Nintendo Switch VR Headset Hinted at in Patent

Nintendo Switch may be getting a VR headset peripheral, if new patent applications are to be believed.

The documents, filed on June 10, 2016 but published today, reveal a potential "head mounted display," (HMD) into which the Nintendo Switch unit could be inserted. The console's Joy-Con pads could then be used to control its games.

Though the patent doesn't explicitly refer to the potential device as a VR headset, it does say that the HMD "may present images of a wide viewing angle to a user by enlarging the viewing angle of the images on the display 12 through the lenses.

"This can enhance the sense of immersion for a user looking at the images," the document continues.

The patent also seems to suggest the Switch will include a touch screen. The existence of a touch screen had been reported in October, but so far remains unconfirmed by Nintendo. In an interview after the Switch's initial reveal, Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima said, "By no means was that everything," and later hinted that we'd eventually see more extensive hardware plans than what was shown in the trailer. "It may be appropriate to call them accessories," he said. "Or it might be better to call them add-on hardware. It's probably more correct to call them accessories. You can assume that there will be a wider array."

It's likely we'll find out more when the Switch is fully revealed on January 12.

Just recently, a report emerged that the Switch will not be as powerful as the PS4. The console looked in good shape when it was shown off on The Tonight Show.

For more on the Nintendo Switch in the run-up to launch, keep an eye on GameSpot.