A new patch for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is rolling out this week, which Nintendo has stated to include “fighter adjustments”. However, after uncovering the in-game notification for the 3.1.0 update, SSUBot on Twitter revealed that the patch will include Nintendo Labo VR support.
According to the leaked text, the patch should come later today, May 30, at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET, with “A whole new perspective on the Smash action” via the new VR mode. To play Ultimate in VR mode, players will need the Toy-Con VR Goggles from the Labo VR kit. Additionally, SSUBot’s leaked update text revealed new Amiibo functionality for Ultimate. Players will now be able to send off their Amiibo fighters “on journeys to train” where they’ll “relentlessly pursue their training until they come home!” They will also be able to join Battle Arenas after the update.
The Labo VR kit released earlier in April of this year, and is Nintendo’s first attempt at virtual reality since the 1996 Virtual Boy. The kit features six separate Toy-Con creations that can be purchased together for $79.99 USD. Labo VR is the latest kit for Nintendo Labo, following the Variety kit, Robot kit, and Vehicle kit, all released last year. Each kit comes with cardboard cut-outs and other materials for players to assemble with the Switch and Joy-Con controllers, which allows them to play various Labo-exclusive games.
With the release of Labo VR, players can now use Labo for games previously released on the Switch without Labo support. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey have already been updated to support Labo VR and provide players with a more immersive experience into their respective worlds. Super Mario Odyssey’s Labo VR support features a “bite-sized bonus experience” while using Labo VR in Breath of the Wild will allow players to “enjoy this epic adventure like never before.”
The Switch appears successful at cultivating new experiences for players even two years after its initial release. It recently surpassed PlayStation 4 lifetime sales in Japan, and has reached 34.74 million sales worldwide. Though it’s unclear how VR will work in Ultimate yet, Nintendo appears confident that incorporating VR into their best-selling games will help the Switch achieve further success.