Nintendo has recently released a few updates and some of the add virtual reality mods to the fan-favorite titles like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild.
They looked exciting at first, but they are not impressive. The VR mode offered by Super Mario Odyssey asks players to collect musical instruments which will be used by the characters to perform the game’s central theme in a VR concert.
In the case of Breath of the Wild, you can select a simple 3D view, but the experience is far from being charming. Both cases prove that despite Nintendo’s best intentions the VR capabilities of the Switch are quite weak, as the hardware is not strong enough to deliver a flashy show.
To play any of the VR modes users will have to place the system into the new cardboard and plastic goggles setup offered by the new Nintendo Labo VR kit. While the VR experience won’t break any records, the goggles are quite comfortable.
Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild Got New VR Mode Updates
As some may know VR gaming is a very tedious process. To deliver VR images, the system has to split them in two, one for the right eye and one for the light eye. While this task doesn’t seem to be too complicated, it will push the hardware to the limits, forcing the Switch to show images with resolutions.
Another caveat comes from the fact that this version of VR cannot track the player’s position in space, which means that it limited to showing the world from a fixed perspective, which is disappointing when most VR alternatives will allow players to explore the world while moving their head or body.
It may be fun to see the world of Zelda a bit closer, but the excitement will soon disappear when you realize that the restrictive camera controls feel like you are watching a 3D movie. There is potential for simpler games, but it remains to be seen if Nintendo will be able to improve the mechanics in the future.
Robert J. Smith is still early into his career as tech reporter but has already had his work published in many major publications including JoyStiq and Android Authority. In regards to academics, Robert earned a degree in business from Fordham University. Robert has passion for emerging technology and covers upcoming products and breakthroughs in science and tech.
