Nintendo has unveiled details about a new memorial museum themed around the company, and some of the items on display may shock even long-time fans.
In a short livestream, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, walked through the museum and gave the world an exclusive look at what Nintendo has in store for visitors. Alongside the showcase of the museum, the livestream served as a history lesson about Nintendo.
The museum is located within a renovated factory where Nintendo products were tested in the 1980s, providing a perfect backdrop to explore the company’s past. Originally founded in 1889, Nintendo then sold playing cards for popular games Hanafuda and Karuta before transitioning into a toy manufacturer and video game studio.
This history is showcased throughout the second story, where guests can walk through various displays showcasing past products. These include old gaming systems like the NES as well as board games, a copy machine, and even a toy rifle perched above a baby stroller.
The first floor of the museum is reserved for interactive experiences, such as a massive screen on the lobby floor that projects traditional Japanese card game Hyakunin Isshu. Guests can request an interactive device to play with the cards, creating a life-sized game right on the floor.
There are also several “Ultra Machines” or indoor pitching machines that fire ping pongs and a digital shooting range inspired by Mario and Zapper, a game originally made for the NES. Finally, there’s a massive area dedicated to playing several retro Nintendo games with comically large controllers. These massive oversized controllers encourage guests to help one another since you can’t hit all the buttons alone.
Miyamoto claims there are eight interactive experiences at the museum, meaning there’s still some surprises in store. The fan reception in the YouTube comments is overwhelmingly positive, so chances are the museum will be bustling once it fully opens.
The Nintendo Museum opens on Thursday, Oct. 3, and you can head to their official website to find details that will assist you in planning a trip.
