Category: Nintendo Labo: VR Kit

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New Patent Filing Reportedly Indicates new Nintendo Switch VR Headset

After much anticipation, Nintendo finally entered the virtual reality (VR) market earlier this year with the Labo VR Kit for Switch. While fun and enjoyable for kids, when it came to proper VR gaming the kit well way short of expectations in comparison to all the other VR tech on the market. Now its seems Nintendo isn’t stopping there with a recent patent filing seemingly indicating plans for a most robust plastic version for the portable console.

New Nintendo Switch VR Headset

Spotted by LetsGoDigital, Nintendo applied for the original patent in February 2018 at the Japanese patent office JPO (Japan Patent Office). Only published last month – on 22nd August 2019 – the patent has several detailed images showcasing a much more rugged design with an ergonomic shape for comfort.

It looks, in essence, to be a more advanced version of the Labo design, without the finicky need to build anything or the worry that the housing can easily be damaged by a knock or liquid finding its way onto the housing. Attaching to the Nintendo Switch also seems to be more secure with a wrap-around housing secured at the bottom.

A device of this nature would suggest that Nintendo has more VR software plans for Switch beyond the limited titles available currently, moving content away from the gimmicky designs focused on the Labo VR Kit components. Those were actually made for VR, while the other ports – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Odyssey for example – have been less than stellar; in some case’s just pointless, detracting from the original.

Nintendo Labo VR Kit goggles

If this is truely the avenue Nintendo is still exploring then it seems like a competitor to Samsung Gear VR, back when the device was still relevant in 2015/16. Both Samsung and Oculus have long since dropped their interest in the mobile device, the former going to create the Samsung Odyssey while Oculus has the Go and Quest to support.

Back in July veteran designer Shigeru Miyamoto addressed speculation Nintendo was ‘behind the curve’ when it came to VR, saying that “We have actually been conducting practical research on these technologies from the very beginning.” What is very possible is the addition of VR to the Nintendo Switch Lite. The new console is due for release next week but won’t support the Labo VR Kit because of the all-in-one design. The new headset pictures indicate an original Nintendo Switch but could the design also accommodate Switch Lite? If this does become a possibility, VRFocus will let you know.

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Nintendo’s Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker Receives Labo VR Kit Support

Nintendo released its Lobo VR Kit for portable console Switch back in April, following that up with virtual reality (VR) compatibility for Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This week the company has announced another for that list Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, releasing a 1.3.0 update in Japan.

Nintendo Labo VR Kit goggles

The update doesn’t allow for full VR support throughout the videogame like Breath of the Wild, instead, it takes a leaf out of Mario Odyssey offering a curated selection. The VR mode provides four courses to play on, The Treasure at Mushroom Ruins, Walleye Tumble Temple, Briny Bowl Swimming Hole, and Mine Cart Tunnel Throwdown with the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit.

The announcement was made by way to Nintendo Japan’s YouTube channel, with a new trailer showcasing what to expect. At present, there’s been no confirmation regarding western availability. Additionally, for Japanese Switch Online subscribers, Nintendo will be offering a free trial period where they can access the entire videogame between 1st – 11th August.

Hopefully, this will be the start of many more VR updates to Nintendo’s Switch lineup, enticing more players to try the VR kit. The recently announced Nintendo Switch Lite, on the other hand, won’t support Labo in any way due to its all in one design and a smaller 5.5-inch touchscreen.

Nintendo Labo VRKit

While the Labo VR Kit design is fairly basic, harking back to the look of Google Cardboard, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto recently addressed concerns the company was behind when it came to the immersive tech. During a Q&A with shareholders at Nintendo’s 79th Annual Meeting the veteran designer said: “We have actually been conducting practical research on these technologies from the very beginning.”

The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit is available as a full kit retailing for $79.99 USD / £69.99 GBP featuring six buildable parts, the VR Goggles, Toy-Con Blaster, Toy-Con Elephant, Toy-Con Camera, Toy-Con Wind Pedal and Toy-Con Bird. There’s also a cheaper kit featuring the VR Goggles and Toy-Con Blaster for £40. VRFocus will continue its coverage of Nintendo and its Labo VR kit, reporting back with all the latest VR updates and announcements.

