Time and time again we're proved that Nintendo better than anyone in the game's market understands how to innovate in the gaming industry. No one argues that Nintendo video games are great, but hardware created by the company proved to be revolutionary multiple times. Nintendo 64 was the first console to introduce advanced 3D graphics and gameplay, Nintendo Wii with its remote controller was the first to include movement detection, while the latest Nintendo Switch can be considered a great all-in-one device suitable for gameplay innovation.
For a moment let's put aside regular Nintendo video games and talk a bit about the most underestimated pieces of hardware Nintendo ever created - Nintendo Labo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3Bd3HUMkyU
While technically it's not even hardware, it has many properties to be considered as such. Nintendo Labo is proof that the conversation about the next generation of consoles shouldn't be just about the specs. It should be about new and innovative ways to play Nintendo video games. Nintendo Labo is a piece of cardboard that modifies Nintendo Switch into a piano, fishing rod, motorcycle wheel, robot suit, you name it and transfers gaming from the screen to your living room.
Of course, we may argue that Nintendo video games designed for Labo is just for fun and can't be considered seriously. This argument became invalid after the announcement made by Nintendo back in March. Nintendo has announced the newest addition to the Nintendo Labo line – a cardboard construction for virtual reality, which accommodated different VR experiences. Furthermore, Nintendo also noted that the new Nintendo Labo VR kit eventually should support other Nintendo video games, the most notable ones being critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild will become available for VR in its entirety, while Super Mario Odyssey will get “bite-sized” experience, enabling players to complete three minor missions in three game’s kingdoms – the Cap, Seaside and Luncheon. Both Nintendo video games will receive a VR option which can be enabled or disabled at any time through the options menu.
It's worth noting that Nintendo Labo VR Kit might not be a high-end VR device such as PSVR or Oculus but it still has a lot of potential. Nintendo Switch console with a VR Toy-Con makes virtual reality accessible to a big audience without the need to spend a lot of money on hardware. Of course, it would be silly to expect the same visual quality as in other VR devices, but in our eyes, Nintendo has once again proven about their understanding on how to create an awesome experience with what you’ve got. If that's not innovation, we don't know what is.
