Nintendo 3DS to replace audio guides at the Louvre

Starting in March, The Louvre will begin to replace its audio guides with Nintendo 3DS consoles that will allow visitors to find their location on a map, choose themed itineraries, and listen to hundreds of recorded commentaries in seven languages, AFP reports. The Louvre's head of multimedia told AFP that Nintendo is providing 5,000 of the devices, and that it developed the content for the 3DS as part of a partnership — the museum still retains editorial control, though, so you won't likely see people with official tour consoles playing Super Mario 3D Land. Only four percent of the museum's 8.5 million yearly visitors use the current audio guides, and the decision to move to the 3DS was made by museum officials who believe that it will appeal to people who like touch screens or playing console games.