What to expect in Japan’s new Nintendo Museum

MANILA, Philippines – A Nintendo Museum is in the works, announced famed video game creator Shigeru Miyamoto in a YouTube video, Tuesday, August 20. 

Miyamoto, creator of Super Mario and a long list of other top video game franchises, showed a glimpse of the must-visit museum where fans of video games and pop culture can experience Nintendo’s iconic games, characters, and history.

On a quest to bring past Nintendo products into the present era while providing something unique to its fans, the company came up with eight interactive experiences, three of which Miyamoto showed in the video. 

First, there’s Utra Machine, originally released in 1968, an indoor pitching device similar to table tennis ball machines. Rooms are designed like Japanese homes, inspired by the company’s office playrooms where they used to play arcade, and Ultra Machine during lunch breaks. The player can aim for various objects in the room and find out how they will “react.”

Second, Zapper and Scope SP, recreations of shooting implements, the NES Zapper and the Super Famicom Super Scope, offer a vintage light-gun experience. Players need to aim and shoot at Koopa Troopas. Up to 13 people can play at the same time. 

Third, Giant Controllers require two players, one to press A to jump while the other takes the control pad to move the characters, instead of the classic 2-player game with separate controllers. 

The museum also features a display of the many products the company has released.

According to Miyamoto, they wanted to show the evolution of entertainment while showcasing the elements that have been shared and built upon, over the years.

“The Nintendo Museum is a place where you can learn about our commitment to crafting experiences that value play and creativity, both of which are integral to Nintendo,” Miyamoto said.

The museum also houses a cafe and an exclusive merchandise shop.

In addition to the exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors can also experience playing Hanafuda – a type of Japanese playing cards – and workshops that will let them create their own Hanafuda.

The museum is located in Kyoto, at the site of Nintendo’s former Uji Ogura factory in Uji City. It is set to open its doors to visitors on October 2.

As of August 20, the Nintendo Museum is accepting drawing entries to be granted tickets to enter the museum in October and November. Draws occur once a month, and this particular draw will close on August 31.

Nintendo was originally a Hanafuda manufacturer in 1889. – with reports from Rev Dela Cruz/Rappler.com

Rev Dela Cruz is a Rappler intern. She is taking up Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.