Nintendo Switch Online Adds Virtual Boy Classics: Expansion Pack and Accessory Details Revealed

Nintendo has announced an exciting expansion to its Nintendo Switch Online service, bringing the legendary Virtual Boy library to the Nintendo Classics collection.

This major update was unveiled during the recent Nintendo Direct broadcast, underlining the company’s commitment to celebrating its diverse hardware and software history. Introduced in the mid-1990s as one of Nintendo’s boldest experiments in 3D gaming, the Virtual Boy was notable for its distinctive red-and-black visuals and unique hardware design.

While the original system saw a limited release and just 22 games over its short lifespan, its cult status among Nintendo aficionados has endured.

Now, Switch players will have the opportunity to rediscover iconic Virtual Boy titles, officially preserved and playable for a new generation. Accessing the Virtual Boy library on Nintendo Switch Online comes with specific requirements.

First, players must hold an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.

This premium membership tier, previously essential for accessing Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis titles, is now required for Virtual Boy games as well. Nintendo has also clarified that a dedicated accessory will be necessary for an authentic Virtual Boy experience.

Subscribers can choose between two officially endorsed options.

The Virtual Boy replica accessory, offering a robust build and premium features, is priced at $99.99 USD (£66.99 GBP).

For those seeking a more accessible entry point, Nintendo is also releasing a functional cardboard model for $24.99 USD (£16.99 GBP).

Both accessories aim to replicate the original feel of the 1995 console while integrating seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch hardware. In an official statement, a Nintendo spokesperson reiterated, "Players looking to explore the Virtual Boy library will require both an active Expansion Pack subscription and a compatible accessory, available in standard or budget-friendly options." This addition to the Switch Online Nintendo Classics lineup reflects Nintendo’s ongoing strategy of leveraging its rich legacy to add value for subscribers.

Since launching in 2018, Nintendo Switch Online has welcomed a diverse catalogue of classics from the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy families, collectively reaching millions of players worldwide. As of June 2024, the Expansion Pack continues to attract subscribers eager to revisit beloved franchises, with the inclusion of Virtual Boy titles offering even greater variety.

These updates further reinforce the Nintendo Switch platform’s reputation as a comprehensive hub for video game history and preservation. With several celebrated Virtual Boy games expected at launch, Nintendo Switch Online users can look forward to revisiting nostalgic favorites or discovering hidden gems for the first time.

Interested players can sign up for the Expansion Pack or purchase the official Virtual Boy accessories via the Nintendo eShop and select retailers.

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