Apple Acquires AR Firm Responsible for Nintendo’s ‘Mario Kart’ Attraction

According to reports, Apple has acquired Mira, a startup specializing in AR technology. Mira, based in Los Angeles, is known for creating AR headsets for Super Nintendo World’s Mario Kart ride and has secured contracts with the US Air Force and Navy. In 2017, ReturnByte tested the Mira Prism, the company’s AR headset designed for smartphones. Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated AR headset, the Vision Pro, during its WWDC 2023 keynote on Monday.

The Verge reports that the acquisition was confirmed on the private Instagram account of Mira CEO Ben Taft, and that it was also confirmed by Apple. It’s not yet clear what Apple paid for the startup — or what plans it has for the company. (Talent and patents are logical candidates after the Vision Pro announcement.) The Verge also reports that Apple has brought at least 11 Mira employees on board, and that former engineering chief Jony Ive once advised the startup.

Mira’s Air Force contract reportedly includes providing Prism Pro headsets to airmen at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California so they can review guidance on the accessories. Meanwhile, an augmented reality device designed for Nintendo World depicts the game’s virtual characters and animations to make the journey feel like you’re inside the classic racing game.

While working on the Mira Prism in 2017, ReturnByte’s Devindra Hardawar found the phone-based device to be surprisingly superior for its price (for the era). “Although I only spent a few minutes with Prisma, I was impressed with what I saw,” he said. “I’m used to trying headphones that are too expensive for most people, so it was a little surprising that they would work at all.” Fast forward to this week, Hardawar calls the Apple Vision Pro “the best mixed reality (VR/AR) experience I’ve had to date, offering an unparalleled sense of immersion” while holding reservations. However, it’s still just a VR headset with many issues across the category.