Nerf Guns May Be Upgraded to Become VR Controllers in the Future
A recently-filed patent provided evidence of an innovative concept involving using Hasbro’s Nerf guns as controllers in virtual reality gaming systems. Nerf guns have been popular toys since the early ’90s and have been produced in various distinctive lines. This new patent is poised to turn these toys into interactive VR controllers.
Nerf Guns for Virtual Reality
Despite the passage of time, Nerf guns continue to maintain their popularity among young kids, and many enthusiasts take it a step further by modifying these guns to enhance their performance or by upgrading the projectiles they can fire. In the realm of video games, there have been several tie-in titles that revolve around these beloved toys. One notable example is the first-person shooter game called Nerf Legends, released in 2021 across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
While the popularity of Nerf toys persists, Hasbro has been actively collaborating with other game franchises to promote their products. For instance, they introduced a line of Nerf guns inspired by Minecraft, and players of Halo Infinite can unlock an in-game skin by purchasing these blasters. It appears the next evolution for these toys is to serve as controllers in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming environments. It would allow players to utilize Nerf guns as interactive devices in immersive gaming experiences.
Nerf Guns Are Quite Popular
A recent patent application at the United States Patent Office introduces a video game attachment system compatible with traditional AR and VR gaming. This system features a toy gun-shaped controller that includes a screen attachment and additional devices to detect movement and triggers. It aims to enhance the gaming experience by combining physical controllers with digital interfaces.
The patent outlines a controller system that aims to make Nerf guns compatible with various gaming systems, eliminating the need for specialized controllers. The system includes sensors attached to the toys to track their position for virtual reality and mobile games. It highlights the potential use of this technology beyond first-person shooter games, such as steering wheel control for racing games or imitating a mallet or bat for sports games. While still speculative, the patent offers exciting possibilities for integrating Nerf guns into gaming experiences.