Background information
Why Domi couldn’t try out the Nintendo VR headset from 1995
by Kevin Hofer
Nintendo's biggest flop, the Virtual Boy, is coming back
12.9.2025
Translation: machine translated
Nintendo announces the return of the Virtual Boy. The obscure console will be included in the "Nintendo Switch Online" subscription and will receive a replica.
In a «Nintendo Direct» presentation, the Japanese company announced the return of the Virtual Boy in a complete surprise. The console will be included in the «Nintendo Switch Online» subscription.
You can see the trailer for the bizarre comeback here:
Not familiar with the Virtual Boy? The strange handheld was released in Japan and the USA in 1995. With just 770,000 units sold, it was one of the biggest flops in Nintendo's company history.
The special thing about the hardware: it enables a 3D effect when playing games. The bad thing about the hardware: The screen quickly causes headaches with unpleasant reddish tones. What's more, operating the system is very awkward with the strange feet that you have to place either on your lap or on a table.
Source: Nintendo
The games for the handheld are now being reissued in the retro library of the «Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pak» plans for the Switch and Switch 2. The special twist - Nintendo is launching a replica of the original Virtual Boy. The games will not be playable without additional hardware.
The replica does not have a fixed screen. Instead, you can plug your Switch or Switch 2 into the hardware. The two lenses are intended to replicate the original 3D effect of the original.
Source: Nintendo
Nintendo will also be releasing a cardboard model of the Virtual Boy. So you can perhaps control the retro headache games a little more compactly and conveniently.
Source: Nintendo
Nintendo is presenting «Mario's Tennis», «Galactic Pinball » and «Teleroboxer» as games. Further games will also appear on the plan at a later date.
Source: Nintendo
The games will be released on 17 February 2026 in the «Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pak» subscription. The replica and cardboard model of the Virtual Boy can only be ordered directly from the My Nintendo Store for the time being.
We repaired the «real» Virtual Boy in the editorial team. Or at least tried to. You can find the articles here:
All the news from the Nintendo Direct can be found here:
Header image: Nintendo
Domagoj Belancic
Senior Editor
Domagoj.Belancic@digitecgalaxus.chMy love of video games was unleashed at the tender age of five by the original Gameboy. Over the years, it's grown in leaps and bounds.
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