The latest iteration of Nintendo's Virtual Boy is certainly more visually appealing than engaging in gameplay.
Despite its reputation as both a commercial and critical disaster, the Virtual Boy has carved out a unique niche in Nintendo's history, becoming an object of fascination for many. Vintage models can still fetch impressive prices on auction websites, and a dedicated community of enthusiasts has devoted years to keeping the Virtual Boy spirit alive through emulation and homebrew titles. For a significant period, it seemed that Nintendo preferred to sweep the existence of the Virtual Boy under the rug, wishing it would fade from collective memory. However, over the years, the company has grown more comfortable with acknowledging this misstep, even incorporating playful nods to the system in popular games like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Tomodachi Life, and Luigi’s Mansion 3.
With the evolution of consoles like the Nintendo 3DS and more recent innovations such as the Nintendo Switch and Labo, it came as no surprise when news broke that the Virtual Boy was making a comeback as a Switch accessory. This new device is designed to enhance the experience of playing classic Virtual Boy titles available on Nintendo Switch Online. There’s a certain poetic irony in seeing Nintendo’s least successful console reimagined as a sophisticated add-on for its best-selling system ever. The very announcement of the new Virtual Boy suggests that Nintendo is ready to embrace one of its biggest blunders and transform it into an opportunity for fun, literally supporting the Switch family of consoles.
However, after spending some time testing out the new Virtual Boy, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Nintendo’s confidence regarding this $100 accessory might be somewhat misplaced. While the headset and stand combo showcases impressive retro aesthetics and is quite comfortable to wear, I found myself hoping for some truly mind-bending visual experiences. Although the stereoscopic lenses didn’t cause any discomfort, the overall gameplay experience felt clunky, making the device seem more like an outdated novelty rather than a platform I could genuinely enjoy for extended periods.
The main attraction of this new device lies in its commitment to faithfully recreating elements of the original console that were well-received while addressing some of the shortcomings that caused it to fail in the '90s. However, if you’re not particularly nostalgic about retro gaming, you might want to consider skipping the plastic version and instead dig out your old Labo kit.
As someone who missed the original Virtual Boy and often finds VR headsets uncomfortable, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the new peripheral fit my face. Designed to sit on a table and work with a controller once you insert your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, this model effectively blocked out external light, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the gameplay, even in a brightly lit environment.
This immersion highlighted the striking red hues (which can be customized to various colors) of the Virtual Boy’s monochromatic game selection screen as I explored the limited library of 3D titles available. Nintendo has announced plans to release 14 different Virtual Boy games later this year through its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which costs $50 annually for individuals and $80 for families. The first set of these retro games is expected to launch on February 17th, coinciding with the release of the $100 accessory and its more affordable $25 cardboard alternative.
During my play sessions with the Virtual Boy, I found myself simultaneously amused and slightly underwhelmed while engaging with titles such as Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, and a newly localized version of The Mansion of Innsmouth, which had only been previously available in Japan. The games performed adequately and embodied the experimental spirit of Nintendo during a time when they were venturing into new ways to create immersive experiences. While the lens technology may have been groundbreaking at the time of the original Virtual Boy, it pales when compared to the advancements made with the 3DS and fails to convincingly trick my eyes into perceiving true 3D.
Interestingly, it was the more visually straightforward games featuring vector graphics, like 3-D Tetris and Red Alarm, that managed to draw me in with their innovative presentation of three-dimensional space. Additionally, it’s worth noting that accessing these games has become increasingly challenging over the years. Although this new peripheral may not ignite a renaissance in the preservation of Virtual Boy games, it significantly enhances their accessibility, particularly for those who weren’t around during the original console’s brief tenure.
While I didn’t have an opportunity to try the cardboard version of the Virtual Boy, I left the experience eager to see how the games would translate onto Labo hardware. The plastic model certainly looks stylish and will likely appeal to those who longed to own a Virtual Boy back in the '90s. However, in 2026, the dated nature of these 3D games makes it difficult to justify the investment unless you're already subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online.
