Nintendo Museum Showcases Giant Playable Controllers in Kyoto

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for gaming enthusiasts and Nintendo fans alike.

One of its most engaging features is the exhibit of giant playable controllers—oversized replicas of some of Nintendo’s most iconic input devices that invite visitors to experience the company’s gaming history in a vibrant, hands-on fashion. Unveiled to the public in 2024, the Nintendo Museum celebrates decades of innovation, creativity, and memorable characters.

The addition of these giant controllers has further cemented the museum’s place as a premier attraction for gaming tourism in Japan.

The museum allows guests to step up and physically interact with large-scale versions of controllers from various Nintendo consoles, including the legendary Wii Remote, NES controller, and more recent hardware such as the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con. Popular content creator Genki recently shared high-resolution images of these supersized controllers, documenting the excitement and playful atmosphere they bring to the exhibit.

As seen in the shared imagery, each controller is not only visually striking but also fully functional, enabling groups of visitors to try classic Nintendo titles in an entirely new way.

"Visitors are enthusiastic about the chance to play familiar games with these oversized controllers, creating a fun and memorable experience for all ages," Genki noted when discussing the interactive display. The Nintendo Museum’s interactive controller exhibit offers select games tailored for each system, providing hands-on insight into the development and evolution of video game hardware.

This innovative approach aligns with Nintendo’s longstanding commitment to accessibility and family-friendly gaming experiences—a hallmark that has defined titles on the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Wii, and the highly successful Nintendo Switch platform.

With each exhibit, the museum effectively bridges the gap between generations of gamers and celebrates the creativity of Nintendo’s hardware engineers. Since its opening, the Nintendo Museum has drawn thousands of visitors from around the world, boosted by Japan’s rich gaming culture and proximity to Nintendo’s global headquarters.

The success of the exhibit also reflects Nintendo’s broader strategy of leveraging its iconic intellectual property beyond traditional software and hardware, reaching new audiences through experiential entertainment. For fans planning a visit, the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto offers a unique opportunity not only to revisit classic games but also to gain a deeper appreciation for the innovation and playful spirit that have propelled Nintendo’s evolution over the decades.

As the museum continues to expand and incorporate new hardware exhibits, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the world’s most beloved video game company.