16 Dec 2016, 2:05 p.m.
The Switch isn't just a games console and portable handheld in one, it's also Nintendo's answer to virtual reality.
Whenever a company prepares to launch a new piece of hardware they attempt to patent as many of the ideas it contains as possible. This ultimately means submitting lots of details and diagrams to a patent office. The Nintendo Switch is no exception to this process, and the diagrams relating to the Switch's design suggest Nintendo plans to support virtual reality gaming.
Nintendo filed multiple patent documents for the Switch, many of which have now appeared on the NeoGAF forums. They show an immense amount of detail about the design of the Switch handheld, dock, and controllers, but it's a new accessory that has grabbed our attention.
Figure 60 is a diagram of a head-mounted unit which has a slot in the front where the Switch tablet sits. The description states this "housing" can be "mounted on the head of the user." Think of it acting in a similar fashion to Google Daydream View by offering a cheap way of experiencing virtual reality, only in this case instead of a smartphone you insert Nintendo's tablet and enjoy Nintendo-licensed experiences.
Embracing VR certainly makes sense when you consider Sony is pushing PSVR for PS4, but it also holds a lot of potential for taking advantage of Nintendo's gaming IP. For example, a VR simulation that places you in Animal Crossing would be extremely popular.
Here's another crazy idea Nintendo could explore: gaming with other Switch owners remotely in VR. Imagine all being in the same virtual room sat around a big screen TV with friends.
The next Switch information reveal by Nintendo is happening through a live stream on January 12. The demonstration of this VR headset accessory would be a nice supplement to the expected details about launch games and a launch date confirmation.