Nintendo World Opens in New York City

Nintendo opened up its first retail location in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on Saturday, its first company-owned store in its two-decade history. To mark the event, Nintendo called in several celebrities to celebrate the opening. The company joins the likes of Apple and Sony, who have launched similar retail outlets.

"Today's opening of Nintendo World is a milestone in our history," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "We know fans from near and far will want to come to New York City to experience a retail destination like none other in the world."

Ryan Sheckler, a skateboarder who is featured in the Nintendo GameCube game Tony Hawk's Underground 2 was on-hand to open the store, and would play the winner of a game tournament featuring Donkey Konga 2. A block party, contests and giveaways were a part of the event.

Some of the celebrities on hand to mark the festivities included actors from the Sopranos, cast members from That 70's Show and Richard Belzer from "Law and Order:SVU.

Nintendo says it plans to hold other special events through the summer, including events for Pokemon, as well as launches of new video games. The store will be open seven days a week.