Nintendo Switch Online Expands Its Retro Library With Virtual Boy Games in 2026
In a significant move for retro gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo has officially announced the arrival of Virtual Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online (NSO), allowing fans to experience a unique chapter in the company’s hardware history.
Launching on February 16, 2026, the Virtual Boy app will be available to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, further enhancing the ever-growing library of classic titles available on the eShop. Launched in 1995, the Virtual Boy is often remembered as one of Nintendo’s most ambitious—if commercially challenged—consoles.
Amid high expectations for the impending Nintendo 64, the Virtual Boy broke new ground in 3D gaming but struggled due to technological and financial constraints of the era.
Despite its shortcomings, the platform fostered several innovative titles that have become cult favorites among dedicated fans. To generate excitement ahead of the Virtual Boy app’s debut, Nintendo has released an official trailer highlighting the launch lineup.
Leading the collection is "Virtual Boy Wario Land," widely regarded as the standout title of the system.
Joining it are other notable games such as "Teleroboxer," "Galactic Pinball," "Red Alarm," "Golf," "The Mansion of Innsmouth," and "3-D Tetris." Nintendo also confirmed that more titles will join the service later in 2026, including long-requested and previously unreleased games.
Notably, "Zero Racers"—a lost entry in the F-Zero franchise—will finally be made available to the public, along with "D-Hopper." Additional titles set to release later include "Mario Clash," "Mario’s Tennis," "Jack Bros.," "Space Invaders Virtual Collection," "Virtual Bowling," "Vertical Force," and "V-Tetris." As with other classic console applications on Nintendo Switch Online, the Virtual Boy app will offer modern features to improve gameplay accessibility.
Players can make use of save states, rewind functionality, and fully customizable controller mapping.
The original Virtual Boy utilized six buttons and two D-pads, which NES and SNES-style Switch controllers can emulate comfortably.
Later updates will introduce screen filter options, enabling users to adjust the traditionally red-tinted visuals—a welcome addition for those seeking a more comfortable retro experience. By expanding Nintendo Switch Online’s catalog with the Virtual Boy, Nintendo both preserves these formative titles and introduces them to a new generation of players.
As the platform continues to grow, subscribers can look forward to both nostalgia and discovery within the Switch ecosystem.
Launching on February 16, 2026, the Virtual Boy app will be available to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, further enhancing the ever-growing library of classic titles available on the eShop. Launched in 1995, the Virtual Boy is often remembered as one of Nintendo’s most ambitious—if commercially challenged—consoles.
Amid high expectations for the impending Nintendo 64, the Virtual Boy broke new ground in 3D gaming but struggled due to technological and financial constraints of the era.
Despite its shortcomings, the platform fostered several innovative titles that have become cult favorites among dedicated fans. To generate excitement ahead of the Virtual Boy app’s debut, Nintendo has released an official trailer highlighting the launch lineup.
Leading the collection is "Virtual Boy Wario Land," widely regarded as the standout title of the system.
Joining it are other notable games such as "Teleroboxer," "Galactic Pinball," "Red Alarm," "Golf," "The Mansion of Innsmouth," and "3-D Tetris." Nintendo also confirmed that more titles will join the service later in 2026, including long-requested and previously unreleased games.
Notably, "Zero Racers"—a lost entry in the F-Zero franchise—will finally be made available to the public, along with "D-Hopper." Additional titles set to release later include "Mario Clash," "Mario’s Tennis," "Jack Bros.," "Space Invaders Virtual Collection," "Virtual Bowling," "Vertical Force," and "V-Tetris." As with other classic console applications on Nintendo Switch Online, the Virtual Boy app will offer modern features to improve gameplay accessibility.
Players can make use of save states, rewind functionality, and fully customizable controller mapping.
The original Virtual Boy utilized six buttons and two D-pads, which NES and SNES-style Switch controllers can emulate comfortably.
Later updates will introduce screen filter options, enabling users to adjust the traditionally red-tinted visuals—a welcome addition for those seeking a more comfortable retro experience. By expanding Nintendo Switch Online’s catalog with the Virtual Boy, Nintendo both preserves these formative titles and introduces them to a new generation of players.
As the platform continues to grow, subscribers can look forward to both nostalgia and discovery within the Switch ecosystem.
