While we knew that Nintendo’s Labo VR Kit would be launching later this month, we didn’t know the two biggest titles would get Switch VR updates. The Japanese developer revealed that Super Mario Odyssey will feature new mini-games that take advantage of VR, while The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be played in its entirety with the headset. That’s a huge reason to care about its launch and opens up some tremendous possibilities for other games to get a similar treatment. With that being said, here are 10 existing games that need Nintendo Switch VR updates like Zelda and Mario.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Starlink: Battle for Atlas
We know that the Nintendo Switch version of Starlink is already getting an exclusive add-on that expands upon its Star Fox characters. So, it’s not entirely out of the possibility that Ubisoft add in a VR mode. There’s a good basis for this working well as the implementation of 3D in Star Fox 64 3D was incredible, and it could work just as well here. This could be a huge reason for Nintendo fans to purchase the sci-fi shooter if they haven’t done so already.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best Mario Kart game ever made and allowing players to enjoy first-person racing not unlike its 3DS predecessor would make it even better. The art design and courses are already a joy to take in, so getting to ride around these environments in a more immersive way would be a huge perk. Plus, who doesn’t want to feel like Link riding his cool motorcycle modeled after a horse? That’s a dream that can become a reality thanks to potential Switch VR updates.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Metroid Prime Trilogy
Even though this compilation isn’t actually officially out or even announced for Switch yet, it’s the worst kept secret in gaming. A good reason for its hold up would be to add virtual reality support to the package. That would fit well thanks to the game’s first-person view, and it could be a peripheral seller for Nintendo as Metroid has a loyal fanbase and there’s a lack of compelling FPS titles on the system.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
A lot of the best virtual reality titles allow the player to view the world as if it was a diorama. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is already designed to be seen that way, so it’s a natural fit for virtual reality. Getting to explore the cute worlds would be a joy and the first-person minecart segments would be even more natural in VR. This is an update that makes too much sense not to happen, and with new content coming to the Switch version, we expect this to happen sooner rather than later.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Mario Tennis Aces
One of the most visually impressive Switch titles is Mario Tennis Aces. The sports title looks fantastic and the special moves are some of the visual highlights. A VR version of the game could deliver a great time and there are a number of ways Nintendo can go with it. They can either create mini-games that take advantage of the headset in the vein of Headmaster or just letting players enjoy the core game in a new way.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi’s Crafted World is such a gorgeous title and it makes brilliant use of making the background and foreground interactive. Giving players more range to look around while the action takes place would allow for secrets to be found in a new way. Similar to Moss and other platformers, this would be a natural fit for virtual reality.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Pokemon Let’s Go
It was a joy to revisit Kanto in Pokemon Let’s Go. However, as cool as the 3D world is, it would be even more amazing to view the familiar setting in virtual reality. Similar to Yoshi, the game takes advantage of having pocket monsters fly above the player, so these could be spotted even easier than before.
Most of all, we just want to pet Pikachu in VR. Look at how cute the little electric rat is!
Switch VR Updates We Need | Katamari Damacy Reroll
Bandai Namco’s remake of Katamari Damacy was delightful but it lacked a compelling hook for those that had already had their fill of the game. A virtual reality update would change that entirely, as it would be the first time players could see its wonderful world in a 3D space. Nobody in their right mind would pass up an opportunity to roll up a bunch of junk in VR and help save the King of All Cosmos!
Switch VR Updates We Need | Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle has such a beautiful world that would be a pleasure to view from another vantage point. Due to the strategy title’s turn-based manner, there shouldn’t be any gameplay issues from the change. This seems like a pretty cut and dry conversion that would give new appeal to it and its expansion.
Switch VR Updates We Need | Tetris 99
We already know how awesome Tetris can be in virtual reality thanks to Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s Tetris Effect, which released to critical acclaim late last year. While Tetris 99 wouldn’t be nearly as much of a trippy and emotional experience, a separate VR mode could make for some interesting matches. Players could look around the world while they play to see how their competitors are faring and get truly engulfed in a world of tetrominos. It would be a significantly different experience, aiding its multiplayer aspect, and wouldn’t dissuade anyone from potentially picking up the other product. Matches might need to be made smaller due to the limited number of VR headsets, but it’s nothing that can’t be done.