manchester
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Brandon
Fort Myers
Gainesville
Kissimmee
Miami
Pensacola
Georgia
Augusta
Duluth
Savannah
Smyrna
Iowa
Cedar Rapids
West Des Moines
Illinois
Bloomington
Schaumburg
Indiana
Greenwood
Kansas
Overland Park
Wichita
Kentucky
Florence
Lexington
Louisville
Louisiana
Harvey
Massachusetts
Cambridge
Dedham
Worcester
Maryland
Frederick
Glen Burnie
Wheaton
Michigan
Ann Arbor
Flint
Grand Rapids
Rochester Hills
Minnesota
Eden Prairie
Missouri
St. Louis
North Carolina
Cary
Fayetteville
Pineville
Winston-Salem
New Jersey
Iselin
West Paterson
Woodbury
New York
Albany
Amherst
Long Island City
Syracuse
Valley Stream
West Nyack
Ohio
Fairborn
North Olmsted
Reynoldsburg
Toledo
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Erie
King of Prussia
Pittsburgh
Reading
Whitehall
South Carolina
Greenville
North Charleston
Tennessee
Brentwood
Knoxville
Memphis
Texas
Arlington
Austin
Houston
McAllen
The Woodlands
Tyler
Utah
Sandy
Virginia
Charlottesville
Glen Allen
Virginia Beach
Vermont
Williston
Washington
Lynnwood
Wisconsin
Greenfield
