Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Nintendo announced they will provide ‘Mario Kart’ to Japan retirement home residents…..
It is not known whether Nintendo will add any more to the list alongside Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training For Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Nintendo Switch Sports.
“Through these initiatives, we are pursuing further possibilities for Nintendo Switch and compatible software, and by providing unique entertainment that everyone can experience, we aim to reach out to everyone related to Nintendo, regardless of age, gender, or gaming experience,” Nintendo added. “We aim for a future that makes people smile.”
The Nintendo Switch is a more traditional game console, but its detachable motion-sensing Joy-Cons work similarly to the Wii’s Wii remotes, and will be an important part of Nintendo’s new initiative in Japan. The company is partnering with Gakken Cocofan, a company that operates assisted living facilities and elderly housing there, to provide senior communities with Switch consoles and titles like Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo Switch, Switch Sports (which recreates Wii Sports’ popular bowling activity) and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe—although we can’t help but wonder if the stressful sound of an approaching blue shell is what seniors really need.
As announced in a press release, Nintendo was pleased that the initial trial for this initiative was a success. Working with Gakken Cocofan, a company that operates assisted living spaces for the elderly, small-scale events introduced the games to the residents and staff at these centres.
“We have reached an agreement with Gakken Cocofan to provide Nintendo Switch and compatible software to 200 residential buildings, and to hold events for the elderly using Nintendo Switch with the support of our staff,” read the machine translation of the Japanese press release. The handheld Nintendo DS had a similarly broadened appeal thanks to a stylus-driven touchscreen and titles like Brain Age, which appealed to older demographics not looking for platformers or shoot-em-ups.