Nintendo Opens Its First Museum In Japan & It Looks Like Fun!
The museum features a mix of vintage displays and interactive zones.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 03 Oct 2024, 04:24 PM
Nintendo just hit a major milestone, opening the doors to its first-ever museum in Kyoto, Japan on 2 October
The Japanese gaming giant, known for popular titles like Super Mario and Donkey Kong, is giving fans an intimate look at its evolution — from humble beginnings making Japanese playing cards to becoming a household name in video games.
Located in the city of Uji, the museum repurposes a factory Nintendo used to produce playing cards and repair game consoles, turning it into a must-experience site for video game lovers, according to KASU Public Radio.
Interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and nostalgic moments make the museum a must-visit for fans of all ages.
The museum chronicles Nintendo's humble beginnings starting from 1889, far from the world of video games
Back then, the company was crafting "hanafuda" cards, a traditional Japanese card game, as well as Western-style ones.
It wasn't until 1977 that Nintendo ventured into home video gaming, laying the groundwork for what would become a global phenomenon.
The museum features a mix of vintage displays and interactive zones. Visitors can go head-to-head on a massive console, playing classic games like Super Mario and Donkey Kong. There's also a chance to get creative with a workshop that lets fans design their own hanafuda cards.
For those interested in Nintendo's pre-digital roots, there's even a digital version of an ancient Japanese poetry game, offering a deep dive into the company's early years.
Tickets for the museum, priced at 3,300 Yen (RM94) for adults, have already sold out through November
In a video message, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creative mind behind Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, said visitors will be able to explore Nintendo's "commitment to play and originality."
The museum's launch is part of a larger strategy by Nintendo to expand its cultural footprint. Following the wild success of last year's animated Super Mario movie, and the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, the company is clearly aiming to bring its beloved franchises to life in unique ways.
First announced in 2021, the museum marks a savvy reuse of Nintendo's old assets.
