Mario in Real Time

Mario in Real Time (also known as MIRT) is an interactive system that was introduced around 1992, and has since been used by Nintendo in various s. Thought up by, MIRT is notable for crediting Charles Martinet as Mario's voice (prior to his video game debut in Mario's FUNdamentals).

MIRT displays Mario on a screen, through which he can talk to those attending the trade fair. Charles Martinet himself (with substitute Stevie Coyle) works the device, standing out of view and reciting Mario's lines, which are instantly reiterated by the hero. Martinet also provides Mario's movement through sensors courtesy of Simgraphics Engineering, who developed the VActor technology on which MIRT works. (Mario sound effects and various impossible movements are also available to Martinet.) Although Martinet is hidden from the audience, he can see and hear them through a hidden camera and microphone. In addition to trade shows, an early Mario in Real Time was used to animate Mario's face in Mario Teaches Typing and its sequel.

MIRT has been repeatedly used by Nintendo throughout the years for promotional events all the way up to present day, modern examples including San Diego Comic-Con 2012 and the Nintendo World Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon launch event in New York in 2013 (the former having featured Martinet (as Mario) answering questions from fans, while the latter involved Luigi welcoming fans to the Dark Moon launch event.