In an unexpected twist, Nintendo has unveiled a series of rare hardware prototypes at its newly opened Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, just days before its official launch. The museum, long anticipated by fans of the iconic gaming company, has addressed some early concerns about the depth of its historical displays by showcasing these unseen artifacts from Nintendo’s rich history.
Prior to its opening, fans and media raised complaints that the museum might not delve deeply enough into Nintendo’s past, particularly in terms of hardware evolution. But as the museum opened its doors, this critique was quickly quelled. A number of previously unreleased and rarely seen hardware prototypes are now featured in the “Storage” exhibit, offering a fascinating glimpse into Nintendo’s hardware development process from the Super Famicom to the Wii U era.
One of the first visitors to the museum, X user FarmboyinJapan, shared details on these prototypes in a series of posts. Although photography is prohibited inside the museum, FarmboyinJapan took careful notes and described the unique pieces in detail, which we’ve summarized below.
Prototypes from Every Era of Nintendo’s Hardware Evolution
Among the most intriguing displays is a prototype Super Famicom with red buttons. This design had been shown online before, but it’s a rare treat to see it up close. Moving further into Nintendo’s timeline, the museum also features prototypes of the Ultra 64 controllers, which were the precursors to the eventual N64 design. One of these early controllers boasted a control stick made from shiny metal, while another featured only a center grip. The final clay mold of the N64 controller’s completed design is also on display.
Nintendo’s early exploration into the GameCube era is also showcased with a greenish-blue, transparent GameCube prototype, which notably lacks internal components. Alongside it is an early GameCube controller prototype, which looks like the familiar design but has much longer grips. One side of this controller is made from clear plastic, now yellowed over time.
For fans of motion-controlled gaming, several Wii Remote prototypes are on display, some of which have been seen online before. However, two previously unseen models caught the attention of visitors. One remote was shaped like a fidget spinner, complete with a D-pad and buttons, while another resembled a giant D-pad with buttons scattered across it. A Wii Classic Controller prototype is also featured, designed to dock the Wii Remote in its center for added functionality.
Unveiling Virtual Boy, Game Boy, and DS Prototypes
The museum also pays tribute to Nintendo’s more experimental phases, including a Virtual Boy prototype made of clear plastic. Early Virtual Boy controllers made out of styrofoam are on display, offering a glimpse into the rough, initial stages of product development.
Several Game Boy prototypes stand out among the exhibits. One early model, which has a similar layout to the original Game Boy Advance, features a black shell with red buttons and the phrase “Dot Matrix Game” inscribed where the final version reads “Dot Matrix With Stereo Sound.” Another Game Boy prototype has the familiar vertical layout but retains its black casing and red buttons, with an unusual phrase, “Game Boy Are Protected Widely by Patents,” appearing under the screen.
Visitors are also treated to a prototype of a Game Boy Advance that was designed for one-handed use. This vertical-layout device is the size of a GBA Micro, but has a tiny D-pad and buttons, making it a compact, innovative concept.
In addition, an early DS prototype is displayed, featuring two screens that open horizontally instead of vertically, with D-pads and buttons on either side, bearing a striking resemblance to what would eventually become the Nintendo Switch.
An Essential Visit for Nintendo Fans
While visitors are not allowed to take photographs, FarmboyinJapan shared rough sketches to help fans visualize the designs. These rare prototypes offer a fascinating insight into Nintendo’s creative process and technological evolution over the decades.
Now open in Kyoto, the Nintendo Museum promises to be a pilgrimage destination for fans eager to explore the untold history behind the company’s beloved consoles and games. With the addition of these rare prototypes, Nintendo enthusiasts can look forward to a more comprehensive experience than initially expected.
