The Nintendo 3DS looks set to be huge in the UK as it has already become the UK's most pre-ordered console.

With three weeks left until the European launch of the 3DS Nintendo has announced a piece of positive news today: the console has broken the all-time console pre-order record. Andy Yates, speaking to MCV, has stated that the console is close to 100,000 pre-orders in the UK.

"We're very encouraged that it's going to be a big launch. Our target was to get over 100,000 pre-orders - and we're in line with that. So far, we've already beat our personal best for a console launch. With three weeks to go, we're in a great position, as pre-orders are still building. Retailers tell us that things are good, and they're pretty relieved to have a big launch in March; they need something of that magnitude."

CVG report that the company are hoping for a "Wii-style" launch of the 3DS. Dawn Paine, Nintendo UK's Marketing Director, also spoke to MCV and described how they are trying to create a "feeding-frenzy" situation.

"I don't think you can underestimate peoples' hunger for new technology - the performance we're expecting comes from the quality of the product. The pre-order numbers are a testament to that. We are building towards Wii-style launch proportions. That has been our ambition all along: to get the UK into a 'feeding frenzy' situation. We feel we've picked the perfect time to launch the 3DS."

Following on from the successful Japanese launch alongside today's release of Pokémon Black & White in Europe, with America to follow on Sunday and Australia next week, Nintendo is enjoying a lot of success at the moment.