The robotic vacuum cleaner Roomba has already made life easier by cleaning floors on its own (when it is not running away), but a U.S. art exhibition recently showed how the device can turn household chores into a replay of childhood video games. At the art show, an artist crafted Nintendo-inspired covers and turned the cleaning robots into four of the most feared, but beloved video game enemies from the Super Mario and Legend of Zelda series.
The cute Roombas are part of an exhibition on 1980s video game memories at a Los Angeles art hall. The four designs were modeled after popular villains from Nintendo video games: the green and red Koopa shells from Super Mario Kart, the Goomba from Super Mario Brothers, and the Octorok from The Legend of Zelda.
▼ The green Koopa shell from Super Mario Kart
▼ The red and green shells ready to take out your real life Mario Kart opponent
▼ The Goomba from Super Mario Brothers
▼ The Octorok from The Legend of Zelda
Japanese netizens were split over which character they would want to adorn their robot friend, but they all seemed to agree that you should not try to recreate an actual Super Mario level by stomping on the poor creatures. They wanted to get one, but netizens would have to make strict rules to make sure their kids do not imitate Mario! But beyond the all around greatness of having Nintendo characters cleaning up your floors, some netizens had some comments and concerns:
But that’s going to make it hard for cats to ride!
With a cover like that, it’s going to be hard for cats to hang on.
I want the shell one and then I’m going to put my kid on top!
▼ Roomba kitty: real-life video game villain
Image: Cheezburger
Watch the video below and let us know which video game Roomba you want!
Source: Nikita Sokuhou
Images/Video: Vimeo (iam8bit Productions)
Super Nintendo World: The rides and activities 【Photos】
First look at Universal Studios’ Mario Kart ride, Super Nintendo World’s opening date revealed【Vid】
Japan picks the 100 greatest games of all time in Video Game General Election
Still got Club Nintendo points? New Zelda and Mario shirts, pouches, and more available in Japan
Nintendo’s favorite plumbers doing parkour gets big praise in Japan 【Video】
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
Tokyo teahouse serves up a sakura matcha dessert you won’t find anywhere else
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Hinamatsuri Pikachu kimono couple plushie on the way to celebrate Japan’s Doll Festival【Photos】
Japan’s “new normal” train manners poster: 7 steps for safe travel during the pandemic
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese violinist covers Super NES soundtracks AND sound effects in amazing videos【Videos】
Super Mario is officially a plumber again, Nintendo says
The more you know Mario: The unusual Japanese names of Nintendo’s Super Mario characters
VR Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey modes coming, for free, from Nintendo
Nintendo made an interactive alarm clock, and it’s awesome in so many ways【Video】
Super Mario T-shirts make an encore appearance at Uniqlo as part of UT Archives【Photos】
Nintendo accidentally reveals Zelda-themed Wii U hardware bundle
Nintendo releases nearly 50 new video chat backgrounds from Animal Crossing, Zelda, and more!
Nintendo fans, get your sewing machines ready! Official Nintendo fabrics now available to buy
Here it is: The finalized map for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (and its food)
Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World preview shows fans busting moves, mystery block
Uniqlo and Nintendo team up for awesome line of video game T-shirts representing 10 franchises
“Super Real Mario Odyssey” video ponders what trouble Mario may get into in upcoming Switch title
Hello Kitty joins Mario Maker, may possibly break Japanese-ness level-measuring equipment 【Video】
Nintendo says there are no game overs, EVER, in upcoming Super Mario Odyssey