The Infamous Virtual Boy is Coming Back – With an Expensive Catch

Who remembers the Virtual Boy? It was Nintendo’s failed attempt at 3D gaming back in the ’90s. The bulky design, eye-straining red and black graphics, and tiny library of games – not to mention how it gave players headaches – have made the system infamous among Nintendo fans. Well, Nintendo apparently thinks that means people are nostalgic for the system and want to play it again, since they’re adding the Virtual Boy to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack next year – with an expensive catch.

The Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch Online

The trailer for the Virtual Boy on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack was revealed at the recent Nintendo Direct. Fourteen games will be released for Nintendo Switch Online “over time,” meaning that it could take months. In addition, since there were only twenty-two games released for the system in total, that means there will be an extremely limited library even if they eventually release every single game.

Wait, What Do You Mean I Have to Buy an Accessory?

If Nintendo simply released 2D versions of the games, then I could maybe get behind this decision. After all, it’s an obscure console, and I believe in game preservation. However, Nintendo wants players to get the “authentic” experience, so they are requiring that you purchase an additional headset accessory in order to play the games. The accessory comes in two versions: a plastic shell that authentically recreates the look of the original Virtual Boy, and a cardboard headset. According to Nintendo’s official site, the plastic accessory will cost $99.99. Yes, really. The cardboard version will cost $24.99, which is still a stiff price for something no one was asking for.

Conclusion

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. The original Virtual Boy was Nintendo’s biggest flop ever, and now they’re setting it up to flop a second time. Seriously, who is going to pay $100 to play Virtual Boy games and get headaches while doing so? Some of the games released for the system were actually pretty good, but not spectacular. If Nintendo at least included an option to play the games in 2D and sold the accessory for people who wanted to try them out in 3D, this wouldn’t be an issue.

However, I have a monthly column about Nintendo Switch Online, meaning I try to play all the newly-released games. Will I end up buying the cardboard accessory so I can play the Virtual Boy games the way they were meant to be played? That remains to be seen, since the Virtual Boy section won’t be added until February 17, 2026. That gives gamers plenty of time to protest the lack of a 2D option.