The Louvre Museum in Paris is officially discontinuing audio guides on Nintendo 3DS. This unusual project, launched back in 2012, was the world's first experience using a game console in a museum space, Nintendo Everything reports.
Specially modified Nintendo 3DS devices with a branded Louvre sticker offered visitors a whole range of services. The system was based on an interactive 3D map of the museum with a navigation function, the console determined the guest's location and suggested optimal routes to the most famous exhibits.
In addition to the usual audio descriptions in 8 languages, the system also included unusual functions. A special "quick tour" was available for visitors, and a game route with interesting tasks was developed for children. An AR mode was also available, which allowed taking pictures of exhibits through special markers.
However, over time, the technology became outdated. The small screen of the console no longer impressed visitors accustomed to smartphones with Retina displays. The navigation system, which worked via GPS, often malfunctioned in the museum halls. And the pandemic finally buried the project - the need for constant disinfection of the devices made their operation unprofitable.