Nintendo Announces Virtual Boy Classics for Nintendo Switch 2 with Full 3D Experience

Nintendo is set to revive its innovative but short-lived Virtual Boy system through a new addition to the Nintendo Classics lineup.

On September 12, 2025, the company officially revealed that Virtual Boy Classics will launch for both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on February 17, bringing full stereoscopic 3D gameplay to modern audiences for the first time since the platform's original 1995 release. Announced via Nintendo UK's official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics collection will be included as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.

This marks the first time Virtual Boy titles will be broadly accessible to players on contemporary hardware. In a notable move, Nintendo has confirmed the experience will require a dedicated, newly revamped Virtual Boy accessory to unlock the platform's signature 3D functionality.

Pre-orders for this revamped accessory will open ahead of launch, enabling Switch and Switch 2 owners to experience the technology as intended.

By combining the unique red-and-black stereoscopic visuals of the original Virtual Boy with the enhanced performance of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo aims to introduce a new generation of players to these classic titles. "We’re excited to deliver an authentic Virtual Boy experience to modern audiences," said a Nintendo UK spokesperson in a statement.

"By offering full stereoscopic 3D support and a dedicated accessory, we’re honoring the innovative spirit of the original hardware while expanding our Nintendo Classics collection for dedicated fans and new players alike." The Virtual Boy was first released in 1995 and was notable for being one of the earliest attempts at consumer-grade 3D gaming.

Despite its ambitious vision, the console was discontinued less than a year later after struggling with commercial success.

The system’s unique library has since gained a cult following, with gamers and historians recognizing its role in the evolution of immersive game technology. The upcoming Virtual Boy Classics collection will be accessible as part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, available through the Nintendo eShop.

The addition of these rare titles bolsters Nintendo’s growing commitment to game preservation and the enrichment of its subscription-based platform, which already features classics from the NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and more. Fans eager to revisit or experience the Virtual Boy’s distinct offerings for the first time can look forward to pre-ordering the dedicated accessory and accessing Virtual Boy Classics on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch starting February 17, 2026.

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