New patents for the Nintendo Switch have surfaced online, suggesting that the upcoming hybrid portable console will be released with a virtual reality headset as an accessory.

A NeoGAF user named Rösti posted the patents and explained that they were filed last June 10 by Nintendo at the United States Patent and Trademark Office and were published last Dec. 15. The patents were shared through a forum at NeoGAF. The thread contains detailed information on the possible features and accessories for Nintendo Switch. But the VR headset surely stands out.

At figure 60, a diagram that clearly resembles a VR headset was provided. The illustration also vividly explains that the detachable Switch console is meant to be inserted into the main part of the head gear where the display is normally placed.

In the same NeoGAF forum, the patent reads, "FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example [head mounted display] accessory to which the main unit 2 can be attached." The patent also explains that the head gear will include a number of straps so it can be steadily mounted over the head of the user. 

In terms of how the HMD accessory would work, the patent description further explains that the main console will be equipped with an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor. These sensors "can calculate the movement and/or attitude of the main unit 2 based on the detection results." 

The patent further explains that the sensors enable the main console to detect the movement of the head mounted display "and perform a predetermined process in accordance with the movement and/or the attitude."

There is less than a month before Nintendo reveals more features and accessories for their upcoming console. Nintendo promised to hold an event that will be livestreamed from Tokyo to tease fans with more information about the Nintendo Switch on Jan. 13, 2017.

The Nintendo Switch is slated for a market release in March 2017.