iPad 2 fans square off against Nintendo 3DS fans in our queue-clashing video
With the iPad 2 and the Nintendo 3DS hitting UK shelves on the same day, we took our camcorders down to the night-time queues to find out whether Apple or Nintendo fans are more hardcore.
It's no secret that between them, Apple and Nintendo command the controlling interest in crazy, brand-loyal fans. Whether crafting the visage of Apple head honcho Steve Jobs out of cheese, or playing Mario music on the piano while blindfolded, the devotion of these die-hard acolytes knows no bounds.
So when the fates conspired to bring both the Nintendo 3DS and the iPad 2 to UK shops on the same day, we knew we were facing a perfect storm -- a nexus of fanboy frenzy that had to be documented. Apple and Nintendo fans were camped out on the streets for the official launches of their respective products, so we filled our pockets with camcorders and went to speak to the queueing faithful, to find out which company commands the strongest following.
Hit that 'play' button up there, and ready your consciousness for a tidal wave of fan-insanity (infanity? fansanity?), Nintendo tattoos and Apple loyalism. Plus Mario and Luigi getting rowdy to the poetic stylings of Jay-Z.
When the sun finally rose on the bleary-eyed faithful, which legion of fans had proved their might? Well, the Nintendo fans were certainly more vocal, and showed fervent devotion to the big N. But we can't ignore the fact that at the time of filming, there were still 17 hours left until the iPad 2 went on sale, and while Ninty loyalists snatched their 3DSes at midnight and went their merry way, Apple devotees were still queuing quietly with little fanfare.
Kept warm through what we're reliably informed was an extremely cold night by only a few blankets, tactically folded bits of cardboard and the warm inner glow of Apple devotion, these patient bastions of tech fandom remained stoic, refusing to give up, and putting self-proclaimed gadget geeks across the nation to shame.
You'd never catch us queueing for an Apple product, but somehow we can't help but be impressed. Apple lunatics, we salute you.
If you fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, check out our in-depth coverage of both the Apple iPad 2 and the Nintendo 3DS.