Nintendo goes VR, sort of

Nintendo is finally jumping in on the virtual reality bandwagon, with cardboard.

It’s been widely rumoured the company was working on a virtual reality headset that would use the Switch itself as a display. Now they’ve finally taken the covers off, and it’s a Labo kit.

The device is very similar to Google Cardboard, another low cost VR solution for smartphones. It contains a couple binocular lenses inside, with a shroud made out of everyone’s favourite corrugated crafting material. The base kit also contains a bazooka like contraption called the Blaster, which will presumably be used for a shooting game.

In addition, two expansion sets will also be available. The first one contains a camera, bringing back hopes of a Pokemon Snap remake. It also contains… an elephant? I can’t possibly imagine what they plan on doing with that.

The second kit contains a bird and a “wind pedal”, which will likely be paired with some sort of flying game.

I can’t imagine how well VR will work on the Switch’s 720p screen. Nor do I expect this device to get wide support outside the Labo ecosystem. Though it should prove to be a fun and cheap way for kids big and small to play around with some virtual reality goodness.

The kit and expansions are due to hit retail on April 12th for an as yet undisclosed price.