Nintendo has officially confirmed that it is actively researching new immersive technologies, suggesting that the company could eventually expand beyond its current hardware lineup.
The Japanese giant did not announce any concrete plans, but its latest financial report provides a glimpse into what its different departments are exploring behind the scenes. In the section dedicated to research and development, Nintendo writes:
“We also carry out research and development activities to examine the applicability of various technologies to the field of home entertainment including interfaces such as touch panels and sensors, networks such as those for wireless communication, security, cloud computing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), deep learning and big data analysis.”
Although the recently launched Switch 2 did not debut with any VR or MR features, the report confirms that Nintendo is keeping an eye on how such technologies might fit into future products.
This is not the first time Nintendo has shown interest in this type of tech, but it does reinforce the idea that the company’s latest patents could lead to something more tangible.
Back in the 1990s, Nintendo attempted to enter the space with the Virtual Boy, a headset that delivered basic 3D visuals but was ultimately a commercial failure. Since then, Nintendo has experimented with AR through its handheld consoles, such as the Nintendo 3DS, which included simple augmented reality games and built-in cameras for interactive features.
More recently, the company offered a taste of VR through the Nintendo Labo VR Kit for the original Switch. Released in 2019, this DIY cardboard headset turned the Switch screen into a basic virtual reality display for mini-games and simple VR experiences. Although it was never meant to compete with the PlayStation VR 2 headset or the Meta Quest, it showed that Nintendo is willing to revisit the idea.
