Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch may be in line to get a VR accessory.
- Nintendo has drawn up plans for an accessory that turns the Switch into a VR headset, a patent spotted by Let's Go Digital shows.
- The design bears a striking resemblance to Nintendo's cardboard "Labo" VR headset - but there's one major difference: The material used.
- Unlike most VR headsets, this one doesn't have a headstrap. Users would have to physically hold the visor up to their face.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Nintendo looks to be pushing further into the world of virtual reality.
A newly discovered patent suggests that Nintendo is making an accessory that turns its Switch console into a VR headset. Dutch tech news site Let's Go Digital reported this week. Nintendo applied for the patent in February 2018, and it was published in August this year.
Here's an image from the patent of how you'll use the accessory to turn the Switch console into a VR headset:
Nintendo
An image from Nintendo's VR patent.
The headset closely resembles the "Nintendo Labo" VR headset - a cardboard accessory gamers can construct and use in conjunction with the Switch's "Nintendo Labo" game.
Unlike Labo, seen below, the accessory in the patent is made out of plastic.
Nintendo
A promotional image of a child using the "Nintendo Labo" VR headset.
And unlike other major VR headsets, the headset in the patent doesn't include a headstrap.
Instead, you would have to hold the device up to your face to use it.
All that said: Not all tech patents see the light of day, as companies sometimes file them to keep other companies from developing similar technology.
However, Nintendo does appear to be broadening the Switch's capabilities. Last week it released a trailer for a mysterious new wheel-like accessory that appears to be used for playing fitness-related games.
Nintendo was not immediately available for comment on the patent when contacted by Business Insider.
Next Story
Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
Indian housing sentiment index soars, Ahmedabad emerges as frontrunner
10 Best tourist places to visit in Ladakh in 2024
Invest in disaster resilience today for safer tomorrow: PM Modi
Apple Let Loose event scheduled for May 7 – New iPad models expected to be launched
DRDO develops lightest bulletproof jacket for protection against highest threat level
