It looks like Nintendo has some major plans with their upcoming Nintendo Switch system. In a swathe of patent filings made by them, discovered by NeoGAF, one can find hints of Nintendo’s plans for the upcoming hybrid system.
Said plans include a virtual reality headset powered by the Switch, with the Switch itself slotting into the headset, not unlike how mobile phone VR headsets work- you can check this out in the patent image below. It’s an interesting idea, but the question of resolution is one that needs to be addressed- the Switch tablet unit’s screen is supposed to output only at 720p, and I’m not sure how well that would hold up for something like VR.
These patents also seem to confirm that the Switch will have a touchscreen- this is something that should be a given, and is almost certainly true, but it is also something that Nintendo and their partners have steadfastly refused talking about so far.
Remember, these are just conclusions being drawn from patent filings, so these could just be Nintendo pre-emptively covering for a wide range of situations, or it could be hinting at plans they have now, but that never quite materialize. Until an official announcement is made, this is just us getting a look at some of the potential possibilities Nintendo is thinking on, but may do nothing about, for the Nintendo Switch.
