Gaming

The Nintendo Museum is better than I thought – in fact, the worst thing about it is probably the name

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

The Nintendo Museum is better than I thought - in fact, the worst thing about it is probably the name

Upon its announcement in 2021, the Nintendo Museum was originally referred to as the ‘Nintendo Gallery’, a name that perhaps better encapsulates the essence of the final product compared to ‘Nintendo Museum’.

The museum, however, doesn’t quite live up to its hype. It is charming, well-designed, and cute, but falls short of offering groundbreaking insights that redefine one’s perception of Nintendo. In essence, it feels somewhat sanitized and lacks the wow factor.

Upon delving into the background of the Nintendo Museum, it becomes apparent that it is curated by a fan who had previously organized unofficial Nintendo exhibitions. Nintendo added their official touch, but the museum still exudes a fan-curated vibe.

The main floor of the museum resembles a gallery, with glass cases displaying items related to Nintendo consoles. Each case is accompanied by a large replica of the respective console’s controller, providing a glimpse into the contents. It’s like a nostalgic time capsule showcasing key titles, accessories, and release dates.

Unlike traditional museums, there is no structured narrative guiding visitors through the exhibits. Upon entering the exhibit floor, visitors are free to explore at their own pace. The absence of a rigid path encourages visitors to gravitate towards consoles that hold personal significance, fostering a more organic experience.

While the display cases are visually appealing, hardcore fans may find little novelty in the collection. However, observing other guests’ reactions reveals the museum’s potential to surprise and delight visitors with hidden gems and lesser-known facts about Nintendo’s history.

A sign for the times. | Image credit: VG247/Alex Donaldson

Despite its title, the museum lacks in-depth insights into Nintendo’s history, game development process, or the creators behind iconic franchises. The emphasis is primarily on showcasing finished products and nostalgic memorabilia, rather than the creative processes or individuals responsible for Nintendo’s success.

While the museum offers a visual journey through Nintendo’s evolution, it falls short in providing a deeper understanding of the company’s creative journey. The absence of behind-the-scenes artifacts or detailed information on game development leaves enthusiasts craving for more substantial insights.

For those expecting a closer look at the creative process or the personalities behind Nintendo’s iconic games, the museum may not meet those expectations. However, it does offer a visual timeline of Nintendo’s evolution and serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the brand.

Overall, the Nintendo Museum is a charming tribute to Nintendo’s legacy, but falls short of offering the depth and insight expected from a museum experience.

There are N64 controllers made out of clay, a strange Game Boy Micro prototype resembling an old Nokia phone, experimental Wii remote designs from magazines, a kitbashed Wii U prototype, and other unique items in the display. Behind this exhibit are moving archive shelves filled with more interesting items, which are not technically part of the exhibit but visible if you strain to look closely. A decade ago, Nintendo’s late boss Satoru Iwata coined the term “Nintendo-like solution” to describe the company’s innovative and sometimes unconventional approach to gaming. The museum itself is a reflection of this ethos, with delightful presentation and clever ideas, yet lacking in some expected features due to the Nintendo mindset. Downstairs, interactive exhibits celebrate Nintendo’s history with a mix of old and new elements, creating a nostalgic and engaging experience. The highlight is the hands-on activities where visitors can create Hanafuda cards and play games using a blend of digital and analogue technologies. The museum also offers a unique dining experience with customizable burgers and a quirky ordering interface reminiscent of Nintendo’s creativity. Overall, despite some criticisms, the Nintendo Museum provides an enjoyable and immersive experience for fans of the iconic gaming company. When it comes to the activities at the Museum, my feelings may vary, but one thing is for sure – the Museum-exclusive merchandise in the store is overflowing with goodies for enthusiasts like us. I found myself spending around £300, which I must admit, left me feeling a bit ashamed, especially considering I didn’t even purchase one of those silly pillows that my wife would disapprove of.

That being said, I believe it’s important for anyone planning a visit to the Nintendo Museum to manage their expectations. It’s more of a gallery with interactive elements rather than a full-fledged museum. Consider it a pleasant way to spend three or four hours, rather than a full-day excursion. By approaching it this way, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised, just as I was.

Furthermore, I have high hopes that the museum will continue to improve over time. Reports from friends who have visited multiple times indicate that it is already evolving, with changing cabinets, curated displays, and new additions. It seems that Nintendo is responsive to feedback. Additionally, the concept of the museum seems like something that could easily travel to other locations. One can only imagine what treasures lie within the archives of Nintendo of America or Nintendo Europe. There is great potential in this concept, and I hope that Nintendo will eventually provide us with a deeper look behind the scenes.