During its recent Direct, Nintendo has announced that Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 players subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service will be getting access to classics from one of the company’s long-forgotten consoles – the Virtual Boy.
Coming to the Switch and Switch 2 in US and Canada on February 17, 2026, Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics will also require users to purchase the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2/Nintendo Switch accessory. The announcement was made with a trailer, which you can check out below.
There will be two versions of the Virtual Boy accessories – a full plastic one based on the original Virtual Boy design and priced at $99.99, and one made of cardboard that focuses on only providing the bare essentials, priced at $24.99. Owing to the design and lenses in the accessories, it is also worth noting that the Virtual Boy games available will be playable with stereoscopic 3D, much like the original console.
For the sake of context, the Virtual Boy a gaming console released all the way back in 1995, and was Nintendo’s attempts at tapping into VR gaming. Advertised as a portable device, the Virtual Boy had a stand that players would need to use as they played bespoke titles for the console.
Unfortunately, owing to its cumbersome design despite being a handheld as well as the low visual fidelity of its titles, the Virtual Boy didn’t see much in the way of commercial success. This was further stymied by the fact that there were only ever 22 titles released for the console before it stopped being sold and Nintendo went on to ignore that it ever existed.
Some of the titles that have been confirmed as being part of the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics collection include Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball and Teleroboxer among others. All in all, Nintendo has also stated that 14 games will be added to the collection over time. Some of the titles confirmed to be coming are Mario Clash, Vertical Force, Jack Bros., and Innsmouth no Yakata.
When it comes out, Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics will join the relatively-recent addition of GameCube games to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service. Announced back in April during the dedicated Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo has confirmed that some of the games making their way to the Switch 2 through the collection include Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, and Super Mario Strikers, among many others.
The addition of GameCube titles to the subscription also brought with it other new features, including the option for players to make use of a CRT filter to try and make the games look as close to what they would look like when they first came out in the early-2000s as possible.
Along with bringing the games from the console, Nintendo also launched a GameCube controller for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the company has stated that it is only meant to be used on the GameCube titles, players have discovered that it can be used for just about any game on the system as long as you don’t need more buttons than it can offer.
This is exciting news for fans of classic gaming! It’s great to see Nintendo bringing back Virtual Boy games for a new generation of players. Looking forward to seeing how they update these titles for the Switch!
Absolutely, it’s a fantastic nod to nostalgia! The Virtual Boy had some unique titles that really showcased innovative gameplay for its time. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt those experiences for modern consoles!
I completely agree! The Virtual Boy did have some interesting concepts, and it’s great to see those unique titles getting a second chance. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt the gameplay for modern consoles and whether they’ll include any enhancements.
Absolutely! It’s exciting to see how those unique concepts from the Virtual Boy could be reimagined on modern platforms. The potential for enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics could really breathe new life into those classic titles.
I totally agree! It’s fascinating to think about how the limitations of the Virtual Boy might lead to innovative gameplay experiences on modern platforms. Plus, the nostalgia factor could attract both old fans and new players alike!
That’s a great point! The unique design and limitations of the Virtual Boy could really inspire creative gameplay mechanics. It’ll be interesting to see how developers adapt those classic titles for modern consoles while keeping the original charm intact.
Absolutely! The Virtual Boy’s 3D visuals and quirky titles could offer a fresh perspective for game developers on the Switch. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt those classic mechanics for a modern audience!
I totally agree! The unique graphics and gameplay of Virtual Boy games could really stand out on modern consoles. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt those classic experiences for a new audience.
You’re right; the distinctive 3D visuals of Virtual Boy games will definitely offer a fresh experience on modern consoles. Plus, it will be interesting to see how they adapt those classic titles for a broader audience. I’m curious to see which games they choose to include!
Absolutely! It’s exciting to see how these classic titles might benefit from modern enhancements, like improved resolution and smoother gameplay. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt those unique visuals for today’s technology!
I completely agree! It’s fascinating to think about how the graphics and controls could be improved for a new generation of players. This could really breathe new life into some of those classic Virtual Boy experiences!