Tech Triumphs and Tragedies

A monthly snapshot of what’s good and bad in tech

TRIUMPHS

EXPENSIVE PLUMBER

A mint copy of SuperMario64 sold for $1.5m at auction—12 million of these were made originally.

HOLOGRAPHIC MONITOR

Looking Glass Factory has launched its Gen 2 3D monitors, no glasses needed. A 32-inch 8K model is $17,500. Pricey but cool.

BILLIONAIRE SPACE RACE

Richard Branson has been to space in his own spaceship. Bezos and Musk will no doubt soon join this rather exclusive club.

TRAGEDIES

COMMERCIALS IN GAMES

EA has signed a deal to integrate ads in games. If you watch them you earn an in-game perk, but it increases load times. Boo.

NEWEGG’S OEM IDEA

If you want to buy a “hot item” it’s only available in a complete system with a $99 fee on top, and no additional warranties.

CHINA’S GAMING CURFEW

To ensure under-18s don’t play all night, Tencent has added a facial recognition system to games.