The first time I stepped foot inside the Nintendo World building in New York City, I felt a sense of euphoria equivalent to eyeing your true love from across a crowded room. I was 12 or 13 during my first visit, and it quickly became one of my favorite places on Earth. This was during the time when the Wii was still popular but before the release of Skyward Sword.
All of the New York traffic and crowds were worth it to reach this destination. The store in 2009 was littered with tons of plush animals to purchase and game stations to try demo releases. A Toon Link plush still sits in my home from that time.
While the store in 2009 was a wonderful experience, nothing could beat its unforgettable layout in 2011.
In 2011, Skyward Sword was released, which was a huge deal at the time because it was Nintendo’s first Wii-exclusive mainline Zelda installment. It was also the 25th anniversary of the Zelda series, and Nintendo World NYC became the coolest place on the east coast.
Half of the second floor was dedicated to the Zelda series, like a museum. There were glass cases filled with cool merchandise, including books, rare figures, magazines, and game systems. It was literally a museum, and it’s a shame that the store doesn’t look like that anymore.
The space where the Zelda museum once existed now displays amiibo and other interesting items, including a Game Boy damaged in the Gulf War that allegedly still works. It’s extremely exciting to wonder if the store will bring back this exhibit for Zelda’s 35 anniversary.
In 2012 and 2013 (and probably more dates), Nintendo World NYC hosted mini Symphony of the Goddesses concerts. These mini-concerts were held on the second floor of the building and were extremely crowded. Early birds received an exclusive ocarina which people played while waiting in line.
The mini-concerts were about an hour long, and at the end of the show, a person dressed as Link would come out for pictures. The concert itself was orchestrated by professionals who were experts in their instruments. If you closed your eyes while they played, you would find yourself right in Hyrule Field.
The last time I visited the store was about a year ago. While the cool museum was gone, they did add in a giant Link statue that is worthy of at least 20 pictures. There are Zelda-themed hats, shirts, books, and other fun miscellaneous items that are perfect for any Zelda fan.
Nintendo World NYC is truly a magical place, and I’m very excited to see what they’ll do next. I can’t wait to go back one day and make new experiences and awesome memories!
