I vividly remember when I got mine. I was 12 or 13. It was one or two days after release. I got home from school and it was on my pillow.
Normally I only got pricier presents for my birthday or Xmas. But my mom KNEW that this game was that special.
I don't remember when/how I asked for it. I probably did and got the usual "for your birthday" spiel. It was such an awesome surprise I never forgot it though.