Published on: March 17, 2025
Nintendo Revives Classic Console Memories with Jingle Keychains at Kyoto Museum
Nintendo has always excelled at evoking nostalgia, and its latest product line is no exception.
As of March 2025, the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, is offering fans a chance to relive the magic of classic console start-up sounds through a new series of collectible keychains.
This initiative was first brought to light by Nintendeal and has been generating considerable buzz among Nintendo enthusiasts both in Japan and around the world.
Each keychain features a minimalist cubic design and is programmed to play the iconic start-up tune of a classic Nintendo console.
While Nintendo has not disclosed the exact activation method—whether the sound plays with a button press or a different input—the simplicity of the design draws inspiration from previous Nintendo memorabilia, such as their classic controller reproductions and button modules.
The selection of consoles represented in this launch includes fan favorites like the Nintendo GameCube, Wii, and Game Boy Advance.
These systems are cherished not only for their gaming libraries but also for their memorable boot-up jingles, which have become deeply ingrained in pop culture and gaming history.
According to a recent community poll, the GameCube start-up sound remains the most beloved, capturing an impressive 47% of the vote amongst fans.
Ollie Reynolds, Nintendo Life contributor, highlights the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s auditory branding.
He notes that the start-up tunes are more than simple sound bites—they are powerful triggers of nostalgia, capable of conjuring warm memories in mere seconds.
Although some fans feel the cubic keychain design is somewhat basic compared to more detailed controller-shaped replicas, the unique ability to replay these nostalgic sounds adds considerable appeal.
Currently, these Nintendo jingle keychains are exclusive to the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, adding a layer of collectibility and desirability for fans worldwide.
As demand grows, fans outside Japan are hopeful for a possible global release via the Nintendo eShop or other official channels.
Until then, these keychains serve as a special in-person memento for visitors to Nintendo’s flagship cultural site.
The Nintendo Museum, which opened in 2023 in Kyoto, has quickly become a popular destination for both local and international visitors.
The introduction of these collectible keychains reinforces the company’s commitment to celebrating its history and connecting with fans on an emotional level—all while leveraging the distinct melodies that have become synonymous with the Nintendo brand.
For now, the only way to own one of these sound-triggering keychains is by visiting the Kyoto museum in person, making them an exclusive treat for dedicated collectors and nostalgic gamers alike.