Yesterday, Nintendo announced that for the first time since 1995 that it is getting into virtual reality. While not exactly a competitor to the likes of PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift, Nintendo is introducing an affordable headset under the Nintendo Labo brand. While this appears to be the company just sticking its toes in the water to test the VR market, it could lead to much bigger things. If it winds up successful, don’t be surprised if we start seeing marquee Nintendo franchises like Mario and The Legend of Zelda get a virtual reality entry.
Since this could be the start of Nintendo starting to take virtual reality much more seriously down the road, here are 10 Nintendo VR games that we want to see.
Nintendo VR games we want | Captain Toad
Some of the coolest virtual reality experiences have players looking down at a world as if it was a diorama. The perspective shift allows them to feel like a god peeking into another dimension as they control the action that happens below. Captain Toad basically already has this view and regularly incorporates viewing angles into how its puzzles are solved. The laid-back adventures of Toad are a natural fit for virtual reality and it could be one of Nintendo’s biggest offerings if they involved Mario a bit more.
Nintendo VR games we want | Link’s Crossbow Training
A full-blown The Legend of Zelda game in virtual reality sounds awesome in theory, but it would also be a tremendous undertaking that would take a lot of hard work and innovation to work. A much more realistic idea would be a follow-up to one of Nintendo’s strangest spin-offs, Link’s Crossbow Training. This Zelda-themed shooter was created to sell the gun accessory for the Wii and not only would a Switch successor be a decent idea, but it could help move their VR headset as well. It would be shooting two birds with one stone (or at least a crossbow bolt).
Nintendo VR games we want | Animal Crossing
Since Nintendo has a new Animal Crossing game in the works for later this year, it would be incredible if it offered up virtual reality support. After all, who wouldn’t want to get further sucked into the series’ whimsical world filled with talking animals and distractions aplenty? VR gaming is often used as an escape and it’s hard to think of a more relaxing fantasy than digging up bells and watching K.K. Slider perform his latest hits.
Nintendo VR games we want | Nintendogs
Despite being one of Nintendo’s biggest hits on the DS, we haven’t seen the adorable Nintendogs since the 3DS launch aside from appearances in Super Smash Bros. The pet simulator still has value for kids and those that can’t have any animals in their current living situation. An updated version that focused on getting closer than ever before with their pets, thanks to the immersive qualities of virtual reality, has the potential to be a winner. After all, maybe players wouldn’t neglect their virtual animals if they could pet them in a more compelling manner.
Nintendo VR games we want | Pilotwings
Pilotwings is another 3DS launch game that would seemingly be at home on a virtual reality headset. The long-running flight series has been around since the SNES and Nintendo loves to use it to demonstrate the strengths of new hardware. Even an enhanced port of Pilotwings Resort would probably feel incredible in VR. It’d be an entirely new way to experience the familiar locale of Wuhu Island.
Nintendo VR games we want | Game and Watch
The Game and Watch compilations that Nintendo used to put out on its handhelds are one of the best forgotten games from the company. While they featured the faithfully created original games, they also had updated versions that featured Mario and his pals. The simple nature of the games would work well for virtual reality and Nintendo could recreate some classic titles that take advantage of the new perspective.
Nintendo VR games we want | Punch-Out!
The Punch-Out! series has always been more of a puzzle game than a boxing simulator and its quasi-behind-the-back view seems like a natural perspective for VR. Creed: Rise to Glory already showcased that boxing can work wonderfully in virtual reality, and Nintendo’s wackier take would be an even better fit. You’d just have to make sure the cardboard headset wouldn’t fly off your face.
Nintendo VR games we want | Rhythm Heaven
Thanks to Thumper and Beat Saber, we already know that rhythm games are a fantastic fit for virtual reality. The combination of VR and audio-based gameplay provides an incredible experience as it captivates nearly all of a player’s senses. Nintendo could use this in some fun and enjoyable ways for a new Rhythm Heaven title as the mini-game collection has always veered toward the experimental side.
Nintendo VR games we want | Star Fox
If there is one Nintendo series that has always relied on spectacle, it’s Star Fox. The original was a technological achievement as it offered 3D gameplay on the Super Nintendo and the N64 title introduced many players to the experience a rumble pack could offer. Since then, the series has struggled to find its identity and most recently appeared in Ubisoft’s Starlink. A from rail-shooter built from the ground up would work excellently in virtual reality. We already got a taste of what this would look like thanks to the stereoscopic 3D of Star Fox 64 3D and it could be a real graphical showcase for the hardware.
Nintendo VR games we want | F-Zero
Despite fans wanting a new entry since the Gamecube, Nintendo has been hesitant about making another F-Zero. Shigeru Miyamoto stated that they needed an innovative reason to do another. Virtual reality, and thus putting the player inside the cockpit of the futuristic racecars, would do just that. It wouldn’t be the F-Zero of old, but any excuse to see Captain Falcon again is a good one. There are challenges with doing racers in VR, but when done right, they can be some of the most captivating titles.
