No, I’m not making this up. The Nintendo Virtual Boy is back thanks to Nintendo Switch Online and an expensive accessory.
Nintendo is bringing Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. This collection will allow players to enjoy Virtual Boy games in stereoscopic 3D on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Here’s the announcement trailer:
Nintendo Virtual Boy: The dirty secret
It’s fair to say that Nintendo has spent years quietly ignoring the Virtual Boy. Released as a monochrome stereoscopic desk mounted gaming system using Game Boy related hardware in mid-1995, it didn’t meet Nintendo’s expectations and was ditched within a year, having failed to manage even 1 million sales.
Many in the west don’t know about the Virtual Boy, and those that do either own one, want one, or are still laughing about it (I’m in the last group).
One of the main criticisms levelled at the Virtual Boy was how it made gamers feel nauseous, so it will be interesting to see how this new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack exclusive will improve on that.
When’s it coming out?
To play these games, a dedicated accessory is required. Yes, it’s a modern recreation of the original Virtual Boy goggles, complete with stand, and will set you back around $100.
I’ve already told you, I’m not joking.
Despite the Switch being relatively lightweight, no head mounted Virtual Boy visor has been announced.
(A cardboard model of this accessory will also be available, costing $25.)
The initial line up of games includes Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, and Teleroboxer. A total of 14 classic monochrome stereoscopic games are planned to be released over time.
Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics is scheduled to launch on February 17th, and the dedicated accessories will be available for pre-purchase at a later date.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.