If you’re an avid Nintendo fan or a proud Switch owner, you’ve probably stumbled across the menu option for VR (Virtual Reality) and wondered, “What is this about?” This feature seems to have long been a subject of speculation since the concept of the Nintendo Switch was revealed. After some time, Nintendo finally delivered its VR functionality through cardboard, albeit in a very Nintendo way.
Nintendo Labo VR
Nintendo introduced its flagship VR hardware as the fourth instalment of the Nintendo Labo series. Yes, you heard that right: they used cardboard for their VR experience, which may dampen some users’ excitement. Unlike other VR gaming experiences, Nintendo’s Labo VR has a Do-It-Yourself cardboard construction approach that, quite frankly, not everyone is interested in. If you are among those who just want to jump into the VR gaming world without assembling a cardboard headset, third-party alternatives are available, though they won’t be fully compatible with Labo VR’s Toy-Con software.
Nintendo VR Price
For those who want to experience VR but are concerned about the Nintendo VR price, the most cost-effective route might be purchasing a third-party headset from Amazon, where prices tend to be lower. Still, don’t expect the full Nintendo Labo experience by taking this route. It would be best to think of it as a ‘lite’ version of what the Labo VR offers.
Nintendo VR Games
Nintendo’s foray into VR gaming included compatibility with four first-party games: “Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Super Mario Odyssey,” “Super Smash Bros Ultimate,” and “Captain Toad Treasure Tracker.” Among these, “Captain Toad Treasure Tracker” seems to offer the best VR experience, thanks to the simplicity of the game.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild VR
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However, the VR experience of “Zelda: Breath of the Wild” leaves much to be desired. While it’s intriguing to play such an expansive game in VR, the game was not originally designed for this medium, resulting in a disorienting experience that could lead to motion sickness.
Super Mario Odyssey VR
Similarly, “Super Mario Odyssey” offers a better VR experience than “Zelda,” but it also falls short due to a limited point of view that makes it challenging to gauge distances, turning the gaming experience into a bit of a squint-fest.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate VR
If you thought “Smash Bros” in VR would be a dream come true, you might be disappointed. The action feels distant, and the game only works with attached Joy-Con controllers, making it a tiring experience for your arms and eyes alike.
Third-Party Games
Besides Nintendo’s first-party games, a handful of third-party games are also VR-compatible. Some of these include “Reflex Unit 2,” a top-down shooting game that offers nothing new in VR, and “Knight of the Queen,” a game that had potential but ultimately fell short due to its poor execution.
Hardware Capabilities
Now, let’s talk about the hardware capabilities. The display is the handheld Nintendo Switch screen, which already has a low resolution. When divided and placed close to your eyes, it doesn’t offer the most pleasant experience. While some third-party headsets try to make the experience more comfortable, they can’t fix the underlying issue of a blurry picture.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s VR efforts are far from revolutionary. While the idea of introducing VR to popular franchises like “Zelda” and “Mario” is enticing, the execution has been less than impressive. Plus, the limitations of the console’s hardware capabilities do not make it the ideal vessel to explore the virtual world.
So, is Nintendo VR worth the hype? In its current state, it’s hard to give it a resounding yes. Although it provides short bursts of novelty and fun, the overall experience leaves much to be desired. However, it’s not a complete lost cause. If Nintendo decides to build upon its current VR capabilities, then it might be worth revisiting. But for now, your TV is still the best way to enjoy your favourite Nintendo games.