Nintendo is revisiting its quirky past with a surprising announcement: the return of the Virtual Boy. While not a full-fledged VR headset, this retro gaming experience will be available for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 starting February 17th next year, as part of Mario's 40th-anniversary celebrations. This isn't simply an emulation; Nintendo is releasing a dedicated accessory to bring the iconic (and infamously flawed) 1996 console back to life.
The announcement, part of a larger Nintendo Direct livestream, also included remasters of Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2. However, the Virtual Boy's comeback stole the show. Fans can expect fourteen Virtual Boy titles, released over time, included with their Nintendo Switch Online subscription. The lineup even features the classic Tetris.
But how will you play these retro games? Nintendo is offering two versions of the accessory. A meticulously recreated plastic version, true to the original's bulky design, will retail at $100. For a budget-friendly alternative, a cardboard version will also be available at $25. Both accessories will allow players to slot in their Switch console and experience the unique (and undeniably retro) 3D black-and-red visuals.
This isn't Nintendo's first foray into VR or AR experiences. They previously launched the Nintendo Labo VR kit, a cardboard construction project that brought VR gaming to the Switch. The 3DS, while not a Virtual Boy successor, featured its own 3D display, and the company continues to integrate AR elements into experiences such as the Mario Kart ride at Universal Studios and the Mario Kart Live RC car game. Despite speculation of a dedicated VR headset for the Switch 2, Nintendo has opted for this nostalgic approach for the time being, leaving fans to speculate about their future VR plans.
With this intriguing twist on retro gaming, Nintendo is offering a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. Will this revival recapture the magic (or infamy) of the original? Only time will tell, but one thing's certain – 2024 will see a lot of gamers experiencing the Virtual Boy in a whole new way.
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Originally published at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nintendos-back-in-vr-with-a-new-virtual-boy-coming-next-year-for-switch/
