Though many video game companies have thrived during the coronavirus pandemic thanks to digital sales, with the NPD Group reporting that American consumers spent $11.6 billion on games in Q2 2020, physical storefronts have not been as lucky. However, parts of the world and the United States in particular are beginning to open up again, as evidenced by the Nintendo Store in New York City announcing it will accept general admission again starting tomorrow.
Nintendo New York re-opened August 7 on a reservation basis, with customers able to shop for 30-minute intervals between limited periods of time on Tuesdays through Sundays. There will still be limitations in place for the store’s wider opening, with customers being asked to limit their time and follow proper safety procedures like wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and following floor markers throughout the space.
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Arguably the biggest limitation for prospective customers is that Nintendo New York will not accept cash payments, according to its official Twitter post earlier today. Rather, everyone will be required to use credit, debit, or some other contactless method like Apple Pay. The amount of people allowed in the store at once will also be limited to an unspecified number on a “first come, first served” basis, despite the lack of reservations.
Fans of the long-time video game developer, of which there are many considering Nintendo has been named the richest company in Japan, should be happy to know they will have easier access to merchandise sold at the large storefront in Rockefeller Center come September. A lack of major public events like E3 has left a lot up in the air regarding Nintendo’s holiday game line-up, so toys or branded clothing could serve as a more certain gift.
Nintendo has had trouble adjusting to the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in terms of new game announcements that have been relegated to trailers shadow-dropped on Twitter and Nintendo Direct Minis airing with short notice on YouTube. Pikmin 3 Deluxe was announced via Twitter this month with an October 30 release date, but beyond that it will be interesting to see what Nintendo releases to fill its holiday schedule.
The pandemic is not over and many people are at risk of contracting coronavirus, so it’s good to know that Nintendo New York will be trying to reduce viral transmission as much as possible. The Pokemon Center in Hiroshima, Japan closed this month after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, which suggests people should still weigh their risk of exposure if planning non-essential shopping trips.
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