Nostalgia Strikes Back: Nintendo's Virtual Boy Returns as an Accessory for the Switch
The Return of the Virtual Boy
Remember the Virtual Boy? Nintendo's infamous 1995 console, widely known for causing headaches among its players, is making a surprising comeback. This time, it's returning as an accessory for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, allowing players to revisit the Virtual Boy's game library.
What is the Virtual Boy?
For those who may not remember, the Virtual Boy was a unique device in Nintendo's history. It was a tabletop console that tried to introduce 3D gaming in the mid-90s, a time when 2D graphics still reigned supreme. This ambitious yet flawed device was infamous for its red monochrome display, which was often cited as the cause of discomfort for its players, leading to its relatively short stint on the market.
The Virtual Boy Accessory: What's New?
Fast forward to today, and Nintendo is giving the Virtual Boy a second chance. They've created an accessory that looks very much like the original console, but with a twist. Instead of having its own display, you stick your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 into it, transforming your modern console into a window to the past.
The Virtual Boy accessory is set to be available for pre-order for Switch Online members, and it's priced at $99.99 or £66.95. It's a bold move that seems to be a nod to the nostalgic gamers who still remember the Virtual Boy, despite its infamous reputation.
Why This Matters
Nintendo's decision to bring back the Virtual Boy as an accessory for the Switch might seem puzzling on the surface. After all, the original console wasn't a commercial success and is more often remembered for its shortcomings than its innovations. However, this move could be seen as a celebration of Nintendo's history, acknowledging their past mistakes as part of their journey.
It also provides an opportunity for gamers to experience or revisit the Virtual Boy's game library, including titles like 'Mario's Tennis' and 'Virtual Boy Wario Land'. This could be a fun trip down memory lane for those who experienced it the first time around, and an interesting exploration of gaming history for newer Nintendo fans.
What's Next?
With the Virtual Boy accessory now available for pre-order, it's just a matter of time before Nintendo fans can start exploring the Virtual Boy's game library on their Switch consoles. The back catalogue of Virtual Boy games is set to arrive on the Nintendo Switch Online platform on February 17th, 2026, so fans can start preparing for a trip back to the mid-90s.
Whether the Virtual Boy accessory will be a hit or not remains to be seen, but it's sure to be a conversation-starter among gamers. It's an unexpected move from Nintendo, but one that could provide a fun and nostalgic gaming experience for its fans.