Nintendo is once again embracing its history of hardware innovation, as the company has officially confirmed compatibility between the Nintendo Labo VR Kit and the upcoming Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics service.
This digital collection will bring a selection of Virtual Boy titles to modern platforms, specifically the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, providing both dedicated fans and curious newcomers the opportunity to experience a unique piece of Nintendo’s past. First introduced in April 2019, the Nintendo Labo VR Kit was an inventive cardboard-based accessory that allowed Switch users to engage in accessible, build-it-yourself virtual reality experiences.
While the Labo line has not been actively marketed in recent years, owners of the VR Kit will soon be able to revisit the accessory in a surprising, nostalgia-fueled way. Beginning February 17, 2026, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will be able to access the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics library on both Switch and Switch 2 hardware.
Much anticipation has surrounded this offering, especially after Nintendo announced plans for both a newly designed accessory and a budget-friendly cardboard alternative at launch.
However, a recent confirmation from Nintendo Treehouse’s Corey Olcsvary, as reported by GamesBeat following a late-month preview event, sheds new light on another option for players. Olcsvary stated that while the Nintendo Labo VR Kit is not being promoted as part of this initiative and is not scheduled for a re-release, it will function as a compatible virtual reality solution for Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics.
This means that anyone who still owns the original Labo VR Kit can utilize it to access the Virtual Boy collection without purchasing additional peripherals.
This approach underscores Nintendo’s continued support for past hardware and its commitment to player accessibility. The announcement cements Nintendo’s multi-faceted strategy for retro game preservation and hardware versatility on the Switch platform.
It also serves as an inventive bridge between generations of Nintendo technology, from the experimental Virtual Boy console of the 1990s to today’s hybrid Switch systems and do-it-yourself accessories.
While details about the full launch lineup are available on Nintendo’s official site, this added compatibility provides a nostalgic bonus for longtime fans and collectors who kept their Labo VR kits stored safely away. With retro gaming steadily gaining traction and Nintendo’s eShop providing more classic content than ever, the introduction of Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics on February 17, 2026, marks a notable expansion for the Nintendo Switch Online service.
It exemplifies Nintendo’s ongoing dedication to celebrating its rich legacy—now with even more ways to play.
This digital collection will bring a selection of Virtual Boy titles to modern platforms, specifically the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2, providing both dedicated fans and curious newcomers the opportunity to experience a unique piece of Nintendo’s past. First introduced in April 2019, the Nintendo Labo VR Kit was an inventive cardboard-based accessory that allowed Switch users to engage in accessible, build-it-yourself virtual reality experiences.
While the Labo line has not been actively marketed in recent years, owners of the VR Kit will soon be able to revisit the accessory in a surprising, nostalgia-fueled way. Beginning February 17, 2026, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will be able to access the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics library on both Switch and Switch 2 hardware.
Much anticipation has surrounded this offering, especially after Nintendo announced plans for both a newly designed accessory and a budget-friendly cardboard alternative at launch.
However, a recent confirmation from Nintendo Treehouse’s Corey Olcsvary, as reported by GamesBeat following a late-month preview event, sheds new light on another option for players. Olcsvary stated that while the Nintendo Labo VR Kit is not being promoted as part of this initiative and is not scheduled for a re-release, it will function as a compatible virtual reality solution for Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics.
This means that anyone who still owns the original Labo VR Kit can utilize it to access the Virtual Boy collection without purchasing additional peripherals.
This approach underscores Nintendo’s continued support for past hardware and its commitment to player accessibility. The announcement cements Nintendo’s multi-faceted strategy for retro game preservation and hardware versatility on the Switch platform.
It also serves as an inventive bridge between generations of Nintendo technology, from the experimental Virtual Boy console of the 1990s to today’s hybrid Switch systems and do-it-yourself accessories.
While details about the full launch lineup are available on Nintendo’s official site, this added compatibility provides a nostalgic bonus for longtime fans and collectors who kept their Labo VR kits stored safely away. With retro gaming steadily gaining traction and Nintendo’s eShop providing more classic content than ever, the introduction of Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics on February 17, 2026, marks a notable expansion for the Nintendo Switch Online service.
It exemplifies Nintendo’s ongoing dedication to celebrating its rich legacy—now with even more ways to play.
