Cards to consoles: Nintendo opens museum to showcase 135-year history
Nintendo, the Japanese video game titan, has opened its first-ever museum today in Kyoto. It is housed in a refurbished factory and aims to highlight the company's extensive history, spanning from traditional playing cards to iconic games like Super Mario. The company's journey began in 1889 with the production of Japanese hanafuda playing cards and Western-style ones.
Museum features interactive exhibits and vintage products
The museum, located in Uji city of Kyoto, offers a range of interactive exhibits. One such feature allows two visitors to engage in Mario and Donkey Kong games on an oversized console. The museum also showcases Nintendo's vintage products, including a digital rendition of an ancient Japanese poetry game and a workshop for enthusiasts to craft their own hanafuda cards.
Museum tickets sold out for 2 months
Tickets for the museum are priced at JPY 3,300 ($22.60) for adults. They have already been sold out for October and November, indicating high public interest in the new attraction. Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned creator of Super Mario and other games, stated in a video in August that visitors can learn about Nintendo's commitment to manufacturing that places importance on play and originality.
Museum part of Nintendo's brand expansion strategy
The museum is part of Nintendo's efforts to expand its brand exposure. This includes a successful animated film last year featuring the Italian plumber and his colorful crew. The company has also constructed a Super Nintendo World zone at the Universal Studios Japan theme park, complete with a Mario Kart ride and a real-life Bowser's Castle. A similar area is planned for opening at the park's Orlando location next year.
