Nintendo’s New Store Feels Like a Theme Park - But What If It Went Even Bigger?

I’ve been seeing friends from college posting pics of the new Nintendo store in SF, and it’s giving major FOMO.

From what I’ve seen, it looks like everyone’s loving it. The design is bright, playful, packed with exclusive merch, and instantly recognizable. It’s a reminder that when experiential retail is done right, it doesn’t just sell products… it builds a world people want to step into.

Every display feels intentional. It’s not just shelves and signage, it’s storytelling. There’s a little bit of that theme park magic happening, just enough immersion to make you forget you’re technically in a store.

We’re clearly in the era of experiential retail but this feels like the early wave of something bigger. What happens when brands really let loose? What if more stores were built like playgrounds instead of showrooms? The future feels like it’s up for grabs… and I hope it’s bold, weird, and completely unforgettable.

The Nintendo store is fun, but part of me wonders: where’s the IRL Mario Kart? The Zelda dungeon escape room? The secret warp pipe? I think we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

What would your dream Nintendo store experience include? Giant Question Blocks? Smash Bros battle stations? Tell me. I want to go.