Nintendo Revives the Virtual Boy as a Switch and Switch 2 Accessory

Virtual Boy

Nintendo is officially reviving the Virtual Boy, one of its most infamous pieces of hardware, as a new accessory for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

The add-on launches on February 17, 2026, and will be paired with a curated library of classic Virtual Boy titles via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Release Details

Announced during the September 2025 Nintendo Direct, the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch is a visor-style accessory that recreates the original console’s signature red-and-black stereoscopic 3D visuals. You slide a Switch or Switch 2 into the unit, turning it into a modern take on Nintendo’s 1995 hardware.

Nintendo is offering two different models:

• Full plastic replica – Premium build modeled after the original Virtual Boy, priced at $99.99 USD.

• Cardboard edition – A budget-friendly version inspired by Nintendo Labo, priced at $24.99 USD.

Both versions will release simultaneously on February 17, 2026.

Confirmed Game Lineup

At launch, Nintendo plans to roll out 14 Virtual Boy titles for the service, with more expected “over time.” Confirmed games include:

• Mario’s Tennis

• Galactic Pinball

• Teleroboxer

• Red Alarm

• Wario Land

• Jack Bros.

• Vertical Force

• Mario Clash

• Golf

• V-Tetris

• 3D-Tetris

• Virtual Bowling

• Space Invaders: Virtual Collection

14 Virtual Boy games

That leaves a handful of notable absences from the original lineup, such as Nester’s Funky Bowling, Panic Bomber, Waterworld, and Japan-only releases like Virtual Fishing and SD Gundam Dimension War. Nintendo has not clarified whether these games will join the library in the future.

To play these games, you’ll need:

• A Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 (Switch Lite is not supported)

• A paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership

• One of the two Virtual Boy accessories (plastic or cardboard)

Nintendo has confirmed that the hardware is mandatory for accessing the Virtual Boy game library.

A Nostalgic Revival

The original Virtual Boy, released in 1995 in Japan and 1996 in the U.S., was Nintendo’s first attempt at stereoscopic 3D gaming. Despite its ambition, the console became a commercial failure, selling fewer than one million units and seeing support end after just 22 official games. Over the years, however, it has developed a cult following among collectors and retro enthusiasts.