Japanese retailer Aeon recently opened a new store in Urawamisono, containing a Nintendo themed game center. Dubbed "Mario Factory," the amusement facility is like a Japanese Chuck E. Cheese, minus the animatronics and pizza.

Huge statues of Mario and Luigi greet children players upon entering. There's a main stage for man-in-Mario-suit performances. Like many arcades in Japan, machines accept electronic IC money like Edy.

Oddly, Mario does not factor in at Mario Factory much at all. The IC "Mario coin" features some dude that looks like Abe Lincoln crossed with Jesus. The arcade showcases the likes of sticker picture booths and UFO catchers or Sega's Love and Berry and Mushi King. Prizes awarded to children include Mickey Mouse.

Oh, I geddit. They call it Mario Factory, because he's the bossman, overseeing all the other games, and not because it's wall-to-wall Italian plumber. Golly, that makes so much sense. Rumor has it that Mario Factory will spread to other Aeons around Japan. Yippie-skippy.

More Here [Nintendo Inside]