Nintendo Revives Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch Online: Full Headset and Cardboard Options Revealed

Nintendo is making a surprising return to its storied past by reviving the Virtual Boy library for modern audiences.

Announced during the Nintendo Direct broadcast on September 12, 2025, the company revealed that beginning February 17, 2026, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers will gain access to a curated selection of classic Virtual Boy titles on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

For many industry veterans and dedicated fans, the Virtual Boy stands as one of Nintendo’s most notable experiments—a 1995 attempt at immersive 3D gaming that, despite its commercial failure, has maintained a unique place in gaming history.

Now, more than two decades after the original release, Nintendo is offering players the chance to experience this cult hardware in a new way. To accompany the Virtual Boy content, Nintendo is releasing two hardware options for players wanting an authentic experience: a faithful replica of the original Virtual Boy headset and a more economical cardboard version.

The official replica is priced at $99.99, while the budget-friendly cardboard model will retail for $24.99.

This approach echoes Nintendo’s previous creative use of cardboard with the Nintendo Labo series, allowing fans of all budgets to join in this retro-gaming revival. Expanding on this preservation effort, Nintendo will be making a selection of prominent Virtual Boy games available for digital play.

Subscribers to the Expansion Pack can look forward to these titles: - Mario’s Tennis - Galactic Pinball - Teleroboxer - Wario Land - Red Alarm - Jack Bros. - Vertical Force - Mario Clash - Golf - Virtual Bowling - Insmouse No Yakata - Space Invaders: Virtual Collection - V-Tetris - 3D Tetris In an official statement, Nintendo expressed enthusiasm for giving both longtime fans and new generations the opportunity to explore these unique games, many of which are being made widely accessible for the first time since their original debut in 1995.

Company representatives highlighted the importance of preserving gaming history and providing authentic experiences, whether players opt for the full replica headset or the more accessible cardboard version. While the Virtual Boy’s library is relatively small compared to other Nintendo platforms, this initiative marks a significant step for video game preservation and nostalgia.

With compatibility across both Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo is signaling its commitment to honoring its past while maintaining momentum for the future.

Whether you’re revisiting these 3D classics or experiencing them for the first time, Nintendo’s renewed focus on Virtual Boy ensures that this once-overlooked hardware milestone is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

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