The company behind the technology has now admitted that a disturbing AI-powered hologram of Nintendo-developed Mario, at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, was unlicensed and unofficial.
The strange-looking, robotic-voiced Mario was the work of Proto Hologram, a company that creates holograms inside large, boxy structures that you can talk to and interact with.
Even more bizarrely, the Mario hologram was supposed to be a collaboration with AARP, an American advocacy group for people over the age of 50 – apparently to show how AI holograms could combat loneliness in older people. But with Mario? What’s more – with a broken, poorly-sounding 3D model of Mario?
3D footage of Mario from CES attendees shows the animated plumber responding to questions with generic answers and jagged lip movements, while the strange voice emits a robotic response.
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After the footage attracted attention on social media and users started asking questions, hologram maker Proto has now responded.
“The 3D AI animation briefly seen today is an incomplete proof of concept that was tested for the client to demonstrate technological capabilities and innovation,” a Proto spokesperson told Kotaku. “It is not intended for commercial release.
“AARP and Nintendo did not participate in today’s accidental display. The fact that so many gamers in the world took notice shows they are the best fans in the world and we applaud them.”
Eurogamer has contacted Nintendo for comment on the use of Mario in Proto’s hologram, but has yet to receive a response.