Nintendo has officially opened its first museum in Kyoto, Japan, showcasing the company’s 135-year history.

The museum, located in Uji, a suburb of Kyoto, is housed in a repurposed factory that once produced playing cards and later served as a repair center for consoles. This renovation preserves an important part of Nintendo’s past while providing a space to explore its transformation from a small playing card company to a global video game leader.

The museum covers Nintendo’s history from its founding in 1889 as a producer of “hanafuda” (Japanese playing cards). Visitors can explore the company’s early days, including its move into creating Western-style playing cards. A section called “Craft and Play” is dedicated to these origins, where guests can learn the hanafuda game through interactive technology and even participate in a workshop to create their own cards.

One of the most engaging features of the museum is its interactive exhibits. Visitors can play classic games like Super Mario and Donkey Kong on giant consoles, offering a nostalgic experience with some of Nintendo’s most popular franchises. The “Big Controller” area allows players to enjoy these iconic games on oversized controllers that replicate the design of original Nintendo systems such as the Famicom and Wii. There are also mini-games, including throwbacks to Nintendo’s 1969 “Love Tester” and 1973’s “Zapper & Scope,” which give visitors a hands-on experience with unique pieces of gaming history.

The “Discover” area of the museum features nearly every product Nintendo has released over the years. From rare prototypes and limited-edition devices to beloved consoles like the NES and SNES, this section offers a thorough look at Nintendo’s impact on the gaming industry. One exhibit tracks the development of graphics from famous series like The Legend of Zelda, showing how the company has advanced artistically and technically across different platforms.

Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario, was heavily involved in shaping the museum. He shared that the project began as a simple product exhibition but evolved into an interactive space to engage visitors more deeply. Miyamoto said the museum will continue to grow, with new exhibits and features being added in the future.

Tickets for the museum are already sold out for October and November. Priced at 3,300 yen (about $23) for adults and 2,200 yen ($15) for children, tickets are secured in advance through a lottery system. Located an hour south of Kyoto, the Nintendo Museum is expected to attract tourists and gaming fans alike.

This museum is part of Nintendo’s effort to expand its presence beyond video games. Following the success of “Super Nintendo World” at Universal Studios Japan and the release of a popular animated Mario movie, the museum strengthens Nintendo’s connection to pop culture. Visitors can expect ongoing updates and new exhibits, making it a dynamic part of the company’s legacy for years to come.