While Nintendo decides (or doesn’t) on whether to enter the smart phone gaming market, new prospects are on the rise elsewhere in. . . cultural institutions? Nintendo has partnered with the Louvre to upgrade the museum’s admittedly dated and unspectacular audio tours which have proved unpopular with the 8.5 million visitors who pass through its halls every year. Looking to appeal to a more contemporary (and younger) audience, the museum sought out Nintendo because of the company’s universal appeal and innovating portable console technology. “People’s habits have changed,” Agnes Alfandari, head of multimedia at the Louvre, tells the Agent France-Presse. “But that offers us a huge opportunity to extend the museum’s territory, and build a lasting relationship with our visitors.” Nintendo has promised the Louvre 5,000 3DS units, to be shipped to the museum beginning in March. The “Louvre 3DS” will be loaded with, among other things, gallery itineraries, in-depth commentaries, and educational programs. Nintendo will also produce exclusive content for the tour guide, and while it isn’t known what this may entail, it’s likely that the company will implement its glasses-free 3D display in some fashion. If you’re still puzzled by the partnership, then you clearly missed episode #22 of The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3.

by Samuel Medina

posted in Uncategorized

tagged Art, gaming, Louvre, museum, Nintendo, tour guide

more articles by Samuel Medina