At CES 2024, a bizarre AI version of Mario developed by Proto has been showcased, featuring voice recognition and a hologram of the iconic Nintendo character. This Mario hologram exhibits an unnerving appearance and voice that is drastically different from the beloved plumber's usual persona. Due to Nintendo's notorious protectiveness over its intellectual property, Proto's use of Mario raises questions about whether they have received authorization from Nintendo. Additionally, the hologram's interaction suggests a possible retail partnership, as it mentioned purchasing games at Target and exhibited Target branding. The unsettling nature of this tech could ignite discussions regarding the replacement of human voice actors with AI.
Did Nintendo officially sanction the AI Mario hologram at CES 2024?No, it's unclear if Nintendo sanctioned the hologram, and based on their strict history with intellectual property, it seems unlikely they approved this specific use of Mario.
Super Mario is one of Nintendo's most cherished franchises, with the first game, Super Mario Bros., released in 1985. Since then, the iconic character Mario has become the mascot of Nintendo and has appeared in many titles across various platforms. Mario's voice has traditionally been performed by Charles Martinet, who served as the voice of Mario until he stepped down, although he still remains affiliated with Nintendo as an ambassador. Super Mario's widespread appeal and recognition make any reproduction or impersonation of the character, especially in cutting-edge applications like holographic AI, a subject of scrutiny and interest among both fans and the industry.
