The popularity of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch has encouraged Argos to hold special in-store events for EA Sports FC 26.
The midnight launch used to be a popular staple of the video games industry. Any time a big new game dropped, let alone a new console, hundreds of ardent fans would camp outside their local game shops, to be among the first to snag their copy.
In recent years though, midnight launches have fallen out of fashion. It’s why it was such a surprise to hear a few stores were holding such events for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. But that was a special exception, as the first new Nintendo console in nearly a decade.
Nevertheless, Argos is keen to remind people why midnight launches were so beloved, as it’s hosting its own events for EA Sports FC 26.
This year’s entry in EA’s long running football franchise is technically already available via an early access period. However, this is exclusive to people who have an EA Play subscription or bought the Ultimate Edition.
The public launch is this week on Friday, September 26 and Argos is ringing in the occasion at midnight, at the following locations:
- Omagh – Unit 1, Showground Retail Park, Sedan Ave, Omagh BT79 7AQ
- Wishaw – Unit 10, Caledonian Retail Park, New Ashtree St, Wishaw ML2 7UR
- Falkirk Retail Park – Unit F, Central Retail Park, Grahams Rd, Falkirk FK1 1LW
- Edinburgh Kinnaird Retail Park – Unit 10, Kinnaird Retail Park, Edinburgh EH15 3RD
- Glasgow Fort – Glasgow Fort Shopping Park, 190 Provan Walk, Glasgow G34 9DL
- Chelmsford Chelmer Village – 8-10, Chelmer Village Retail Park, Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford CM2 6XE
- Southend Airport Business Park – Unit 3, Airport Business Park, Rochford Rd, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6FW
- Eastbourne Admiral Retail Park – 29 Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne BN23 6QD
- Brighton Carden Avenue – Carden Ave, Hollingbury, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 8LW
- Northampton St. Peters Square – 4-7 St Peter’s Way, Northampton NN1 1PS
- Yeovil Babylon Hill – Retail Park, Unit 4 Babylon Hl, Sherborne Rd, Yeovil BA21 5BT
- Harlow Retail Park – Unit 2a, Harlow retail park, Edinburgh Way, Harlow CM20 2TN
- Old Kent Road – Unit 3 & 4, Southernwood Retail Park, Humphrey St, London SE1 5JJ
- Coventry Gallagher – Unit B1, The Gallagher Retail Park, Stoney Stanton Rd, Coventry CV6 5QG
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You don’t need to have pre-ordered beforehand either. So long as you’re among the first people to get in, you’re guaranteed to get your hands on a physical copy of the game.
As for what incentivised the decision, it was the success of the Switch 2’s launch in June which, according to Google Trends data shared by Argos, generated a huge spike in online searches for ‘midnight launch’ in May; the highest it’s been since around the time the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S launched in 2020.
‘We know how much our customers look forward to major gaming releases, and we’re thrilled to offer this midnight launch for EA Sports FC 26,’ said Argos’ senior gaming buyer Pete Wray.
‘For Argos, with our customer first ethos this midnight launch of EA Sports FC 26 is a fantastic way for us to bring the excitement of launch day directly to super fans of the game and ensure they’re among the first to play.’
Considering how popular EA Sports FC 26 is expected to be, could this revive the midnight launch? No, probably not.
We don’t doubt there’ll be a decent turnout for Argos’ midnight launch, but most EA Sports FC fans will have already pre-ordered the game digitally. The only ones in attendance will be those who prefer owning physical copies of their games, which we all know has become a more niche market recently.
The Google data may show there’s still a vested interest in midnight launches, but it’s more likely that was generated by the Switch 2 itself, rather than the actual concept of a midnight launch.
This can be backed up by how there was almost zero interest in midnight launches for anything else between the end of 2020 and the Switch 2’s launch.
But perhaps Argos can make them fashionable again, not for their practically but just as fun social events. If Argos also do them for Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7, or some of the other big 2025 Christmas games, then midnight launches might be here to stay, again.
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This post brings up an interesting topic about the return of midnight launch events. It’s fascinating to see how gaming traditions evolve with technology. Whether they’re a nostalgic experience or not, they certainly create excitement around new releases!
I agree, it’s definitely a thought-provoking topic! Midnight launches have a unique charm, creating a sense of community among gamers. Plus, with the rise of digital downloads, it’s intriguing to see how retailers will adapt these events to attract fans in a more digital age.
a sense of excitement and community among gamers. It’s interesting to see how the shift to digital downloads has changed the landscape, but there’s something special about gathering with fellow fans on launch night. It might be worth considering how these events could evolve in a digital age, perhaps combining physical and online experiences!
You’re absolutely right about the excitement and sense of community! Midnight launches definitely foster a unique atmosphere that can be hard to replicate online. It might also be interesting to consider how these events could evolve to incorporate both in-person and digital experiences, blending the best of both worlds.
I completely agree! The thrill of gathering with fellow fans was always a highlight. It’s interesting to think how these events could adapt in the digital age, perhaps incorporating live streams or exclusive in-store content to enhance the experience even further.
It’s interesting how those midnight launches created a sense of community among gamers. They not only built excitement for new releases but also offered a chance to connect with others who shared the same passion. It would be great to see if newer generations of gamers would embrace that experience too!
I completely agree! Those midnight launches really did foster a unique camaraderie among fans. Plus, there was something special about sharing the excitement of a new game release in person, which is often missing with digital downloads. It’s nice to see some stores embracing that tradition again!
it’s fun to share that excitement in person. It’s interesting to think about how social media now offers a different kind of community experience, but there’s something special about gathering in person. Maybe a hybrid approach could bring the best of both worlds!
I completely agree! The shared excitement of a midnight launch can create lasting memories. It’s fascinating how social media can enhance that experience, allowing fans to connect and share their anticipation even before the event starts!