In a move that bridges retro gaming with modern hardware, Nintendo has officially confirmed that its previously released Labo VR Kit will be compatible with the upcoming Virtual Boy app for Nintendo Switch Online.
This announcement presents a cost-effective solution for subscribers eager to experience Virtual Boy games in stereoscopic 3D without the need to invest in expensive new gadgets. The Virtual Boy, originally released in 1995, became one of Nintendo’s most infamous hardware ventures, remembered for its distinctive red-and-black 3D visuals and limited software library.
After years of remaining a cult curiosity, the platform is making its return as Nintendo prepares to launch a dedicated Virtual Boy app for Nintendo Switch Online (NSO).
Set for release in February 2026, this application will give fans access to a curated library of Virtual Boy classics, bringing a unique piece of Nintendo history to a large, modern audience through the Switch console. The question of how best to replicate the original system’s stereoscopic 3D experience has been a hot topic among gamers.
While Nintendo is releasing a premium $100 recreation of the original Virtual Boy hardware as well as a more budget-friendly $25 cardboard headset, many users wondered if they could leverage their existing Labo VR Kits for the task. At a recent New York City press event, Gamesbeat journalist Peter Glagowski spoke to Nintendo Treehouse staff member Corey Olcsvary about potential compatibility.
When prompted, Olcsvary confirmed that the Labo VR Kit will indeed allow Switch 1 users to enjoy Virtual Boy games in stereoscopic 3D.
As Olcsvary explained, any appropriately designed pair of stereoscopic lenses—such as those included in the Labo VR Kit—should work seamlessly with the Virtual Boy app, making immersive 3D gameplay more accessible for current Switch owners. Nintendo has not yet clarified whether Virtual Boy titles will be playable while the Switch or a rumored Switch 2 unit is docked and connected to a television.
However, it is confirmed that undocking the system enables the use of compatible VR lenses like those in the Labo kit, turning the console into a portable retro 3D game machine. This announcement reinforces Nintendo's ongoing commitment to both innovation and legacy content preservation.
With the Virtual Boy app joining a robust lineup of classic games on Nintendo Switch Online and support for diverse hardware configurations, the company continues to offer creative ways for fans to relive and discover gaming milestones. With anticipation mounting ahead of the Virtual Boy app's release, users have multiple options to revisit this unique chapter in Nintendo's history.
Whether through proprietary hardware, budget alternatives, or the versatile Labo VR Kit, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can look forward to a fresh, hands-on experience with Virtual Boy classics in early 2026.
This announcement presents a cost-effective solution for subscribers eager to experience Virtual Boy games in stereoscopic 3D without the need to invest in expensive new gadgets. The Virtual Boy, originally released in 1995, became one of Nintendo’s most infamous hardware ventures, remembered for its distinctive red-and-black 3D visuals and limited software library.
After years of remaining a cult curiosity, the platform is making its return as Nintendo prepares to launch a dedicated Virtual Boy app for Nintendo Switch Online (NSO).
Set for release in February 2026, this application will give fans access to a curated library of Virtual Boy classics, bringing a unique piece of Nintendo history to a large, modern audience through the Switch console. The question of how best to replicate the original system’s stereoscopic 3D experience has been a hot topic among gamers.
While Nintendo is releasing a premium $100 recreation of the original Virtual Boy hardware as well as a more budget-friendly $25 cardboard headset, many users wondered if they could leverage their existing Labo VR Kits for the task. At a recent New York City press event, Gamesbeat journalist Peter Glagowski spoke to Nintendo Treehouse staff member Corey Olcsvary about potential compatibility.
When prompted, Olcsvary confirmed that the Labo VR Kit will indeed allow Switch 1 users to enjoy Virtual Boy games in stereoscopic 3D.
As Olcsvary explained, any appropriately designed pair of stereoscopic lenses—such as those included in the Labo VR Kit—should work seamlessly with the Virtual Boy app, making immersive 3D gameplay more accessible for current Switch owners. Nintendo has not yet clarified whether Virtual Boy titles will be playable while the Switch or a rumored Switch 2 unit is docked and connected to a television.
However, it is confirmed that undocking the system enables the use of compatible VR lenses like those in the Labo kit, turning the console into a portable retro 3D game machine. This announcement reinforces Nintendo's ongoing commitment to both innovation and legacy content preservation.
With the Virtual Boy app joining a robust lineup of classic games on Nintendo Switch Online and support for diverse hardware configurations, the company continues to offer creative ways for fans to relive and discover gaming milestones. With anticipation mounting ahead of the Virtual Boy app's release, users have multiple options to revisit this unique chapter in Nintendo's history.
Whether through proprietary hardware, budget alternatives, or the versatile Labo VR Kit, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can look forward to a fresh, hands-on experience with Virtual Boy classics in early 2026.
