Nintendo holding Wii U midnight launch at Nintendo World in New York

Nintendo will mark the Wii U's North American release with a midnight launch at the Nintendo World Store in New York's Rockefeller Plaza, the company announced today.

Running from 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, through midnight on Nov. 18, the event will feature Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's president and chief operating officer, as master of ceremonies: He will welcome Nintendo fans and stick around for the traditional first-customer-in-line photo op.

Nintendo will also be selling New York-themed T-shirts featuring Mario's visage; the company will donate all proceeds from sales of the shirts to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

The Wii U launches throughout North America on Sunday, Nov. 18.