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Captain Toad Is Getting Nintendo Labo VR Support Today

The next Nintendo Switch game to be getting Labo VR support is none other than Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

Nintendo Japan confirmed the news via the below trailer. A free update today (in Japan at least) adds a handful of levels that you can play with the Switch’s Cardboard headset. From what we can tell, these are existing levels brought into VR rather than all-new content but we might be wrong about that.

In Captain Toad you navigate worlds avoiding enemies, gathering coins and gems. The Labo VR levels seem to keep that gameplay largely intact, although it looks like there’s also an on-rails first-person shooter segment.

Now, historically speaking, Nintendo’s VR updates for existing Switch games have been pretty bad. Super Mario Odyssey was under cooked, Zelda was awkward and Super Smash Bros was pretty horrific. But Captain Toad actually makes a fair bit of sense for a headset of this type. It’s got adorable diorama-sized worlds just like Astro Bot and its puzzle-based gameplay seems perfect for VR.

Granted it’s often Labo VR’s technical limitations that hold experiences back. Switch’s 720p screen only allows for blurry 3D images and the three degrees of freedom (3DOF) tracking often feels limited. The minigames that come bundled with the hardware itself are much better reasons to own Labo VR. Even then, though, it’s only really worth it as a means of introducing VR to kids.

Recently we discovered that Nintendo’s new Switch, the Switch Lite, won’t support Labo VR. The redesigned device isn’t replacing the original, though.

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Nintendo Switch Lite Won’t Support the Labo VR Kit

Today, Nintendo announced a long-rumoured console addition to the Switch family, the Nintendo Switch Lite. This new version sees the company focus the design towards handheld gaming, and as such the overall form factor has now changed. This means that the Nintendo Switch Lite won’t be compatible with the Labo Kit series, so there’s no virtual reality (VR) compatibility.

Nintendo Switch Lite

Several sites were given access to the new console and CNET confirmed the device won’t be Labo compatible ‘because it’s a completely different size.’ Unlike the original Nintendo Switch which comes supplied with a dock so owners can choose to play on a TV, removing the Joy-Con controllers in the process, the Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t feature that functionality.

A complete single body system, the Nintendo Switch Lite features a smaller 5.5-inch touchscreen with the same resolution as the original (which has a 6.2-inch screen). So if you own any Labo kit there’s no using it on both devices. They’ll be sold alongside each other, with the Nintendo Switch Lite retailing from $199 USD when it arrives on 20th September 2019, offering a cheaper entry point for Nintendo fans.

Due to the lack of detachable controllers – which also means the loss of rumble and the IR sensor – only handheld-mode-capable Switch titles will work (shown on the back of each case), so videogames like 1-2 Switch will need additional Joy-Con controllers.

Nintendo Labo VR Kit group

The Nintendo Labo: VR Kit is the latest addition to the cardboard peripheral series, featuring six buildable devices offering a range of VR experiences. The VR Goggles is the core part of the kit, and the component the Nintendo Switch slides into. The Joy-Con controllers would then attach for particular games or be located in other parts of the cardboard construct to facilitate certain gameplay characteristics.

It’s unclear at present whether Nintendo plans on releasing new Labo sets specifically for the Nintendo Switch Lite – which it would need to do – or if it has no intentions due to the handheld focused design on the console. Whatever the case, Nintendo seems to still have an interest in VR thanks to a recent comment by Shigeru Miyamoto. If anything VR related happens, VRFocus will let you know.

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New Nintendo Switch Lite Is Not Labo VR Compatible

Is the new Nintendo Switch Lite Labo VR compatible? Unfortunately not.

Cnet confirms as much in its hands-on article of the just-announced device. As the name suggests, Switch Lite is a smaller, lighter variation of the original Switch. Due to the difference in size and lack of detachable Joy-Con controllers, it won’t support the company’s range of Labo peripherals. Nintendo hasn’t yet commented on if it could release new versions of existing Labo kits that are tuned to Switch Lite’s new specifications.

It’d be a shame if not. Labo is designed as a family-friendly set of cardboard peripherals you make yourself. Switch Lite is cheaper than the original Switch ($199) and the pair do seem ideally suited to each other. Switch Lite also won’t connect to TVs.

