September 2, 2025, 2:09 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
For the past 13 years, those wanting to view the Mona Lisa and other artworks at the Louvre could rely on a Nintendo 3DS. An unusual combination of hardware and purpose, but one that proved effective.
When you hear the name Nintendo, you typically think of family-friendly video games like “Mario Kart” and “Pokémon” or popular gaming consoles such as the Switch. The idea that visitors to the Louvre could explore the renowned museum with a Nintendo 3DS doesn’t immediately come to mind. In fact, the device served as a digital guide for an additional fee, using specialized software. But that’s now over.
Louvre Ends Use of Nintendo 3DS
The handheld device hit the market in 2011, and just a year later, the Louvre began using the Nintendo 3DS as an “innovative visitor guide” at the time. Visitors from around the world could then examine details of artworks more closely, plan special tours, or listen to audio descriptions of certain exhibits.
However, as of September 1, 2025, this is no longer possible, as reported by the French newspaper “Le Monde.” The world-famous museum has withdrawn the devices and is sending them back to the Japanese manufacturer. A small note on the Louvre’s website also reveals that they are working on a new audio guide.
Before its introduction, there will be a transition period from now until October 21, 2025. Until then, no audio guides will be available to the public.
Louvre Guide on Nintendo 3DS Was Also Available for Home Use
Initially, the use of the Louvre guide on the Nintendo 3DS was exclusive to the site, but by the end of 2013, it was also available for purchase, for example, in Nintendo’s online store. Art enthusiasts could relive their visit, while others could save on admission this way.
However, the company ended online purchases for the 3DS family and the Wii U on March 27, 2023. The Louvre software is thus no longer available digitally. There was also a physical edition—rarity hunters might try their luck on relevant channels. For the 3DS, Nintendo sealed its fate in early 2024 by shutting down most online services.