The Switch’s Virtual Boy accessory targets only the most hardcore Nintendo enthusiasts.
The original Virtual Boy, introduced in 1995, mimicked a VR headset but wasn’t truly VR. It featured paired goggles on a stand for stereoscopic 3D gameplay and displayed games in harsh red and black, making it both unappealing and uncomfortable. It saw limited success, ceasing production in under a year with less than 24 games.
Nintendo has revived this experience for the Switch. Virtual Boy games joined the Nintendo Classics series for Switch Online subscribers, but due to the distinctive original hardware, an accessory is needed for gameplay. Options include a $100 plastic Virtual Boy replica or a $25 cardboard headset, both requiring a subscription.
Games are technically playable in portable mode without the accessory but are too small to enjoy without the magnifying goggles. The plastic version replicates the original device’s appearance, featuring a fake controller port and volume dial, but functions as a Switch case. The top opens to insert a Switch, minus the Joy-Con controllers, transforming it into a Virtual Boy-like experience with red and black graphics (additional colors post-launch).
Although it’s not as heavy as traditional VR headsets, the Virtual Boy isn’t comfortable. The adjustable stand doesn’t guarantee the best viewing angle. The red visuals remain challenging, necessitating frequent breaks to protect eyes and neck.
Surprisingly, the Virtual Boy’s 2026 launch lineup is interesting. Though some titles fall flat like *Teleroboxer*, games like *3D Tetris*, *Galactic Pinball*, *Red Alarm*, and *Wario Land*—with its 3D action—offer engaging experiences. Despite the modest selection, these games showcase Virtual Boy’s essence, packing unique 3D features for brief play sessions. The absence of *Mario’s Tennis*, considering the recent release of *Mario Tennis Fever*, is perplexing.
Nintendo’s messy relationship with its past, often glossing over mistakes and underappreciating game value, makes the Virtual Boy’s reappearance notable. Few played the original, but now it’s accessible through Nintendo’s top platform. Yet, gaining access involves high costs for minimal reward, with $100 spent to play titles dependent on the subscription’s and service’s duration. Once over, the accessory is merely a pricey keepsake.
The Switch’s Virtual Boy replica is peculiar, cumbersome, and lacks broad attraction—mirroring the original’s experience perfectly.