AR Enabled Pre-Paid eShop Cards Heading to Japan

There was a Chotto Nintendo Direct earlier today, never fear you didn’t miss a whole bunch.

Nintendo took the time to show off some new pre-paid eShop cards that will be coming to Japan. These eShop cards will come with a free downloadable app to show off new augmented reality scenes featuring Nintendo characters.

Once you’ve purchased your eShop card you can scan the QR code on the card to get the app, then use the card to bring Mario and friends to life. You’ll be able to take photos and interact with the characters.

There will be six cards made available, the first batch of three will feature Goomba, Mario and Peach and be available in Japan starting on April 23rd. The second batch doesn’t have a date yet but will feature Koopa Troopa, Luigi and Bowser. Luigi gets shunted to the second tier once again.

If all this doesn’t sound too impressive then watch what happens when you put two cards together, they’ll interact and play with each other.

There’s no word yet if these cards will come outside of Japan, but since they’re just cards – we can’t see why they won’t.

The entire Chotto Nintendo Direct is included below for your viewing pleasure.