On October 2nd 2024 the Nintendo Museum opened in Kyoto, Japan.
I was lucky to visit that first day.
Here's what I posted on Twitter that night:
It is after midnight here in Kyoto, and I finally found some time to process the (opening) day at the Nintendo Museum.
It is too early for a full report and review, but I give you 10 things that gave me joy today, and 2 things that can be improved (imo).
Good thing number 1: Nintendo!
This may be a bit obvious, but the Nintendo Museum is a Museum about Nintendo. Only Nintendo. The entire museum!
Good thing number 2: The Nintendo community!
We met so many cool, friendly and positive people today. As a place for this group of like-minded folks to meet each other, it is awesome.
Good thing number 3: the vintage games and toys collection on display!
For me very important, and I must admit I was a bit worried about this after the Nintendo Direct, but the museum did not disappoint at all in this department; it surpassed expectations.
Good thing number 4: the workshops!
We participated in the Hanafuda making workshop, which was both well thought out and lots of fun. Bonus points for the Animal Crossing music playing in the background during our crafting. Later we also joined the Hanafuda playing workshop.
Good thing number 5: the staff!
Lots of staff was present, never obstructing, always helpful where and when needed. Special shout out to the friendly gentleman who gave us a personal tour.
Good thing number 6: the details!
Across the buildings there are many nice details, with humor. Never in your face, requiring some exploring.
Gameboy cartridge lockers? Check.
Kirby vending machine. Yes.
Good thing number 7: the play area!
Well made new interactive experiences, inspired by Nintendo classics.
And giant controllers.
Good thing number 8: the building!
High quality materials, effective minimalistic design, the building is very Nintendo.
Good thing number 9: the goodies!
The gift shop (aptly called Bonus Stage) is stocked to the brim with mostly museum exclusives. Maybe it is too much, and maybe the plush controllers are too big, but I loved almost all of it. Not least the Ultra Hand remake.
Good thing number 10: crowd size!
Never during our stay was it too crowded. No long queues (except the gift shop in the last hour of the day, and the Zapper/SuperScope games all day), and usually plenty of free space too move around and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.
Can improve in the Nintendo Museum number 1: please explain!
It seems Nintendo is a believer in "show not tell", as there is hardly space in the museum for telling stories about the people, ideas and events behind the great products. While there is so much cool history to share.
Can improve in the Nintendo Museum number 2: the blend burger bar!
Despite what Nintendo is capable of [with the right partners, see Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan], the restaurant decor is frankly a bit boring. Not much going on here, which is a lost opportunity.
Final first thoughts on the Nintendo Museum!
We had a wonderful time at the Museum, with plenty of surprises, even for hard-core Nintendo enthusiasts, and we left happy and satisfied...
...and hope to visit it again soon.
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