Nintendo released the Labo VR Kit earlier this year. It allows you to slot the original Switch into a cardboard headset, though you need to detach the controllers to do so. The Switch Lite simply wouldn’t be able to fit into the slot in the headset, at least not without breaking the cardboard. Hopefully we’ll see Nintendo Switch Lite Labo VR compatibility in the future, though.

Still, Labo VR isn’t exactly an essential Switch accessory. We’re quite fond of it as a family-oriented device but support for games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros Ultimate is, quite frankly, pretty dire. Yesterday, we on comments from Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto insisting that Nintendo had not fallen behind with VR.

If you’re desperate to try out Nintendo Labo VR, then, this new device isn’t for you, at least for now. Switch Lite releases on September 20.

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Shigeru Miyamoto: Nintendo Has ‘Not Fallen Behind With VR’

Nintendo’s Labo VR headset is far from the most advanced VR tech out there. But the company insists it hasn’t “fallen behind” with the technology.

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto himself said as much in a recent Nintendo Shareholders Q&A. “We have not fallen behind with either VR or network services,” Miyamoto said. “We worked on them from the very beginning, and have been experimenting with them in a variety of ways.”

For VR, that meant this year’s release of the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. Building on the existing Labo line, it offers a set of make-it-yourself cardboard peripherals, including a VR viewer you slot the Switch into. The experience it offers is undoubtedly creaky – it’s only got three degrees of freedom (3DOF) tracking and a blurry 720p display. But the DIY aspect of the product definitely has its charms.

“Because we don’t publicize this until we release a product, it may look like we’re falling behind,” Miyamoto continued. “In regards to VR, we think that we have created a product that is easy for our consumers to use in the recently released Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit. Nintendo consumers encompass a wide range of ages, including young children, so we will continue to create and announce products that can be enjoyed by anyone.”

While Labo VR certainly is accessible, the quality of compatible content on the platform, such as the VR support for The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, is often pretty low. We’d love to see the company come out with a higher-grade device that offered a more palatable experience. We’ll keep out fingers crossed for now.

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Nintendo Isn’t ‘Behind’ When it Comes to VR States Shigeru Miyamoto

Nintendo is a very innovative company when it comes to videogame technology and quite often ahead of everyone else in many respects. However, that didn’t quite seem the case when it came to virtual reality (VR) recently, releasing the rather basic Nintendo Labo: VR Kit for the Switch console a few months ago. Today, during a Q&A with shareholders at Nintendo’s 79th Annual Meeting, veteran designer Shigeru Miyamoto addressed a concern the company was ‘behind the curve’ when it came to VR.

Nintendo Labo VR Kit group

Up until the release of the Labo VR Kit the gaming giant remained fairly coy when it came to discussing VR, always saying it was ‘interested’ or ‘looking into’ the tech. It has widely been assumed Nintendo has been somewhat standoffish when it comes to VR thanks to the failure of Virtual Boy way back in the 90s.

When asked about VR Miyamoto gave a rather candid response reports SoraNews24: “While we entered virtual reality and online gaming later, it isn’t a matter of us being ‘behind’. We have actually been conducting practical research on these technologies from the very beginning. During that time, we have been thoroughly checking whether users can use the technology with ease, and whether or not we can provide such services at an affordable cost.”

“The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con04: VR Kit recently went on sale, and I believe this product is a great and easy way for users to engage with virtual reality. As the Nintendo user base is composed of a wide range of ages, including the very young, we work to develop and release products that we think everyone can enjoy,” he added.

Nintendo Labo VR Kit goggles

So it sounds like Nintendo isn’t done with VR just yet. No figures have been released just yet regarding sales of the Nintendo Labo: VR Kit, and how well (or bad) it has done in comparison to the other Labo products.

When answering a question regarding 5G, Ko Shiota, a senior executive at Nintendo responded with an answer that really sums up Nintendo’s approach to any tech: “It must be said, however, that Nintendo is not in the habit of following trends just because they are popular. We prefer to consider what experiences said technology can give to our players, how to use it in our games and the results of implementing it.”

Hopefully one day Nintendo will decide to release a far more grownup VR device. Until that happens, keep reading VRFocus.

