Nintendo shocked fans during its latest Nintendo Direct by announcing that games from the infamous Virtual Boy are finally making their way to the Nintendo Switch Online service. Once considered one of Nintendo’s biggest commercial flops, the Virtual Boy is now being given a second chance—nearly 30 years after its original release.
Virtual Boy: From Flop to Cult Classic
Launched in 1995, the Virtual Boy was Nintendo’s bold attempt at a 3D gaming system. With its red-and-black graphics, uncomfortable tabletop design, and a limited library of just 22 games, the system was discontinued after less than a year on the market. Despite its failure, it has since developed a cult following among collectors and retro enthusiasts who admire its experimental spirit.
Now on Switch: Virtual Boy Collection Vol. 1 and 2
Nintendo has announced Virtual Boy: Nintendo Classics Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, which will be available to Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Each collection features a curated lineup of titles, many of which never left Japan.
Confirmed titles include:
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Mario’s Tennis – the pack-in launch title that showcased stereoscopic 3D gameplay.
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Wario Land – widely regarded as the best game on the system.
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Teleroboxer – a first-person robot boxing game that highlighted the console’s unique perspective.
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Galactic Pinball – a sci-fi take on pinball with dynamic 3D tables.
Nintendo teased additional games across the two volumes, with some fan favorites such as Red Alarm and Virtual Boy Golf strongly rumored.
A New Way to Play
Perhaps the biggest twist: the Virtual Boy classics will now be playable in full color, thanks to Switch emulation enhancements. Players will also have the option to toggle between the original red-and-black display and the updated visuals. Online leaderboards, save states, and local/online multiplayer (for compatible games) will also be supported.
Why This Matters
The inclusion of Virtual Boy titles on Switch is more than just a novelty. For many, it’s the first accessible opportunity to experience these rare games without hunting down fragile, aging hardware. It also signals Nintendo’s increasing willingness to embrace even its less-successful chapters of history, offering fans both nostalgia and preservation.
Looking Ahead
While the Virtual Boy’s original hardware remains a quirky collector’s item, its legacy now lives on digitally. With Vol. 1 launching later this year and Vol. 2 slated for early 2026, Nintendo has given gamers a chance to rediscover what was once seen as a failure—this time in a form that might finally earn it the recognition it deserves.
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