Nintendo patent hints at Switch VR

Platform holder Nintendo has constantly dampened hopes of a move into VR, but a new patent could perhaps hint at a change of strategy.

One of many US patent applications for Switch spotted by Neogaf points to a device that would effectively allow Switch to follow the smartphone VR model seen with Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR, with the handset placed in a headset and operating as a screen.

There are the obvious caveats to consider, of course. For one there are many patent applications that never become real products. Secondly, if the Switch uses a 720p screen and is as underpowered as reports suggest, its potential VR performance would likely be pretty poor.

In June Reggie Fils-Aime specifically talked down rumours of Switch including a VR offering, reiterating what has now become an ongoing stance for the company.