Lines form as PHL’s first Nintendo Authorized Store opens

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A YOUNG FAN playing Mario Kart World at the Switch 2 demo stations. — BRONTË H. LACSAMANA

ASSORTED Super Mario merchandise available at the Nintendo Authorized Store. — SCREENSHOT FROM SM MAKATI OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

ASSORTED Pokemon merchandise available at the Nintendo Authorized Store. — SCREENSHOT FROM SM MAKATI OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

SM Makati branch is the second in Southeast Asia

FOR GAMERS seeking Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 hardware and software, as well as video games, accessories, and merchandise for various Nintendo titles and characters, a new store in SM Makati contains all of that, and more.

The first Nintendo Authorized Store in the Philippines opened to influencers and media on May 21 and to the public on May 22. Located on the second floor of SM Makati, it boasts a selection of games and related items for the likes of Super Mario, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, Pikmin, and the latest Tomodachi Life, among other licensed partners.

Though Japanese video gaming company Nintendo only has official stores in Japan and the US, it first opened an authorized store in Southeast Asia in 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. The SM Makati branch is the second, operated by International Toyworld, Inc., and Nintendo distributor M.M. Soft (Maxsoft) Enterprise.

Speaking at the launch, Nintendo executive officer Takeuchi Juro said, “Many people around the world, including here in the Philippines, have been enjoying new games such as Mario Kart World. Here in the authorized store, you can buy consoles, games from Nintendo, and also third-party titles.” He added that there is “a wide array of products to choose from” for Nintendo fans.

For International Toyworld President Rosemarie Dylim, the store is more of an immersive experience rather than a standard shop for buying the latest games and merch.

“The opening of the Nintendo Authorized Store in the Philippines is not just about creating a retail space. It’s about creating a home for Nintendo fans for all ages, a place where longtime fans can reconnect with characters they grew up with like Mario and Luigi, and where new players can begin their own Nintendo journey,” said Ms. Dylim. “We’re honored to bring this experience closer to Filipino families and communities.”

At the grand opening last Thursday, fans were greeted by a Mario mascot before they eagerly browsed through the consoles and merch. Over at the Switch 2 demo stations, gamers tried out Mario Kart World, Pokopia, and Super Mario Galaxy. By Saturday morning, Nintendo fans — some dressed as their favorite character — filled chairs lining SM Makati’s first and second floors as they waited for their turn to enter and view the wares in the Nintendo store.

The Nintendo Switch 2 itself is priced at around P32,000 to P35,000 at the store, depending on the bundle.

“Nintendo has always been more than just games,” Ms. Dylim explained. “It’s about memories of racing with friends in Mario Kart, discovering adventures together, and sharing moments that bring people closer across generations.”

Mr. Takeuchi added that the best way to enjoy the store is to feel like a child again. “You can find merchandise officially licensed from Nintendo and demo stations where you can try the many games of Nintendo. We encourage you to come enjoy and have a great time,” he said.

In addition to the variety of video games, consoles, and gaming gear, there are shelves of character-themed merchandise, spanning dolls, toys, and keychains.

Among the celebrities that browsed the store on opening day were actress-host Megan Young with her husband Mikael Daez and son Leon, and cosplayer and content creator Alodia Gosiengfiao with her husband Christopher Quimbo and son Cameron.

While the executives couldn’t talk about specific developments to expect now that the store is open, Ms. Dylim said that “knowing Nintendo, this is only the beginning.”

In the Philippines, authorized Nintendo products are exclusively distributed by M.M. Soft (Maxsoft) Enterprise. The store, now open to the public, is located in SM Makati, Ayala Center, Makati. — Brontë H. Lacsamana