Nintendo has filed brand new patents surrounding its upcoming hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch, with new accessories and details about how the controllers will work included in the filings.
The Nintendo Switch patents were found by NeoGaf user Rosti, and they documented what the filings mean for the console. The two biggest points are the inclusion of a VR headset accessory and how the detachable controllers can allow for up to four players.
If you’re inclined to look at the Nintendo Switch patents yourself, search "15/178984" on the US Patent website.
As for the Nintendo Switch VR headset, the patents describe the HMD (head mounted display) as such:
“[0778] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example HMD accessory to which the main unit 2 can be attached. An HMD accessory 230 shown in FIG. 60 includes a housing 231 and belts 232a and 232b. One end of the belt 232a is attached to one end of the housing 231, and one end of the belt 232b is attached to the other end of the housing 231. Although not shown in the figure, the other end of the belt 232a can be removably connected to the other end of the belt 232b. Thus, the housing 231 can be mounted on the head of the user by connecting together the two belts 232a and 232b around the head of the user. Note that there is no particular limitation on the mechanism for allowing the HMD accessory 230 to be mounted on the head of the user.”
The Nintendo Switch VR accessory looks to work like the Samsung Galaxy VR headset and Google’s smartphone VR solution, with the tablet being placed into the headset, which features lenses to create the 3D effect.
This by no means confirms the Switch will have a VR headset at launch, but Nintendo could be working on it for the future of the console.
The Nintendo Switch controls get a lot of love in these new patents. The filings have plenty of diagrams showing how the detachable controllers are placed on either side of the tablet and how they can be reattached to a pro-controller for easier play.
Another diagram even shows how up to four players can play on the same screen using a small part of the controllers, confirming that when the Switch is in the dock up to four players can join in on the fun. Check out the diagram below.
The Nintendo Switch is set to release in March 2017 with a January presentation taking place to give more details on the upcoming console.
So do you think the Nintendo Switch will be getting a VR headset? How do you like the controllers? Let us know in the comment section below.
