We hate 2020!

Just when we thought 2020 couldn't get any worse! We were about to re-open after many months of being closed but then disaster struck when a mains water pipe burst and flooded much of the ground floor of the museum.
Sadly re-opening has now been postponed. Read More >>>

No visitors, no workshops, no events, no school visits... no income. We know that things are tough for everyone right now, but if you can afford to help us through these tough times please donate what you can.

There's over 36,000 exhibits here! That should keep you occupied for a bit - get searching!

Or come and get involved on our social media channels ...

Thank you.

Nintendo is founded

23rd September 1889
Nintendo is founded

Founded on the 23rd of September 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, Nintendo initially produced handmade Hanafuda (Flower Cards) playing cards. The company tried various ventures including cab services and love hotels.
In the 1960s they began developing toys then moved on to video games in the 1970s.

A rough translation of Nintendo is "Leave luck to heaven". Their first handheld games to be developed were the Game and Watch series, which were designed after a commuter was seen playing with a calculator on a train.

Nintendo have received worldwide success with their consoles, particularly handhelds. With a market value of $85 billion, it currently Japan's 3rd most valuable listed company.