Editor 
Nintendo has always been a company that thrives on nostalgia, innovation, and a deep connection with its fans. So, when the announcement came about a new Nintendo museum in Kyoto – the birthplace of the company – the excitement was palpable. However, after several reviews, it seems like this shiny new tribute to Nintendo’s legacy glitters but does not dig deep enough.
A Journey Through Gaming History
Upon entering the museum, visitors are immediately greeted by a dazzling array of Nintendo’s video gaming heritage. Shelves upon shelves are adorned with consoles, games, and accessories, mapping a journey from the NES to the Nintendo Switch. For a Nintendo fan, this sight alone can be overwhelming – an all-you-can-eat buffet of nostalgia.
However, there’s a glaring omission: Nintendo’s pre-video game era. The company’s rich history of producing playing cards, toys, and other entertainment products before entering the video game market is condensed into a tiny corner. This lack of balance leaves a significant portion of Nintendo’s eclectic history barely touched upon【4:0†source】.
Engaging, Yet Superficial Interactive Exhibits
One of the museum’s most praised features is its interactive exhibits. Larger-than-life controllers and a simulated 1960s Japanese living room where visitors can toy around with the Ultra Machine batting toy offer unique, hands-on experiences. These elements bring a joyful, playful spirit to the museum, embodying the essence of what Nintendo games have always been about – fun.
While these interactive displays are exciting, they don’t compensate for the museum’s superficiality in other areas. The exhibits focus more on evoking memories rather than providing in-depth insights into the company’s behind-the-scenes processes or the stories of the people who crafted these legendary games. There’s limited information about the nitty-gritty of game development, concept art, or the visionaries behind Nintendo’s innovations【4:0†source】.
A Commercial and Casual Approach
It’s clear that the museum is designed to be commercially appealing and accessible to casual visitors, but this approach has left many hardcore fans feeling a tad disappointed. The museum opts to display well-known successes rather than taking a bold step toward showcasing obscure projects or failed ventures. This decision makes for a visitor-friendly experience but leaves history buffs craving more depth and a more nuanced exploration of the company’s complete narrative.
The Golden Star Treatment
Design-wise, the museum does an excellent job highlighting pivotal moments in Nintendo’s history with golden stars signifying groundbreaking innovations – like the iconic Game Boy’s link cable and the invention of the directional pad on controllers. Yet, this polished presentation comes at a cost. The lack of detailed reading material and the exclusion of unfinished projects or intricate development details feels like a missed opportunity to tell a more comprehensive story【4:0†source】.
Conclusion
Nintendo’s new museum in Kyoto is undeniably a must-visit for fans of the brand. Its interactive exhibits and nostalgic displays are a dream come true for many. However, the museum falls short in providing a thorough and deeply informative journey through Nintendo’s rich and diverse history. It opts for a commercially viable, casual-friendly approach that, while charming and fun, leaves dedicated fans and history enthusiasts wanting more.
While it can be a delightful trip down memory lane, it’s a shame that Nintendo didn’t dig deeper into their vault of history to present a more complete and enriching experience. The museum’s shiny surface is undeniably appealing, but sometimes, a bit of dirt and depth would make that shine even more memorable.
FAQ
Q: What is the primary focus of Nintendo’s new museum?
A: The museum primarily focuses on Nintendo’s video game history, showcasing consoles, games, and accessories from various eras, particularly highlighting from the NES to the Nintendo Switch.
Q: Are there interactive exhibits in the museum?
A: Yes, the museum features several interactive exhibits, including oversized controllers that require teamwork and a simulated 1960s Japanese living room where visitors can play with the Ultra Machine batting toy.
Q: Does the museum cover Nintendo’s pre-video game history?
A: The museum does touch on Nintendo’s pre-video game history, but this part is quite limited, condensed into a small section compared to the extensive video game displays.
Q: Why have some fans been disappointed with the museum?
A: Some fans have expressed disappointment due to the museum’s lack of detailed historical documentation, behind-the-scenes information on game development, and its commercial, casual-friendly approach, which leaves out obscure or failed Nintendo projects.
Q: How is the museum designed in terms of its presentation?
A: The museum’s design emphasizes product display with golden stars highlighting significant innovations. However, it lacks detailed reading materials and avoids showcasing unfinished projects or deep development stories.
