Uncovering the Hidden History: How Nintendo’s Museum Falls Short on Authenticity
The New Nintendo Museum: A Glimpse into the Company’s Creative Force
Nintendo’s new museum has finally opened its doors to the public, offering a unique experience that delves into the company’s century-long history. The two-story building, located in Kyoto, Japan, serves as a testament to the company’s creative force and its innovative spirit. From its early days as a playing card manufacturer to its current status as a leading entertainment giant, Nintendo’s story is one of fascinating evolution.
A Bland Facade, A Playful Interior
As you approach the museum, you’d hardly notice its existence from the outside. The plain gray structure doesn’t evoke much excitement. However, as you step inside, the playfulness of the Nintendo brand comes alive. The entrance is flanked by warp pipes and floating blocks, while a series of colorful Toads greets you upon entering.
Interactive Experiences Abound
The main floor is designed to resemble a theme park, with several interactive exhibits that pay homage to Nintendo’s iconic products. You can try out a batting machine, an NES Zapper shooting gallery, or a Game & Watch platformer that requires you to use your shadow to help a character cross perilous gaps. Additionally, there’s a love tester machine that’s reminiscent of Nintendo’s early product lineup.
A Missing Piece: Nintendo’s Talented Creators
Unfortunately, the museum falls short in one significant aspect – it fails to acknowledge the talented creators behind Nintendo’s most iconic games. Except for Shigeru Miyamoto’s signature at the entrance, you won’t find any developer credits or mentions of the people responsible for shaping the company’s history. It’s as if Nintendo’s creative force is being sanitized, glossing over the human elements that made their games possible.
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
However, there’s a small, fascinating section on the second floor featuring old hardware prototypes, including an early Wii U concept with two Wii Remotes attached to either side of a tablet. This brief glimpse behind the curtain reveals the potential for a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Nintendo’s creative process. Miyamoto has hinted at adding more similar features in the future, which would provide valuable insight into the company’s development process.
The Bigger Picture: A Company in Transition
Nintendo’s new museum is less about showcasing the company’s creative process and more about presenting its image to the outside world. As Nintendo reaches a critical junction in its history, with the impending console transition and push into new areas like theme parks and movies, this museum serves as a showcase of its entertainment company. Miyamoto has emphasized the importance of the museum as a way for both employees and fans to reconfirm what kind of company Nintendo is – a company that’s first and foremost about entertainment.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Museum is an intriguing experience that offers a glimpse into the company’s creative force, but fails to delve deeper into the human aspects of its story. As the company navigates its transition into a new era, this museum serves as a testament to its innovative spirit and image, but raises questions about the importance of acknowledging its talented creators in the process.
