Nintendo fans around the world have reason to celebrate as the Uji Kokura factory in Kyoto, originally built in 1969 for toy production, has been transformed into the Nintendo Museum. Scheduled to open its doors to the public on October 2, 2024, this museum promises to be a haven for fans of all ages to immerse themselves in the rich history of one of the most iconic gaming companies in the world.
The museum will not only showcase products released by Nintendo over the years but will also feature interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the evolution of Nintendo’s creations through time. Divided into three main sections – „Learn,“ „Experience,“ and „Create and Play“ – visitors will have the opportunity to see how Nintendo’s products would be created today using modern technology.
One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive exhibit on the first floor, where visitors can engage with new content inspired by older Nintendo products. For example, Shigureden SP is a giant version of a card game based on Hyakunin Isshu, a collection of 100 Japanese poems. Players use a dedicated app to listen to the first verse of a poem and then search for the corresponding card on the floor to continue the poem. This immersive experience allows up to 20 people to participate at once, making it a fun and engaging activity for groups.
In addition to interactive exhibits, visitors can also play with historical Nintendo home game consoles and their peripherals, as well as brand new mini-games based on toys released by Nintendo in the 1960s. From the Ultra Machine pitching machine to the Love Tester, visitors can relive the nostalgia of these classic toys in a modern setting. The museum also offers unique experiences like Big Controller, where players use giant versions of previous hardware controllers to play console games, and Game & Watch SP, where players control pocket-sized LCD games using only their shadows.
To participate in these interactive experiences, visitors will need „coins“ which are provided upon entry to the museum. The number of coins required varies depending on the exhibit or mini-game, so visitors will have to choose wisely how to spend their coins to make the most of their visit.
Overall, the Nintendo Museum promises to be a place where fans can not only learn about the history of Nintendo but also actively engage with its products in a fun and interactive way. With its unique blend of nostalgia and modern technology, this museum is sure to be a must-visit destination for gamers and Nintendo enthusiasts alike.