Welcome Back, Virtual Boy: Nintendo Revives Infamous 3D Console
As you check your calendar, you may be surprised to see that it is indeed September 12th, not April 1st. Nintendo, known for its surprises, is bringing back the Virtual Boy, a 3D gaming console that famously flopped.
Originally released in 1995, the Virtual Boy was marketed as a “virtual reality” experience. However, due to its limited field-of-view, lack of motion tracking, and monochromatic (red) display, it fell short of true VR capabilities. Despite its shortcomings, the console has remained synonymous with “virtual reality” in pop culture, albeit not in a positive light.
The Virtual Boy’s failure can be attributed to its small game library, single-color display, and reports of motion sickness among players. It was discontinued less than a year after its launch, yet it still garnered a niche group of supporters.
Now, Nintendo is bringing back the Virtual Boy with a new $100 replica accessory that utilizes the Switch or Switch 2 as the platform and display. The company is re-releasing original Virtual Boy games, such as “Mario’s Tennis,” “Teleroboxer,” and “Galactic Pinball,” with a total of 14 games planned for release.
It is uncertain whether these games will be emulated or remastered for modern resolutions on the Switch or Switch 2. Additionally, there is speculation about the potential for existing Nintendo games like “Zelda Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” to have VR modes compatible with the Virtual Boy accessory.
To make these classic games more accessible, Nintendo is also launching a “Virtual Boy Cardboard Model” priced at $25. This nostalgic accessory allows players to hold the entire console up to their face for an immersive experience, reminiscent of the original Virtual Boy setup.
Both the Virtual Boy replica and the Virtual Boy Cardboard Model will be available for purchase on February 17th, 2026, directly from Nintendo.
Despite its initial failure, Nintendo’s decision to revive the Virtual Boy and its games reflects a commendable effort to honor its history. In a time where digital content can easily disappear, Nintendo’s revival of these once-inaccessible games is a welcomed surprise.
