Nintendo is resurrecting a piece of gaming history with the upcoming launch of Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. The collection will allow players to revisit titles from the company’s ambitious, yet short-lived, 1995 virtual reality console, known for its distinctive red monochrome display[[1]]. In a surprising move, Nintendo is also confirming compatibility with the discontinued Labo VR kit, offering owners a unique way to experience these retro games – and potentially extending the life of the cardboard accessory [[3]].
Nintendo Switch Online members will soon be able to experience classic Virtual Boy games through a new service, and surprisingly, using a cardboard VR headset is an option.
Nintendo announced that its Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics collection will be available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, bringing back titles from the company’s 1995 foray into virtual reality gaming. The Virtual Boy was notable for its red monochrome display and unique, tabletop-style gameplay.
While Nintendo is offering a dedicated, 1:1 replica accessory for the original Virtual Boy experience, players will also have the option of using the Labo VR headset, according to Corey Olcsvary of the Nintendo Treehouse team. “Players actually have a third option: Labo VR,” Olcsvary said.
The Labo VR kit, released in 2019, allowed users to build various cardboard “Toy-Cons,” including a VR headset, using their Nintendo Switch console. From February 17th, owners of the Labo VR kit will be able to play the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics collection with their existing hardware. Nintendo noted that while this compatibility isn’t a secret, it hasn’t been actively promoted due to the Labo VR kit being discontinued.
This move highlights Nintendo’s continued support for its existing hardware and software ecosystem, even after products have been discontinued. The ability to repurpose the Labo VR kit for the Virtual Boy classics demonstrates a commitment to maximizing the value of past innovations for its customer base.
