Nintendo continues to honor its legacy with the upcoming addition of Virtual Boy games to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, officially launching on February 17, 2026.
This marks the first time many players will have the opportunity to engage with the Virtual Boy’s unique library since its original mid-1990s debut.
Complementing this release, Nintendo is offering a faithful Virtual Boy replica accessory at $66.99/$99.99, alongside a more affordable cardboard variant priced at £16.99/$24.99.
For fans seeking an even more cost-effective solution, Nintendo has confirmed through GamesBeat that the existing Labo VR kit will be fully compatible with Virtual Boy titles on NSO.
A staff member from Nintendo Treehouse shared that owners of the Labo VR kit can use the original cardboard peripheral for an authentic virtual reality experience with the new Virtual Boy emulation.
While Nintendo has not yet made a formal public announcement, requests for direct confirmation from the company are underway, and this compatibility aligns with the design of Nintendo’s current VR adaptations.
The Labo VR kit, first released in 2019, previously allowed players to experience select titles like Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario Odyssey in virtual reality.
Though support had tapered off, this integration renews its relevance as a budget-friendly option for Switch users eager to try Virtual Boy content. It's important to note that the Labo VR kit is specifically compatible with the original Nintendo Switch model, as the expected Switch 2 hardware will not fit inside the existing cardboard VR unit.
However, the Virtual Boy games themselves are planned for compatibility across both platforms, extending the reach of Nintendo's first foray into virtual reality gaming. Nintendo’s commitment to expanding its Nintendo Switch Online library has resulted in consistent subscriber growth and ongoing engagement among retro gaming enthusiasts.
By leveraging both new and previously released peripheral options, the company remains dedicated to making classic gaming experiences accessible and affordable.
The affordable cardboard variant launching alongside the premium replica ensures that both collectors and gamers can enjoy this slice of Nintendo history, whether revisiting nostalgic classics or discovering them for the first time via eShop or NSO.
As the February 2026 launch date approaches, more details and official statements are expected from Nintendo, with updates to follow as new information emerges.
This marks the first time many players will have the opportunity to engage with the Virtual Boy’s unique library since its original mid-1990s debut.
Complementing this release, Nintendo is offering a faithful Virtual Boy replica accessory at $66.99/$99.99, alongside a more affordable cardboard variant priced at £16.99/$24.99.
For fans seeking an even more cost-effective solution, Nintendo has confirmed through GamesBeat that the existing Labo VR kit will be fully compatible with Virtual Boy titles on NSO.
A staff member from Nintendo Treehouse shared that owners of the Labo VR kit can use the original cardboard peripheral for an authentic virtual reality experience with the new Virtual Boy emulation.
While Nintendo has not yet made a formal public announcement, requests for direct confirmation from the company are underway, and this compatibility aligns with the design of Nintendo’s current VR adaptations.
The Labo VR kit, first released in 2019, previously allowed players to experience select titles like Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Super Mario Odyssey in virtual reality.
Though support had tapered off, this integration renews its relevance as a budget-friendly option for Switch users eager to try Virtual Boy content. It's important to note that the Labo VR kit is specifically compatible with the original Nintendo Switch model, as the expected Switch 2 hardware will not fit inside the existing cardboard VR unit.
However, the Virtual Boy games themselves are planned for compatibility across both platforms, extending the reach of Nintendo's first foray into virtual reality gaming. Nintendo’s commitment to expanding its Nintendo Switch Online library has resulted in consistent subscriber growth and ongoing engagement among retro gaming enthusiasts.
By leveraging both new and previously released peripheral options, the company remains dedicated to making classic gaming experiences accessible and affordable.
The affordable cardboard variant launching alongside the premium replica ensures that both collectors and gamers can enjoy this slice of Nintendo history, whether revisiting nostalgic classics or discovering them for the first time via eShop or NSO.
As the February 2026 launch date approaches, more details and official statements are expected from Nintendo, with updates to follow as new information emerges.
