According to Casa Brutus publication Super Mario Bros. and Design, Nintendo Museum is designed to be “a new form of play” itself for all visitors, regardless of generation, nationality or interest. Not having museum labels is part of that manifestation.
Miyamoto said: “we’ve deliberately avoided captions. Rather than reading explanations, I hope visitors use their own senses to feel the changes over time and the creative process behind the games.” He added: “Nintendo’s history was built by all who worked here. Exhibitions just aren’t concerned with who did what.” (I won’t spoil the rest of the book. If interested, you can buy a copy from Kinokuniya USA or other bookstores.)
I’ve seen people using “despise” and other strong words to describe their displeasure with Nintendo Museum’s lack of labeling. But in an age of infinite information through your phone, they’d like you to sense, feel, and play instead.
[Originally posted on 2026-05-27 Pacific Time]
