Elon Musk‘s Neuralink has once again captured the world’s attention with its latest groundbreaking achievement: enabling a paralyzed individual to play Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch.
Yes, you heard that right. The remarkable feat was caught on camera and is going viral, with many impressed about the technology and even more elated with the implications of what this could mean for accessibility in the gaming space and beyond. However, some felt that what we saw was a little misleading, and with reason.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink Makes the Impossible Possible for One Gamer
A recent video has shaken the internet, showcasing the potential of Neuralink technology but also raising questions about the future of gaming and accessibility.
A guy paralysed from the neck down is playing Mario Kart using a Neuralink brain implant.
Waiting for Nintendo to send out legal threats pic.twitter.com/1F7vzoPy9a
— PC_Focus 🔴🏴☠️ (@PC_Focus_) March 24, 2024
The video footage of the paralyzed individual effortlessly maneuvering through Mario Kart tracks using only their thoughts has mesmerized viewers worldwide. Many are awed and excited at the possibilities this technology presents.
Commenters on social media platforms have called it a significant breakthrough in the field of neurotechnology.
This is really impressive. Amazing we are at this technological level already. Hopefully it can help soon cure paralysis itself. I'm amazed he can just think it and it does it. Makes me want one just for testing purposes lol.
— EpicCargo (@EpicCargo) March 24, 2024
Some even jokingly speculated about Nintendo sending a cease-and-desist letter to the player for their unconventional use of the game.
Nintendo gonna be like this bruh😩 pic.twitter.com/FUiVLYYcKD
— MichaelSoft Pereda (@michaelpereda) March 24, 2024
What we saw wasn’t the full story though, apparently. The game does have auto steer features, which some pointed out.
this might sound more advanced at first glance than it actually is tbh. Mario kart 8 has extensive support features that partially control the car for you and automatically accelerates.
good first step, tho either way
— kvbrd (@kvbrd_YT) March 24, 2024
However, in an interesting twist, the game has a visual indicator when the feature is turned on, which isn’t seen in the video.
A Game-Changer or Cause for Concern?
Neuralink, founded by Musk, aims to develop brain-computer interface technology to enhance human capabilities. The concept involves implanting tiny electrodes into the brain to allow for direct communication between the brain and external devices, such as computers or smartphones.
Critics have raised concerns about the ethical and safety implications of the tech. While it holds promise for individuals across the board, there are fears about potential misuse or unintended consequences. Some worry about the long-term effects of implanting electrodes into the brain, including the risk of infection or damage to neural tissue.
Musk’s controversial reputation and the secretive nature of Neuralink’s operations, documented by WIRED, have also fueled skepticism.
In short, the device had been tested on monkeys for years before beginning human trials, and the behavior and symptoms they displayed up until their deaths (indeed, they died) are quite disturbing. Around a dozen primates had to be euthanized.
While Musk claimed on X that the monkeys were already near death before the surgery, the anonymous whistleblower refuted this, stating the monkeys were alive for around a year before the implant.
Musk’s tech is undeniably impressive and brimming with potential, these concerns regarding the alleged unethical testing and the major risk factor of the whole operation are hard to swallow.
As Neuralink continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s always wise to consider the broader implications of merging technology with the human brain.
What do you think about it? Let us know your thoughts—the good and the bad—in the comments below!
