The VR industry is in deep trouble right now, but a good release from Nintendo could change that.
- Nintendo is rumored to be exploring the VR gaming arena, with potential testing of a standalone VR headset prototype.
- Historically, Nintendo has shown interest in 3D and VR gaming with products like Virtual Boy and Labo VR Kit.
- If Nintendo indeed ventures into VR, leveraging iconic game titles and their innovative approach, it could reshape the VR industry.
The field of virtual reality is at a crossroads, and Nintendo is starting to show signs of being a major player.
There are rumors circulating that the massive gaming company Nintendo may be getting ready to enter the VR gaming arena. The origin? It’s none other than Nash Weedle, a seasoned leaker who has predicted the arrival of Metroid Dread on the Nintendo Switch a year ahead of its retail release.
The same source claims that Nintendo has started testing the prototype and is not only “planning” to work on the standalone VR headset.
GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/16bn3rh/nintendo_rumored_to_be_collaborating_with_google/”>Nintendo rumored to be collaborating with Google on a standalone VR Headset
byu/TotallyNotAMeanGuy inGamingLeaksAndRumours
A savvy Redditor discovered a November 2022 patent that Nintendo filed, allowing consoles to communicate with virtual reality headgear. Even though patents might be misleading, this information supports the rumor. However, an intriguing collaboration with tech giant Google raises this story above the level of mere wind chimes. Micro-LED panels are said to be a feature of the headset. Raxium is a company that Google purchased last year. The gadget will become economical and energy-efficient thanks to these screens. The oblique relationship with Google has sparked rumors about the latter’s purported XR operating system, which may become a reality as a result of their collaboration.
Nintendo’s strategy for virtual reality is probably primarily recreational. The goal is obvious: rather than competing with industry titans like AppleVision Pro, they may have their sights set on products similar as Meta Quest. Furthermore, Nintendo is by no means a stranger to the VR space. Back in 1995, the company unveiled the Virtual Boy 3D system, which demonstrated a 3D gaming experience but was not a fully functional VR device. Recently, Nintendo gave Switch owners a taste of virtual reality with the release of the Labo VR Kit.
Nintendo has a history of breaking convention, innovating, and making waves in the game industry with its efforts into the genre. Similar to how the Nintendo Switch influenced portable gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion GO, among others, the company’s VR debut could introduce a novel strategy.
Imagine immersing yourself in a virtual reality setting while playing beloved Nintendo games like Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, and Pok mon Snap. Playing is not enough; you also need to live the game.
Although the story is compelling, not everyone finds it convincing. While Nintendo has shown interest in the AR and VR space with projects like Pikmin Bloom and Labo, some argue that the company may hold off on releasing a full-fledged VR system until the technology finds widespread appeal. Others ponder whether Nintendo’s charm can entice non-gamers to try virtual reality, perhaps through a blockbuster VR title.
But Nintendo isn’t the type to ignore its errors. Using the Virtual Boy and Labo VR Kit as a model, Nintendo’s VR venture has the potential to completely transform the market. Even if Google’s backing for VR projects has been patchy at best, Nintendo’s magic touch could be just what the VR market needs to spark some much-needed enthusiasm.
The truth is, of course, that Nintendo has not yet verified this. In actuality, Nintendo has historically taken a careful stance in its remarks. Though they’ve made suggestions about investigating VR, the corporation has been holding off until they think their audience will find it truly entertaining. Google may seem like an unusual partner, but there are always surprises in the tech industry.
If rumors about Nintendo’s VR debut are accurate, it may herald a new era of greatness.
Fans will have to wait until the Nintendo Switch 2, which is akin to the PS5, is released. It was just shown off behind closed doors at Gamescom 2023. Release dates for the upcoming Nintendo console could be as early as spring 2024.