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Unofficial Nintendo Labo VR Headstrap Give Your Arms A Rest

Nintendo Labo VR Headstrap

The Nintendo Labo VR headset is an intriguing piece of kit for the right audience. But, no matter who you are, it’s easy to get fed up with holding the thing up to your face all the time. This Nintendo Labo VR Headstrap package fixes that.

Sweet Proof Gaming last week released an add-on kit that doesn’t require you to modify your Labo. The company mainly makes grips for gaming controllers but clearly spotted an opportunity here. It features two adjustable straps that will fit around your head. As it stands right now, the standard Labo VR headset needs you to hold it up to your face. You either do that with two Joy-Con controllers attached to the side of the Switch or by holding the headset itself. With this unofficial add-on, you’ll be free to give your arms a rest.

The company says the straps will work with Joy-Con plugged into the Switch too. It will also come with cushioned forehead and nose rests so you’re not getting any cardboard paper cuts. Right now you can add your name to a reserve list for when the kit comes into stock. It costs $13.99 and should work with the kit’s Toy-Con add-ons, too.

It’s a cool idea, though not quite as flashy as the awesome Zelda mod we saw for the kit. It’s just a shame that Labo VR’s two biggest games, the VR mode for Super Mario Odyssey and the VR support for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, are both pretty lackluster.

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This Awesome Labo VR Zelda Mod Comes Complete With Head Strap

Labo VR Zelda Mod

Thought you were excited about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in VR? Us too, but probably not as much as Jeramey Polcyn. He’ll be playing it like this:

In less than a week since the launch of the Nintendo Labo VR Kit, Polcyn has created an awesome mod for the device. It’s a seriously impressive piece of work, installing a much-needed head strap (the original Labo did doesn’t come with one), a comfy face cushion and, to top it all off, a custom Zelda design. It’s worthy of the Triforce itself.

Polcyn walks you through his work in the video above and provided us with these other images. In his version, he’s added buckles to connect the head strap, held in place with duct tape. As for the buckles, Polcyn advises looking out for this type of fit.

“I would recommend the top piece to make side straps instead of buckles on bottom makes it more adjustable for different size heads I had this on my original prototype,” Polcyn says.

His design arrives just in time for the official VR support for Breath of the Wild. Nintendo will patch VR support into the original game for free on April 26th. You’ll be able to play the entire thing from start to finish in VR, though cutscenes will be removed. Nintendo says it’s best for taking some time out to appreciate the game’s prettier sights. I’m still kind of tempted to play through Master Mode using the thing, though.

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New Screenshots and Details for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s VR Update Released

The Nintendo Labo: VR Kit is now available, allowing Switch users to delve into the world of virtual reality (VR) by creating all sorts of cardboard machinations. Nintendo isn’t stopping there, adding VR support to two of the console’s biggest titles, Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild next week. Today, the company has released a couple of new images as well as further information regarding The Legend of Zelda update.

Nintendo Zelda VR image

In a posting on Nintendo’s Blog, the technical director for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Takuhiro Dohta explains that while the core gameplay experience – controls/content etc. – remain untouched, in VR: “you’ll be able to get a new perspective on Hyrule,” he says.

By the sounds of it, VR support has really been designed as a drop in and out experience rather than playing an entire quest or shrine all the way through. “We recommend taking a look through the VR Goggles when there’s something interesting to see, like a location with a great view, a favourite character, or a favourite piece of equipment,” Dohta notes. “The concept of this update is to add a little twist to the world of Hyrule to give players, even those who’ve played the game a lot, a reason to come back and get even more enjoyment out of the game.”

Players won’t need to start a new campaign to enjoy the VR support, they can easily use their existing save data. All that’s needed is to update the videogame, then while playing go into the menu, select System and Options. Then turn the Toy-Con VR Goggles option to ON. Pop the Nintendo Switch in the VR Goggles, attach the Jon-Con controllers and away you go.

Nintendo Zelda VR image

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild features ‘Aim with Motion Controls’ when using items like the bow or the camera. Some users may want to turn this setting off when in VR as it may cause discomfort by the sounds of it.

The Nintendo Labo VR update for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will arrive next Thursday, 25th April, free of charge. For further Nintendo VR announcements, keep reading VRFocus.