Nintendo Switch release date, specs, news: VR support to come in an update?

A promotional image for the Nintendo SwitchNintendo

Nintendo teased that its upcoming Switch system will include next-gen features like VR support, although the feature may be added only as a post-launch update.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima hinted that while the Nintendo Switch will launch early next year, there may still be a number of software and hardware upgrades for the system. Asked directly if VR support will be one of them, Kimishima teased, "If you asked as if this might be possible in the future, certainly we can't say no."

However, the company's top executive also said that should it be part of an update, VR support for the Nintendo Switch will have to be thought of very carefully, since the feature will spell a huge leap in both software and hardware upgrade for the system. Kimishima added, "It depends on the system specifications. I can't say that we have no interest in VR because VR offers new ways of playing, but that depends on what kind of software can be played. But what kind of software works, that's only something you only know once you actually experience it."

Nintendo promised to provide full details, including specs, for the Switch come January. However, supposed leaks point out that while VR support may be featured in the 6.2-inch, 720p-resolution screen for the system, the Switch will only have 4 GB of RAM and a custom Nvidia Tegra chip. This is far cry from the upper-tier specs for the current-gen PS4 Pro and Xbox One and purported specs for upcoming systems like the Project Scorpio.

Should the supposed specs for the Switch turn out to be true, then the purported VR support will likely be added to future Switch upgrade versions.

A specific release date is yet to be confirmed for the new system, although Nintendo has already revealed that the Switch will appear in March.