Personally, I have been a fan of video games since I was a kid. My history with Nintendo specifically started when I played Wii Sports with my family.
If you have ever played Wii Sports, you know it’s one of those games that pretty much anybody can pick up and enjoy.
I have many fond memories of playing with my parents, cousins, and friends. Later on, for my 8th birthday my parents got me a 3DS from a K-Mart (RIP K-Mart). You guys wouldn’t believe the amount of time I spent with that 3DS.
My parents did make me go outside every once in a while, but that thing got through so many road trips it was insane.
That being said, I’m excited to share with you guys my experience at the Nintendo Museum. Opened just two years ago in 2024, the museum is located in Uji, which is a small city next to Kyoto. From TUJ Kyoto, it’s about a half-hour train ride, which makes it a perfect day trip if you are a fan of video games.
Growing up with games really made me appreciate the artistry that goes into making games. I got engrossed in the stories they had to tell; video games as a medium have unique ways of immersing you in a world because you are in control of the character.
Your skills or choices can guide a character to the end of a level or through a challenging situation. Not to mention, video games often have original music and voice acting as well.
While visiting the Nintendo museum I got to see fans of video games from all over the world and it made me feel very warm inside. Many of the other visitors were there because they appreciated video games just like I do. Since the names of most Nintendo consoles are standard across regions, I was able to recognize when someone was talking about them even if I couldn’t speak the person’s language.
Before I went to the Nintendo Museum, I was aware that Nintendo was popular, but seeing fans from multiple countries really put into perspective how global Nintendo, and video games in general, have become. I feel so lucky that I get the chance to share this hobby with so many people.
For those who don’t play video games, I understand this post might be a little dry for you, but I hope you understand why video games mean so much to me and many others out there.
Video games often get a reputation as something shallow you play for a few hours before you’re done, but they have the potential to be so much more. I am so grateful that studying abroad gave me this incredible experience that I will cherish with me forever.
Thank you all for reading my post. If experiences like this sound interesting to you, make sure you check out Temple Study Abroad for opportunities to explore the world. For now, bye everyone!
