From hanafuda to Switch: Our epic adventure at Nintendo's new Museum

First Contact: When You Step onto Nintendo's Sacred Ground

Any Nintendo fan might assume that the company was already leveraging its history dating back to 1889, and its countless popular franchises, for products and experiences beyond video games and licensed items. However, it was only in recent years that Nintendo decided to expand its market to theme parks, movies, and their own stores.

Among these new developments, the company finally inaugurated its own museum in October 2024. We'll tell you here everything we saw and experienced during our visit.

Located in Kyoto, where the company's main headquarters is based, the museum has two floors, a themed restaurant, a shop, and a hanafuda card workshop. Technically the space isn't very large, but a fan will have plenty of reasons to spend several hours inside.

The open entrance area already gives us a taste of the care with which everything was created. Good photo opportunities can be found even before entering the museum proper, such as life-sized green pipes, floor patterns shaped like objects from the games, and even a flag pole that seems to have come directly from the end of a video game level.

First Floor: Where Nostalgia Becomes Interactive Fun

With two floors, the first is dedicated to interactive experiences. Between activities inspired by the company's old products like the Ultra Hand and the Zapper, and stations to try games from classic consoles, this is where Nintendo demonstrates that even a museum can be fun. The highlight goes to the Big Controllers, giant controls that need two people coordinating to beat the levels before time runs out.


One detail of the interactive area is that each activity requires a number of coins, varying between one (for activities like playing old games and a giant version of Game&Watch based on movements), up to four (the target shooting game with the Zapper). At the entrance, visitors receive ten coins, and there's no way to get more on that visit, so it would be necessary to return to try everything.

Second Floor: A Journey Through Time via Nintendo's History

The second floor is where the contemplative part of the museum is located. In this section, where unfortunately it's not possible to take photos, Nintendo's extensive product catalog is presented, since its creation. Younger fans might have the impression that the company was always focused on video games, but with most of its history dedicated to toy production, it's very interesting to see that even back then Nintendo already had innovation in its DNA.

The main focus is on video games, as expected. In separate areas for each console generation, popular and important games from that era are displayed. Explanations about each technological advancement and rare items also catch attention. My favorite part was an area with handmade prototypes, many created with materials similar to modeling clay, used by console developers to discuss functionality and design ideas before producing functional units.

Hanafuda: The Game That Started It All (And You Can Learn!)

There are two optional paid activities involving Hanafuda, a traditional Japanese game that receives special attention for being the first product manufactured by Nintendo. One of the workshops allows visitors to try the game, while the rules are explained and a table with projections adds a modern touch to the experience.

The other workshop, which I participated in, offers the chance to paint and assemble your own cards with ink. There's a painting guide, and although there are color suggestions, it's possible to choose your own. I myself replaced the red tones with green ones, matching my Luigi cosplay.

Mandatory Stop: Restaurant and Shop That Will Drain Your Wallet

The restaurant follows the line of other themed establishments: the cost is relatively high for the quality and quantity of the food itself, but the themed dishes and the ambient decoration are the real stars. In true Nintendo style, even ordering food was gamified, making it possible to customize all items of your burger.


As it couldn't be otherwise, there's also a shop, which offers a vast selection of brand products. I recommend visiting the place with a budget already in mind. Without that, the temptation to buy half the store becomes irresistible.

Mission Impossible: How to Get Your Tickets

Extremely popular since its opening, Nintendo's museum still requires a process that involves a lottery for ticket purchases. With lottery results happening only two months before the desired day, a bit of luck is necessary. However, if you have the chance to include a visit during your trip, it will be an unforgettable experience.

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Nintendo Museum's official site: https://museum.nintendo.com/en/index.html