After over three decades of silence, Nintendo is finally giving its infamous Virtual Boy handheld a second life. For years, the console, known for its unique (and somewhat uncomfortable) design and limited success, remained a largely forgotten footnote in Nintendo's history. But this February, Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers will have the chance to experience a curated selection of Virtual Boy titles. This revival, however, comes with a twist.
Access to these classic games requires a unique accessory: a $100 replica Virtual Boy dock for the Switch console. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, a $25 cardboard alternative is also available. These docks replicate the form of the original console, providing a visual and thematic experience consistent with the Virtual Boy’s original design. The Switch will then utilize these docks to simulate the original console’s stereoscopic display, offering a surprisingly faithful recreation of the 384×224 resolution, four-shades-of-red screen experience.
Interestingly, Nintendo's choice to use custom docks instead of standard Switch functionality underscores their commitment to preserving the original Virtual Boy's feel. The announcement explicitly states that playing Virtual Boy games on the Switch is impossible without this dedicated accessory. Furthermore, while the plastic replica dock may be subject to purchase limits, suggesting potential scarcity and collectibility, the cardboard alternative hints at wider accessibility for the majority of interested players.
The control scheme will use standard Joy-Con controllers, deviating from the original Virtual Boy's unique dual D-pad setup. This marks a notable difference that might feel slightly off for purists, though it does streamline compatibility with the modern system.
A total of 14 Virtual Boy titles, including well-known Nintendo first-party games such as *Virtual Boy Wario Land* and *Mario's Tennis*, will become available. Importantly, this also includes hard-to-find third-party gems like *Jack Bros.* and *Virtual Bowling*, titles that often fetch exorbitant prices on the collector’s market. The inclusion of these rare titles speaks volumes about Nintendo’s intent to offer a comprehensive, albeit limited, Virtual Boy experience.
This announcement is particularly surprising given that even the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, a platform seemingly tailor-made for retro releases, lacked official Virtual Boy support. Previously, fans had only two options: securing near-impossible-to-find original hardware or resorting to emulation. Now, Nintendo is officially acknowledging this often-overlooked piece of gaming history, giving a new generation the chance to experience the console that embodies Gunpei Yokoi's innovative ‘lateral thinking with withered technology’ approach.
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Originally published at: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/09/over-three-decades-later-nintendo-remembers-the-virtual-boy-exists/
