Nintendo loves to surprise, and this time, an unexpected return is on the horizon. Thirty years after its commercial failure, the Virtual Boy is making a comeback on the Switch and Switch 2. A bold move that mixes nostalgia and curiosity.

The Virtual Boy games will join the Switch Online + Expansion Pack catalog. To enjoy them, you will need a brand-new accessory: a plastic headset with lenses and a desktop stand that holds the screen of your Switch or Switch 2, priced at €79.99. Nintendo also offers a lighter cardboard version for €19.99. The plastic version perfectly replicates the curves and colors of the original Virtual Boy.

Fourteen titles are currently planned, including Mario Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Wario Land, and Red Alarm. This allows players to dive straight into the unique world of the Virtual Boy, characterized by its red monochrome graphics and distinctive atmosphere. Nintendo has already promised that most of the catalog will follow soon, giving a second life to a console remembered for the wrong reasons.

The 1995 Virtual Boy, despite its visionary and arguably avant-garde nature, was mainly criticized for its discomfort, the headaches it could cause, and the lack of truly memorable games. It remains to be seen whether this accessory will become a collector's item or if players will find genuine gameplay interest in it.

This project is part of a broader strategy: highlighting Nintendo's heritage and continuously expanding its online service content. After the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy, it is now the turn of the most unusual machine in Big N's history to return to the spotlight. Retro-gaming enthusiasts and collectors will likely be the first to try it, but it will be interesting to see if the wider public follows this time.

The Virtual Boy and its games will be available on February 17, 2026.

Images: Nintendo