Nintendo of Canada last week launched the first ‘mouse’ developed for a video game, along with a software package that allows users to draw, paint, animate and compose music.

Mario Paint and Mouse uses a mouse and mouse pad similar to those of personal computers to manipulate 15 colors, 75 textured backgrounds, 120 pre-designed stamps, various shape templates, sound effects and other drawing tools.

Creations can then be saved on vcr tape for future use.

Mario Paint and Mouse, designed to be used with the 16-bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System introduced a year ago, is getting a pre-Christmas push with tv and magazine ads along with in-mall demonstrations.

Leo Burnett, Chicago, created the tv spots with the Toronto office behind the print campaign.

Early in the new year, Nintendo plans to release several other games to be used with the mouse, as well as a breakthrough product called a Super FX chip that will add true 3D effects to visuals. PS