Virtual Boy Games Launch on Nintendo Switch Online
Virtual Boy games will become accessible on February 17 through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. This release includes a $99.99 shell accessory designed to replicate the original Virtual Boy console, which was initially released in 1995.
Hardware Details
The new Virtual Boy accessory functions as a physical enclosure for the Switch or Switch 2, utilizing lenses to provide stereoscopic 3D. Its design faithfully reproduces the original Virtual Boy's appearance, featuring a red-and-black plastic body, a black rubber facemask, and a wire tabletop stand. It includes molded focus and IPD knobs, though IPD adjustment is handled through the Nintendo Switch Online Virtual Boy application.
The accessory does not include a dedicated controller. Virtual Boy games will be compatible with Switch and Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers.
Similar to the original, the accessory requires tabletop placement. Virtual Boy games feature built-in pause timers, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes, intended to mitigate eye strain.
The updated system reportedly reduces eye strain compared to the original, offering sharper and clearer visuals. This improvement is attributed to the higher resolution and frame rate of Switch and Switch 2 screens.
A $25 cardboard accessory will also be available as a lower-cost option.
Game Lineup
The launch lineup will include titles such as:
- Virtual Boy Wario Land
- Teleroboxer
- Galactic Pinball
- 3D Tetris
- Golf
- Red Alarm
- The Mansion of Innsmouth
Virtual Boy Wario Land is a platformer that incorporates interactive background layers utilizing stereoscopic 3D. Red Alarm is a rail shooter featuring wireframe models without shading. The Mansion of Innsmouth is a first-person dungeon crawler.
Nintendo plans to release nine additional Virtual Boy titles through 2026, including two previously unreleased games: D-Hopper (an overhead adventure) and Zero Racers (a racing game with wireframe graphics).
Other planned releases include:
- Mario Clash
- Mario's Tennis
- Virtual Bowling
- V-Tetris
- Space Invaders Virtual Collection
- Vertical Force
Eight other original Virtual Boy games have not been confirmed for the service.
Feature Rollout
The release of Virtual Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online will be staggered. A planned feature allowing users to change the color palette from the original red to yellow, green, or gray will not be available at launch but is expected later in the year.