Nintendo Switch Online Expands with Virtual Boy Classics: Release Date, Titles, and Accessory Details

Nintendo is set to enhance its legacy gaming library with a major new addition.

In an official announcement, Nintendo confirmed that Virtual Boy, the company's pioneering 3D gaming system, will join the Nintendo Classics lineup exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.

This move further cements Nintendo's ongoing commitment to preserving its extensive back catalog on modern hardware. The Virtual Boy service is slated to launch on February 17, 2026, bringing an initial selection of titles from Nintendo's innovative—though short-lived—mid-'90s console.

The rollout will include a total of 15 Virtual Boy titles, to be released gradually for both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

This release expands the growing Nintendo Switch Online library, which already features titles from systems such as the NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, and more. During the announcement, Nintendo highlighted the unique nature of bringing Virtual Boy games to new platforms, given the hardware's original dependence on 3D display technology.

To authentically recreate the experience, players will need a dedicated Virtual Boy accessory or an official Virtual Boy paper model in order to access the Nintendo Classics: Virtual Boy collection.

Both the accessory and the paper model will be made available through the My Nintendo Store, ensuring that longtime fans and collectors alike can enjoy these classics as they were meant to be played. A Nintendo spokesperson emphasized the company's mission to deliver authentic retro experiences, stating that this new addition would allow a broader audience to rediscover the Virtual Boy's distinctive library.

They noted that offering the required accessories through official channels reflects Nintendo's dedication to quality and accessibility for its fanbase. The addition of the Virtual Boy backlog marks a notable achievement for Nintendo, as it further bridges the gap between the company’s past innovations and its current platforms.

Fans can anticipate periodic updates as more Virtual Boy games join the service, reinforcing Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack as a premier destination for classic gaming.

For further updates and details, interested players are encouraged to visit the My Nintendo Store and the official Nintendo Switch Online page.

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