When the Nintendo Switch was unveiled very few features had been confirmed, such as its design to be both a home console and a portable gaming device. A newly published patent now indicates that the Switch may potentially feature a VR headset add-on.
According to Game Spot, the patent was filed as early as June 10 this year but it was only published recently. The patent describes a head-mounted display or HMD. When the HMD is in use the player will then use the Joy-Con controller, with one half of the controller in each hand.
The patent does not mention the terms Virtual Reality or VR but it states 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."
It is also noted that the patent indicates the Switch will feature a touchscreen display. How this will be accessed when the game is docked has yet to be fully showcased and Nintendo has yet to even confirm that a touchscreen is indeed a feature built into the Switch.
Previous rumors also indicated that the Switch's display would feature multi-touch features and 720p resolution. Nintendo has neither confirmed nor denied these rumors about the Switch's full capabilities and specs.
However, just because Nintendo filed for a patent it does not necessarily mean there will be a VR headset for the Switch. It may simply be Nintendo protecting their intellectual property and that the technology may not actually release, Game Rant reported.
Nintendo will be fully unveiling the Switch and all its accessories and features in the next Nintendo Direct video feature. This feature is scheduled to stream on Jan. 12 2017 and is also expected to showcase the initial lineup of games that will launch along with the console.