Nintendo wades into VR with ‘Mario’, ‘Zelda’ updates
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” is to receive a virtual reality update. Image: Nintendo via AFP Relaxnews
Two weeks after Nintendo’s latest addition to the Labo line arrives, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” are receiving April 26 updates to make them virtual reality (VR) compatible.
Experience 2 beloved games in new ways with the Toy-Con VR Goggles from the #NintendoLabo: VR Kit! https://t.co/be8xudP2PK pic.twitter.com/M0C6w59lIT
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 5, 2019
Labo VR launches on April 12 and includes the Toy-Con VR Goggles, a self-assembly virtual reality headset, as well as some learn-by-doing (or learn-by-playing) games and applications.
“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”, which remains one of the highest-rated games of all time and a launch-day success for the Switch, will be subject to a complete VR conversion.
Though the VR Goggles are strapless, requiring players to hold them up to their eyes once the Switch is contained within, control of “Zelda” character Link is still viable given the way the Switch’s controllers protrude from the Goggles’ cardboard housing.
Contrasting with the “Breath of the Wild” VR overhaul, the “Super Mario Odyssey” update provides a “bitesized bonus experience in simple, family-friendly VR.”
Three new missions take place within the game’s Cap, Seaside and Luncheon Kingdoms.
The Labo VR line launches on April 12, comprising a $39.99 (about P2,000) starter pack and range of $19.99 (about P1,000) secondary do-it-yourself kits that allow for the construction of alternative controller and display housings — a camera, bird, elephant, blaster, bird and pedal.
The Nintendo Switch itself sells for $299 (about P15,500), rumored upcoming revisions notwithstanding.
As such, Nintendo is able to enter the home VR sector at a lower overall price of entry than the combination of a PlayStation VR bundle and PlayStation 4, which is at $249/349 (about P12,900/P18,100) plus $299/399 (about P15,500/P20,700), or a suitable personal computer and an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, which is at $1000 (about P52,000) plus $399 or $499 (about 20,700 or P25,900).
That is because Labo VR is much closer to Google’s $15 (about P780) Cardboard specification for Android phones, albeit with the addition of multi-button controllers and novel optional housings. CE/JB
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