Nintendo New York
| Company type | Retail store |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games, Retail |
| Founded | May 14, 2005 in New York City, United States |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Video games, Apparel, Hardware, Accessories, Collectibles |
| Owner | Nintendo |
Nintendo New York—formerly known as Nintendo World and initially launched as Pokémon Center New York—serves as the premier flagship retail location of the renowned video game company Nintendo. Situated within 10 Rockefeller Plaza at the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City, this two-level retail space encompasses approximately 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) and officially opened its doors on May 14, 2005.
About
This dual-story outlet offers an extensive assortment of Nintendo-related products, ranging from video games to exclusive merchandise such as apparel, hardware, and accessories unique to this location. Among the specialty items are plush toys featuring Japanese Mario characters and comprehensive strategy guides covering numerous Nintendo titles. The ground floor primarily showcases general Nintendo merchandise, while dedicated space on the upper level is reserved for Pokémon collectibles.
The second floor hosts multiple interactive kiosks equipped with various Nintendo Switch titles, inviting customers to engage in gameplay firsthand. Additionally, this level contains a compact museum displaying vintage Nintendo consoles and peripherals. Highlighted exhibits include the Power Glove, an original Nintendo Entertainment System, and a Japanese Nintendo Famicom.
Nintendo New York frequently organizes competitive gaming tournaments and promotional events for new releases, often awarding prizes and providing early access to participants. The venue has also served as a screening location for official Nintendo broadcasts, including several Nintendo Direct presentations.
Pokémon Center New York
On November 1, 2001, Pokémon USA, Inc. revealed plans to launch Pokémon Center New York on November 16. This two-level, 13,000-square-foot (1,200 m2) venue was designed to serve as both a retail outlet and an interactive experience, featuring attractions such as an "Ultra Pokédex" and a Poké Ball prop that emitted fog and light effects. Visitors could use Game Boy Color consoles on the upper floor to explore various Pokémon titles and obtain exclusive in-game Pokémon. Among the unique products available was the Pokémon Mini handheld device. The store was marketed as the sole dedicated physical location for the franchise within the United States.
In 2004, the store’s website posted a notice indicating its closure scheduled for January 19, 2005, with plans to reopen in spring offering an expanded selection of Pokémon merchandise alongside items from other Nintendo franchises.
Nintendo World
It was announced on April 6, 2005, that the renovated store would be rebranded as Nintendo World, broadening its focus to encompass all Nintendo franchises while still maintaining a significant Pokémon presence on its second floor. The revamped store officially opened with a launch event on May 14.
Developer Shigeru Miyamoto visited Nintendo World on September 25, 2005, to celebrate the release of Nintendogs and mark the 20th anniversary of Super Mario Bros..
On July 10, 2010, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, made an appearance at Nintendo World in honor of the launch of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies.
Following a three-week renovation, Nintendo World reopened on November 1, 2010, featuring enhancements such as new Nintendo DSi consoles, updated lighting, and an enlarged museum section. This refurbishment also prepared the store for the upcoming Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary celebration held on November 7, 2010. Attendees included Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé and Shigeru Miyamoto.
The Nintendo World store hosted a major event for the Wii U launch on November 17, 2012, attracting hundreds of attendees. Reggie Fils-Aimé, a native of the New York area, participated in the festivities.
Between November 21, 2014 and January 15, 2015, players owning Pokémon Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire could obtain an Eon Ticket at the store. This ticket enabled an in-game encounter with Latias or Latios depending on their version. After acquiring the Eon Ticket, players could share it freely with others who had copies of the game via StreetPass.
Nintendo New York
The Nintendo World store temporarily closed on January 19, 2016, to undergo renovations and subsequently reopened on February 19, 2016, featuring updated elements within the venue. Upon reopening, the establishment was rebranded as "Nintendo New York."
On March 14, 2020, Nintendo NY reduced its operating hours for the public. Shortly thereafter, on March 16, 2020, the company announced via Twitter that the store would close entirely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. Later, on August 5, 2020, Nintendo NY revealed plans to reopen the store on August 8. Patrons were required to adhere to health and safety protocols and secure reservations online prior to entry.
During the unrest linked to the George Floyd protests on June 1, 2020, the store’s windows were damaged amid a riot in Manhattan.
Game Boy affected during the Gulf War
On the museum's second floor, there was once an exhibit featuring a Game Boy that belonged to Dr. Stephan Scoggins, a medic who served in the Gulf War. The device’s front casing suffered extensive melting and burning inside his barracks following a bombing incident. While still deployed, Scoggins sent the damaged console to Nintendo of America's publication Nintendo Power with hopes of obtaining a replacement. Although technicians who examined the unit deemed it irreparable, they found it could still power on and that the Start and Select buttons remained functional; they tested it by loading a copy of Tetris. As a gesture honoring the conflict, Nintendo Power provided Scoggins with a replacement Game Boy labeled as a special "Desert Storm" courtesy. His request letter along with photographs of the damaged console were published in issue #26 of the magazine.[1] This battered Game Boy was subsequently exhibited at the store from its opening as evidence of the system’s resilience, remaining operational and receiving occasional upkeep until confirmation in 2023 that it had been returned to Nintendo of America's headquarters located in Redmond, Washington.[2][3][4][5]
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