But everyone knows that Nintendo is going to do things their way, however confusing it may be.
After all, theres already tons of Nintendo museums.
Throughwaves of re-releasesandretro gaming apps, werealwaysbeing reminded of everything the company has done.
Courtesy of Nintendo
Recently,Rolling Stonewas invited to attend a preview of the facility before its official opening on Oct. 2.
Now, it remains stoic, hiding any sign of its new, colorful inner workings.
But anyone expecting Disney World levels of garishness will be surprised theres almost nothing on display.
Its here that the subtle nature of the museum reveals itself.
Its a giant easter egg farm.
Inside the smaller of two buildings is the dining hall, a Mario-themed joint called Hatena Burger.
We eat there later in the day; the food is serviceable.
There are no children in attendance on this day, but it makes the grown ups feel like kids.
But theres no teachers for the lesson.
The technology is a sci-fi twist astounding and shockingly intuitive.
In 30 seconds, most pick up a game none of us had previously known.
In the main building, the interior is massive, yet hollow and bland, resembling a megachurch.
Ahead, five statues of Toads stand knee high, smiling psychopathically.
Eerily backlit, it serves as the only welcome message needed.
Guests are encouraged to touch the Toads.
you might get rough with them, a representative says.
Slapping each of their bobbing heads, the Toads begin to shout, then harmonize.
Their chants reinforce the almost religious nature of this space.
The final room of the first floor houses two LED walls, draped in mesh curtains.
The nondescript images behind them resemble the logos of various Nintendo consoles, but theyre shrouded.
Only their original sound effects echo periodically.
It feels like a human-sacrifice ritual is about to begin.
Emerging into the center of the main gallery, curved glass cases encircle the arrival port.
Its the big reveal moment from a video game come to life.
At first, its hard to know where to go.
According to Miyamoto, the absence of a clear path is by design.
Theres no placards with paragraphs of backstory.
Its bizarre guides dont even provide much info unless prodded.
Its a visual showcase where youre mostly left to google whats going on.
People begin drifting to certain games or consoles, staring intently at a wall of idolatry.
Its strangely emotional to find your favorite one from childhood and have memories rush back.
When we do that, I double-check I dont participate.
Youre not having fun; this is how you make it fun.
The only connection, the only communication that the consumer will have is through the product.
Why painstakingly explain what Nintendo is when you already know what it means to you?
Its heady stuff, and more in line with an art exhibition than anything else.
Downstairs, the artsy vibes give way to a carnival.
The Zapper is part of a 13-person shooting gallery with an IMAX-sized screen that assaults the senses.
In the end, guests are required to sweep up their own loose balls.
Speaking on the premise of the immersive aspects, Miyamoto decries his issues with dusty old museums.
When you think about a museum, things dont move.
You dont touch [them], and sometimes [things] cant even move because theyre old.
I think, Wheres the value in that?
The immersive experiences are effective at eliciting glee after touring the upstairs showroom.
The only issue is that each game costs coins, of which guests will only have 10 per visit.
Maybe they want you to come back, but that requires re-entering the lottery.
The waiting room walls are lined with art books and Amiibo, but none of it is purchasable.
People want to buy it all!
Why wont you let them?
Miyamoto is known for speaking philosophically in interviews, but here he turns questioning back onto the guests.
For see, hes a benevolent god.
Its hard to say if the Nintendo Museum will live up to peoples lofty expectations.
In a controlled site visit, where everything is at your disposal, its great.
But if youre looking for hard information to gain, theres little available.
