Nintendo is taking gamers on a nostalgic trip back to 1995 with the announcement of an official Virtual Boy accessory for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This unexpected release lets modern consoles experience the unique (and infamously flawed) 3D gaming of Nintendo's first attempt at a home stereoscopic system.
The original Virtual Boy, known for its red-only, low-resolution display and limited field of view, was a commercial flop. Yet, it holds a special place in gaming history. Now, Nintendo is giving it a second chance, albeit with a significant upgrade.
Instead of recreating the bulky original hardware, Nintendo offers two accessory options. A premium plastic version, priced at $100, provides a comfortable housing with lenses, designed to hold your Switch or Switch 2 and enhance the retro gaming experience. Your console provides the processing power and display; the accessory adds the visual framing and lenses. For budget-minded gamers, a $25 cardboard alternative offers a similar function, reminiscent of Nintendo Labo VR. Note that neither accessory supports the Switch Lite.
Access to these Virtual Boy games is granted through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service, priced at $50 per year. This service provides access to a library of classic Nintendo games, alongside online multiplayer capabilities, cloud saves, and voice chat. The Virtual Boy titles will be rolled out gradually, with a total of 14 games planned for release over time. The first wave of titles will become available on February 17th, coinciding with the launch of the Virtual Boy accessories, which are available for pre-order now on the official Nintendo Store.
This unexpected fusion of retro and modern gaming technologies promises a unique experience for nostalgic gamers and those curious about this pivotal, yet often-ridiculed, piece of gaming history. While far from a true VR experience by today's standards, Nintendo's reimagining of the Virtual Boy offers a fun and affordable way to revisit the past.
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Originally published at: https://www.uploadvr.com/nintendo-switch-switch-2-virtual-boy-accessory-announced/
