The Nintendo Switch’s unique hybrid gameplay style and other functionality has given the console a place at the forefront of the gaming industry. Fans have been able to sink their teeth into everything from new first party releases to hit indie titles and even massively popular online games like Fortnite. So when thinking about what the future of Nintendo’s console holds, almost anything goes.
A new accessory is looking to push the Switch into a booming category in the gaming world. Soon you’ll be able to play your favorite titles in virtual reality. Head below to get a closer look at the upcoming Nintendo Switch add-on.
Deemed the NS Glasses, we’re now getting a look at one of the first Switch accessories to bring 3D virtual reality-like visuals and gameplay to the console. Obscure and wacky add-ons for Nintendo’s portable console aren’t by any means new. Though you won’t find one that alters gameplay as drastically as the upcoming headset.
While still in development, there were many reports that the Switch would carry some form of virtual reality support. Even after its launch back at the beginning of 2017, developers have still managed to find traces of VR-related code running on the console. The NS Glasses look to reignite the spark that Nintendo designers let go out prior to the console’s release.
The upcoming Switch accessory looks to be your typical phone-mounted virtual reality headset at first glance. It has the normal form-factor, a slot for the device itself and the familiar three-point head strap. It does sport a locking mechanism to keep your Switch in place.
Because the Nintendo’s hybrid console is not imbued with out-of-the-box VR support, the NS Glasses have had to get creative. It claims to offer a similar experience as other VR systems, but we’re not talking about true VR here.
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Rather, the headset takes advantage of color switching technology to highlight certain shades of color. In practice this results in 3D-like visuals. NS Glasses are also said pull some trickery to make it appear as though your content is running at a higher resolution than the Switch’s 720p.
There’s no telling how games will actually look when paired with the headset. Fast-paced titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and precision games like Breath of the Wild could suffer. And for another thing, I wouldn’t call the Switch a heavy console by any normal means. But having it rest on your head like that is definitely not going to be super comfortable for your neck.
Nintendo is probably still working on a VR system for the switch in some capacity. I wouldn’t expect to see it any time soon though. If anything, it’ll probably be saved for the inevitable Switch predecessor. Until then, pairing Switch with the NS Glasses may be your best bet at trying out a VR-esque experience.
The NS Glasses will fetch a $50 price tag at first as preorders, which is half off the expected normal going rate. I can’t say I’m dying to get my hands on this accessory, but it’s still a neat attempt to make the Switch an even more capable system.
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