Nintendo's Fukuoka Store Draws Mixed Reviews

Nintendo has revealed plans to launch a new flagship retail location in Fukuoka, Japan by late 2025.

Fourth Nintendo Store in Japan, First Outside Honshu

The upcoming Nintendo Fukuoka will become the company's fourth official Japanese store, joining existing locations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Marking a significant expansion move, this will be Nintendo's first retail outlet located outside Japan's main Honshu island, instead situated in Fukuoka City on Kyushu, Japan's southernmost major island.

Mixed Reactions Across Japan

Japanese fans on social media platform X greeted Nintendo Fukuoka's announcement with celebratory messages, with many expressing hopes for eventual nationwide store coverage. Numerous commenters speculated that Sapporo - Hokkaido's largest city on Japan's northernmost island - would make the most logical next location.

Nagoya Residents Feel Overlooked

Not all reactions were positive, as many expressed disappointment over Nintendo seemingly bypassing Nagoya. Despite being Japan's fourth-largest metropolis and Aichi prefecture's capital, Nagoya contends with an unfortunate reputation for being unexciting. This perception became particularly notable in 2016 when Nagoya residents themselves ranked their city third in attractiveness behind Tokyo and Kyoto in a government-conducted survey of Japan's eight largest cities - ironically commissioned by Nagoya officials.

The city's central location between Tokyo and Osaka contributes to its frequent exclusion from major events and tours, a phenomenon locally known as "Nagoya skipping." Recent developments like July's opening of a new 17,000-capacity arena aim to counteract this trend (source: Chukyo TV).

Strategic Location Details

The new Nintendo Fukuoka will occupy space within Kyushu's largest shopping mall at Hakata Station, Kyushu's primary transportation hub offering bullet train access to Honshu and proximity to Fukuoka Airport. This strategic placement will significantly improve accessibility for residents across surrounding prefectures.

Post-pandemic tourism trends further strengthen Fukuoka's case, with steadily increasing international visitors - predominantly from South Korea - expected to continue growing (source: Fukuoka Prefectural Government).

Beyond Retail: The Nintendo Store Experience

Nintendo's official stores offer more than standard Switch consoles, games, and merchandise. They serve as experiential hubs featuring exclusive events and hands-on demonstrations with upcoming releases. Industry analysts suggest Nintendo Fukuoka may play a crucial role in marketing the anticipated Switch successor console.

This expansion follows last week's opening of Nintendo San Francisco, marking Nintendo's first West Coast retail presence in the U.S. IGN recently toured the new location and conducted an exclusive interview with Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser.