Nintendo is reviving a piece of its often-overlooked history with the February 17th release of a new Virtual Boy accessory for the Nintendo Switch. The famously short-lived and commercially unsuccessful 1995 system, known for its red-and-black display and unique gameplay, has developed a cult following in recent years, with original consoles now commanding high prices among collectors.While Nintendo initially distanced itself from the Virtual Boy, the company has warmed to its legacy, including nods to the system in recent titles-and now, a dedicated Switch peripheral offering a retro gaming experience.
Nintendo is revisiting one of its most infamous products with the February 17th release of a new Virtual Boy accessory for the Nintendo Switch. Despite being a commercial and critical failure upon its original launch, the Virtual Boy has maintained a dedicated following, with original units fetching hundreds of dollars on auction sites. For years, Nintendo largely avoided acknowledging the system, but has since embraced its quirky legacy with references in games like Super Smash Bros., Tomodachi Life, and Luigi’s Mansion 3.
The new Virtual Boy is a Switch peripheral designed for playing classic Virtual Boy games online. Priced at $100, the device aims to recapture the experience of Nintendo’s early foray into virtual reality, a technology that has seen significant advancements since the original’s release. The company also plans to offer a more affordable $25 cover for those who prefer a less immersive experience.
Early impressions suggest the device is a surprisingly comfortable, albeit retro-focused, piece of technology. While the stereoscopic lenses didn’t cause headaches during testing, the gameplay itself felt somewhat clunky, positioning the device more as a novelty item than a fully-fledged gaming system. The core appeal lies in its faithful recreation of the original console’s functionality, which may not resonate with those unfamiliar with its unique charm.
The device creates a red-tinted, immersive experience, blocking out external light effectively – a marked improvement over the cardboard Labo VR headset. Nintendo plans to release 14 Virtual Boy games through its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service later this year, costing $50 annually for individual accounts and $80 for family plans. This move expands the library of retro games available to subscribers and offers a new way to experience a little-known piece of Nintendo history.
Testers found games like Virtual Rally and Teleroboxer to be functional and enjoyable, though somewhat simplistic by modern standards. Nintendo is exploring a new way to engage with its gaming history, but the dated 3D technology, while impressive for its time, pales in comparison to the capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS. Despite these limitations, the new Virtual Boy could reignite interest in the system and make its games more accessible to a wider audience. The release highlights the enduring appeal of retro gaming and Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with its past.
While a Cardboard Virtual Boy wasn’t available for testing, the plastic model generated considerable interest. The device may appeal to those seeking a nostalgic piece of 90s gaming history, but given the current gaming landscape, the 3D experience may not justify the subscription cost for newcomers.
