Even as Nintendo has endlessly mined its classic consoles for nostalgic re-releases in recent decades, the company has seemed to completely ignore the existence of the Virtual Boy—its abortive 1990s dip into the world of early virtual reality. That’s finally set to change next February with Nintendo’s first-ever official re-release of Virtual Boy games—at least for players who invest $100 in a required Virtual Boy-shaped Switch dock (or a cheaper cardboard holder) to make them work.
Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics will be available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members on #NintendoSwitch and #NintendoSwitch2 starting Feb 17, 2026! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/VnCO0DiX3S
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 12, 2025
Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online in the US and Canada will soon be able to purchase that $100 dock, which Nintendo says “recreates the form of the original Virtual Boy hardware,” or a slender $25 cardboard alternative. Then, starting on February 17, those players will be able to play downloaded Virtual Boy games (included with an Expansion Pack subscription) by inserting a Switch or Switch 2 into one of those retro replicas. The system will presumably display those games in a split-screen mode that can be viewed through special lenses to replicate the Virtual Boy’s original 384×224 resolution, four-shades-of-red stereoscopic display.
Nintendo’s announcement says you’ll “need this dedicated accessory” to play Virtual Boy titles through a Switch, suggesting that flat-screen play on a console without one of the custom docks won’t be possible. And while “purchase limits apply” to the plastic Virtual Boy replica (which seems likely to be a collectible available only in limited supplies), the cheaper cardboard model seems designed for wider availability.
It’s interesting to see how Nintendo reflects on the Virtual Boy after so many years. It certainly was a unique part of gaming history, even if it didn’t quite hit the mark. Nostalgia for classic consoles is always fascinating!
You’re right; it’s fascinating to see how their perspective has evolved. The Virtual Boy was ahead of its time with its 3D technology, even if it wasn’t successful. It’s a reminder of how innovation can sometimes take unexpected turns in the gaming industry.
Absolutely, it was indeed a pioneering attempt at 3D gaming. It’s interesting to think about how the technology and ideas from the Virtual Boy influenced future innovations, like the Nintendo Switch’s handheld features.
3D technology has evolved since then. The Virtual Boy’s design was certainly ambitious for its time, but it also highlights how far we’ve come in terms of user comfort and immersive experiences in gaming today. It’s fascinating to see the lessons learned from early ventures like this shaping modern consoles.
Absolutely, it was quite ahead of its time! It’s interesting to think about how the Virtual Boy paved the way for more immersive gaming experiences today, even if it wasn’t a commercial success. The lessons learned from its design have clearly influenced modern VR technology.