The Nintendo Labo VR Kit stands out as the sole game for the Switch that won’t be compatible with the newly announced Switch 2, and Nintendo has not revealed any plans for new VR hardware for this console.
This week, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, which is priced at $450 for the console alone and $500 for a bundle that includes the latest Mario Kart World game.
Nintendo confirmed that all existing Switch 1 games can be played on the Switch 2, with one notable exception—Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit.
Launched in 2019, the Nintendo Labo VR was essentially a cardboard frame designed for the Switch, equipped with two fresnel lenses, and featured five buildable accessories: a Blaster, Camera, Elephant, Bird, and Wind Pedal. It can be likened to Google’s Cardboard experience, but within the Nintendo ecosystem.
With a 720p display (which translates to less than 640×720 for each eye), a 60Hz refresh rate, and no positional tracking, the Labo VR was critically seen as a below-par VR headset. Moreover, it lacked a strap, meaning users had to physically hold it up. However, as noted in our review, the tangible nature of its accessories provided a fun, hands-on experience for young users.
Interestingly, one of its accessories incorporated positional tracking by utilizing the IR camera in the right Joy-Con and luminous paint dots attached to the headset, presenting a clever, cost-effective solution.
The reason for the Labo VR’s incompatibility with the Switch 2, as per Nintendo’s statement, is straightforward: the Switch 2’s design doesn’t allow it to fit into the Labo VR holder.
In theory, it’s possible that Nintendo could introduce an updated Labo VR Kit for the Switch 2. However, there was no announcement regarding this, and considering the advancements in VR and mixed reality technology, alongside the increased size and weight of the new console, it seems unlikely they would pursue the same path again.
That said, Nintendo has other avenues to explore in bringing VR and mixed reality to the Switch 2. Patent applications indicate that the company may be investigating some of these avenues. We will be monitoring Nintendo’s developments closely in the upcoming years for any indications of VR support on the Switch 2.