Shigeru Miyamoto’s innovative Nintendo 3DS audio guides, launched at the Louvre in 2012, will retire on September 1, 2025, after 13 years. Developed under Miyamoto’s guidance, the guides offered a unique museum experience with 3D models, geolocation, and over 30 hours of commentary.
Shigeru Miyamoto’s Vision for the Louvre
In 2012, Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Mario and Zelda, led Nintendo’s collaboration with the Louvre to replace traditional audio guides with 5,000 New Nintendo 3DS XL consoles. The bespoke app featured interactive maps, high-resolution images, and 3D reconstructions of artworks like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, enhancing visitor navigation in the 782,910-square-foot museum.
Features of the 3DS Guide
Shigeru Miyamoto’s 3DS app provided over 600 images, 400 3D room reconstructions, and 700 curator commentaries in nine languages, including English, French, and Japanese. Its geolocation tracked visitors’ locations, offering tailored tours like the 45-minute “Masterpieces” route, making art accessible and engaging.
Why Retirement?
The 3DS, released in 2011, was phased out by Nintendo’s Switch in 2017, with repair support ending in 2020. Shigeru Miyamoto’s guides, reliant on aging hardware, face maintenance challenges, prompting the Louvre to plan a new system, possibly a smartphone app, though details remain undisclosed.
Cultural Impact
Shigeru Miyamoto’s 3DS guides were celebrated in a 2013 Nintendo Direct with Satoru Iwata, showcasing their innovative blend of gaming and culture. Available for purchase on the 3DS eShop until 2023, the app let global fans explore the Louvre virtually, leaving a lasting legacy.
Future Outlook
As Shigeru Miyamoto’s 3DS guides retire, the Louvre’s new system could involve Nintendo’s Switch 2 or a smartphone app, reflecting the shift to modern devices. The end of this program marks a bittersweet close to a unique chapter in museum technology.
