The history of video games is often told through the lens of gameplay and innovation, but a new exhibit at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain – into the painstaking, analog process of game creation. Visiting the museum again recently, over a year after its initial opening in September 2024, revealed a significant expansion of its displays, with a particular focus on the production art and design documents that brought classic Nintendo titles to life. This isn’t just a celebration of finished products; it’s a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the developers who worked with limited technology to build worlds that captivated generations.
The Nintendo Museum, which initially opened to a limited audience before becoming publicly accessible, manages to strike a balance between reverence and accessibility. While popular, the timed-ticket system prevents overcrowding, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the exhibits. The core collection remains impressive, but the newly added gallery of production art is a standout. It’s a tangible connection to the past, showcasing the raw materials – the graph paper, the hand-drawn sprites, the meticulous level designs – that formed the foundation of iconic games.
From Graph Paper to Pixels: A Look at Early Game Design
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the new exhibit is the display of original design documents. Before powerful software and sophisticated tools, game levels were painstakingly mapped out on graph paper. Seeing these hand-drawn plans for games like Super Metroid is a humbling experience. It underscores the sheer amount of effort and creativity that went into crafting even seemingly simple game environments. The exhibit demonstrates how developers meticulously planned every corridor, every enemy placement, and every power-up location, all before a single line of code was written.
The 40th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros. Games was a big new fixture at the museum.
The exhibit doesn’t shy away from the technical limitations of the era. The process of designing individual pixels – the building blocks of early video game graphics – is too highlighted. It’s a reminder that every character, every object, every background element was created with painstaking precision, often within extremely restrictive color palettes and resolution constraints. This context makes the final products all the more impressive, demonstrating the developers’ ability to overcome technical hurdles and deliver compelling visual experiences.
Celebrating 40 Years of Mario
Alongside the broader exploration of game production, the museum is also dedicating significant space to the 40th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros. franchise. This section features artwork, concept sketches, and early prototypes that chart the evolution of Mario and his world. It’s a fascinating look at how a simple plumber became one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in video game history. The exhibit traces the character’s design changes over the decades, showcasing the iterative process that led to his iconic look and personality.
A new guidebook is available for purchase at the museum, though it unfortunately only offers limited coverage of the new production art gallery. There’s a strong desire among fans – and likely within Nintendo itself – for a dedicated art book that comprehensively showcases the wealth of material on display. Such a publication would serve as a valuable resource for game developers, art students, and anyone interested in the history of video game design.
Beyond the Exhibits: A Complete Nintendo Experience
The Nintendo Museum isn’t just about looking at artifacts; it’s about immersing yourself in the Nintendo universe. The museum shop offers a wide range of merchandise, from classic game soundtracks to plush toys and apparel. Visitors can even find oversized cushions shaped like Nintendo console gamepads – a fun and quirky souvenir. Outside, a new light show adds to the atmosphere, particularly as evening falls, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for families and fans.
The museum’s success is a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to preserving its history and sharing it with the world. It’s a place where fans can reconnect with cherished memories, and newcomers can gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation that have defined the company for decades. The expansion of the exhibits, particularly the focus on production art, elevates the museum from a simple collection of games to a genuine celebration of game development.
Tickets for the Nintendo Museum can be reserved on the official website. Demand is high, so planning ahead is essential.
There’s a new official guidebook you can now pick up at the museum.
Ollie Barder
Looking ahead, Nintendo is expected to continue expanding the museum’s exhibits and offerings. The company has hinted at future displays focusing on other key franchises and development milestones. The museum’s ongoing evolution promises to keep it a must-visit destination for video game enthusiasts for years to reach. The preservation of this history is vital, not just for nostalgia, but for understanding the creative process and inspiring future generations of game developers.
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