Nintendo Could Be Making a New Labo VR Add-on for Its Next Switch

Nintendo Patent Points to Potential Labo VR for Next Switch Console

Nintendo has recently unveiled a new patent that could be a hint at the next iteration of Labo VR for the highly anticipated Switch successor.

Although Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that news about the next Switch console is expected within this fiscal year, rumors suggest a possible delay in release to early 2025, sparking excitement among Nintendo fans eagerly awaiting a new and improved Switch.

The published patent, resembling a VR add-on similar to the Labo VR kit released in 2019, indicates a “portable main unit that displays a stereoscopic image, and an auxiliary equipment that assists the user in viewing the stereoscopic image.”

Unlike the cardboard-based Labo VR kit, the patent showcases a more sophisticated clip-in mechanism to securely hold the console. The images also display the console with attached controllers, designed for the user to hold them in their left and right hands.

Although some images depict the device without controllers, there is no mention of a headstrap configuration, positioning it to function similarly to Nintendo’s 2019 Labo VR kit without the optional ‘Toy-Con’ game accessories.

While not a traditional VR headset, this development is promising as Nintendo has yet to release a standalone XR headset like Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S. Revisiting Labo VR for the new Switch is a logical move considering the kit sold out quickly and showcased innovative uses of the Switch.

However, it’s important to approach this patent (and any patent) with caution. It’s essential to remember that while every product may have a patent, not every patent translates into an actual product.