Nintendo and Japan's Gaming History

From hand-painted playing cards in Kyoto to the Famicom and Game Boy, here is the story of Nintendo and how fans can explore Japan's gaming heritage.

Published October 15, 2026 at 10:41 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Nintendo began in 1889 in Kyoto as a maker of hanafuda playing cards and grew into a global gaming name through the Famicom, Super Mario Bros. and the Game Boy. Fans can explore this heritage at the Nintendo Museum in Uji, in Akihabara and Osaka's Nipponbashi retro shops, and in arcades.

Few companies have shaped play around the world as much as Nintendo, and its story begins in a place that surprises many fans: the old capital of Kyoto, more than a century before the first video game console. Japan's gaming history is a cheerful mix of inventive design, playful characters and clever hardware, and visitors can still feel it today in arcades, retro shops and a museum devoted to Nintendo's creations. This guide traces the history of Nintendo and the Famicom era, explains what makes Japanese retro games special, and offers tips for fans who want to explore on their trip.

From Playing Cards to Play

Nintendo was founded on 23 September 1889 in Kyoto by Fusajiro Yamauchi, originally to make hanafuda. Hanafuda are traditional Japanese playing cards, made up of 48 cards divided into twelve suits that represent the months of the year, each suit with its own flower or plant. The cards are beautifully illustrated, and the company's handcrafted decks became popular. Nintendo still makes hanafuda in Japan, and some sets even feature characters like Mario, Pokemon and Kirby, a charming link between old and new.

In 1950, Hiroshi Yamauchi, a descendant of the founder, became president of the company, and under his leadership Nintendo expanded into new areas of entertainment. From the 1970s the company turned its attention to video games, building both arcade and home entertainment products. The family's leadership ended in 2002, when Satoru Iwata took over as president, and the company has continued to grow while keeping its Kyoto roots. Its headquarters today stands in Kyoto's Minami ward.

The Famicom Revolution

A turning point arrived on 15 July 1983, when Nintendo released the Family Computer, known as the Famicom, in Japan. Designed by engineer Masayuki Uemura, it was an 8-bit console intended to be simple and affordable. Its launch titles were ports of arcade games, including Donkey Kong, and Hiroshi Yamauchi chose cartridges as the game format because they were easy for people to use. The console's red and white color scheme made it stand out in homes, and the machine soon became a favorite of families across Japan.

The Famicom was followed in North America by the Nintendo Entertainment System, which launched in test markets in 1985 and reached a wider release in the following year. One of the most important games of the era was Super Mario Bros., released in Japan on 13 September 1985 and created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. Its tight controls and cheerful design turned the mustached plumber into one of the best-known characters in the world.

Together, the console and the game introduced millions of people to a new kind of home entertainment, and they remain a cornerstone of how many fans think about video game history. Japanese gaming culture is often remembered for this blend of imagination and craftsmanship.

Handhelds and Beyond

In April 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy in Japan, a portable console developed by a team led by Gunpei Yokoi. Yokoi's approach emphasized using affordable, mature technology in clever ways, and the Game Boy had a simple monochrome screen that kept costs and battery use low. That decision helped the device become a worldwide success, and the Game Boy line sold well over a hundred million units in total, making portable play a part of everyday life.

Later systems continued the tradition of inventive design. The Nintendo Switch, released in March 2017, combined a home console with a handheld in a single device, and it was followed by a successor system in 2025. Throughout these generations, Nintendo has been known for characters and worlds that are easy to enjoy at any age, which is part of why a visit to Japan feels like a pilgrimage for many gamers.

Visiting the Nintendo Museum

One of the best places for fans to explore the story in person is the Nintendo Museum, which opened in October 2024 in Uji, near Kyoto. The museum is located on the site of the former Ogura plant, where Nintendo once made playing cards and hanafuda, which adds a nice sense of history. It presents the history of Nintendo's entertainment and invites visitors to play with it, so it is a hands-on experience rather than a quiet exhibit.

The museum is within walking distance of Ogura Station, which is served by both the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and the JR Nara Line, so it is convenient to reach by public transportation. Tickets are sold for a specific date and time and require advance planning, and the official site explains the application process, which has included a free Nintendo Account and a lottery system. Because details such as opening hours, closing days and ticket rules can change, always check the official website before you plan your trip.

Exploring Retro Gaming in Japan

Beyond the museum, Japan has plenty of places for retro gaming fans. Akihabara in Tokyo has shops selling classic cartridges, consoles and accessories, along with arcades where you can try rhythm games, fighting games and prize machines. Osaka's Nipponbashi area is another well-known district for games and electronics, and many cities have secondhand shops that stock older titles. Browsing these shops is a bit like exploring a library of gaming history.

When you shop for retro games, check which region a game was made for. A Famicom cartridge is a different shape from an NES cartridge, and consoles from different countries may need adapters or may not play every game. Ask shop staff whether an item has been tested, and look at the condition of the box, the manual and the connectors. Prices vary widely, so compare a few shops before you decide.

If you simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, visit an arcade. Many arcades have floors that range from crane games to music and fighting machines, and the sound and lights are an experience in themselves. Bring coins, be respectful of other players and ask staff for help if you cannot work out a machine.

Quick Takeaways and a Friendly Close

In summary, Nintendo's story shows how a company that began with hand-crafted cards in Kyoto grew into a global name through creativity and care. The Famicom and Super Mario Bros. started a new era at home, the Game Boy put play in your pocket, and the Switch continues the tradition of clever hardware. Fans who visit Japan can see this history at the Nintendo Museum, in the retro shops of Akihabara and Osaka, and in the arcades of any major city.

Whether you grew up with a controller in your hand or are simply curious, exploring Japan's gaming heritage is a joyful way to see a playful side of the country. Plan ahead for museum tickets, keep a little time for shop browsing and enjoy the nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Nintendo founded and what did it make first?

Nintendo was founded on 23 September 1889 in Kyoto by Fusajiro Yamauchi, originally to make hanafuda. Hanafuda are traditional Japanese playing cards made up of 48 cards in twelve suits representing the months. Nintendo still makes hanafuda in Japan, and some sets feature characters like Mario.

Where is the Nintendo Museum and how do I get there?

The Nintendo Museum opened in October 2024 in Uji, near Kyoto, on the site of the former Ogura plant. It is within walking distance of Ogura Station, served by the Kintetsu Kyoto Line and the JR Nara Line. Tickets are sold for a specific date and time, so checking the official site is wise.

Where can I shop for retro games in Japan?

Akihabara in Tokyo has shops selling classic cartridges, consoles and accessories, along with arcades. Osaka's Nipponbashi area is another well-known district for games and electronics. When buying retro games, check which region a game was made for, since a Famicom cartridge is a different shape from an NES cartridge.

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