To prepare fans for the March 23 launch of Kid Icarus: Uprising for the Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo of America will host multiplayer tournaments at select GameStop stores across the United States starting March 8 and culminating in a national championship event in New York on Thursday, March 22. Three winners from each market will participate in the final round. The final national championship event at the GameStop store at Broadway and 84th Street in New York will also feature a special pre-sale opportunity, allowing consumers to purchase the game one day before it goes on sale throughout North America.

The bracket-style tournament will include regional competition at select GameStop locations in San Francisco (March 8), Orlando, Fla., (March 11), Los Angeles (March 15) and New York (March 22). Winners from each of the four markets will be eligible to win prizes including an all-expenses-paid trip to New York to participate in the national championship and a variety of exclusive Kid Icarus-themed items. Even if they are not participating in tournament play, consumers will be able to visit GameStop tournament locations to play Kid Icarus: Uprising before its nationwide launch on March 23.

Kid Icarus: Uprising takes the action of this fan-favorite series to new heights. Players use the Nintendo 3DS system’s Circle Pad, touch screen and buttons to maneuver the heroic Pit as he battles enemies in the air and on land. The new game also incorporates collectible weapons and online multiplayer modes. Each copy of the game comes with six AR cards that can interact with the game, as well as a Nintendo 3DS stand.

For more information about Kid Icarus: Uprising, visit http://kidicarus.nintendo.com/uprising.