Nintendo’s Virtual Boy Returns as a Switch & Switch 2 Accessory

Nintendo’s Wild Surprise: Virtual Boy Returns as a Switch Accessory

Nintendo dropped a truly unexpected bombshell during its recent Direct event: the infamous Virtual Boy is making a comeback! But not as a standalone console; it’s being resurrected as a physical accessory for your Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Get ready to slot your console into a plastic replica of the mid-90s tabletop system, or for a more budget-friendly option, a cardboard version will also be available for Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. You might be rubbing your eyes in disbelief, and if history repeats itself, you might be rubbing them for relief after playing.

These new accessories aren’t just for show; they’re essential for playing Virtual Boy games. The classic stereoscopic 3D titles will start hitting the Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on February 17th. Initial confirmed games include the original system’s pack-in, Mario’s Tennis, alongside Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, Space Invaders, and Tetris. These are just a few of the 14 Virtual Boy games Nintendo plans to release over time.

For those unfamiliar, the Virtual Boy had a very short and, frankly, unsuccessful run. Nintendo only ever released 22 games for the system before pulling the plug on production and game development in 1996, just a year after its debut. This means most of the Virtual Boy’s entire library will eventually be accessible on your Switch. Here’s hoping this modern revival offers a more comfortable, and less headache-inducing, experience than its predecessor!