Nintendo's next-gen console has enjoyed a successful European launch, which started on the stroke of midnight

After what seems like a lifetime since the console was first launched in Japan (it was actually September 14th, 2001) Nintendo has finally let its new GameCube console off the leash in Europe. As previously reported, Nintendo stunned the gaming community when, in response to Microsoft slashing £100 off the price of an Xbox, the launch price of the GameCube fell from £169 to a mere £129 -- just over half what Nintendo's N64 console launched for in 1996.

The price cut appears to have had the desired effect. Stores, including the London branch of HMV, opened their doors to allow Nintendo-hungry gamers - most of them starved of Nintendo console software for well over a year - to get their hands on GameCube consoles at the earliest possible opportunity. The queue outside the London branch of HMV started forming at 9am - a good 15 hours before the launch - and anyone joining the queue close to midnight could expect a wait of at least three hours.

Early estimates from Nintendo suggest that around 10,000 GameCubes flew off UK shop shelves in the first two hours; a further 50,000 consoles had also been pre-ordered for collection on launch day. David Gosen, managing director, Nintendo of Europe, commented: "Anticipation for Nintendo GameCube has been huge, and the great reaction at stores across Europe last night just goes to show how much excitement there is for its launch today. We have the biggest lineup of games ever seen for a console launch and offer pure entertainment at the lowest launch price ever. And the fun is going to continue with 50 titles by the summer. Quite simply, Nintendo GameCube offers a gaming experience that is unmatched by anyone else."

It's too early to know which of the 21 games available at launch will come out on top but Nintendo's own Luigi's Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm will be up against stiff competition from LucasArts' Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II and Activision's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 to name but two. For the full list of 21 launch titles, see GameSpot UK.

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