Nintendo Museum Tokyo Shines Spotlight on Virtual Boy With Official Merchandise

Nintendo Embraces Virtual Boy Legacy With New Merchandise at Tokyo Museum As anticipation builds for the grand opening of the Nintendo Museum in Tokyo, enthusiasts are eagerly poring over early preview images flooding the internet.

Among the many anticipated features of the museum are expansive exhibits and a dedicated shop, each celebrating the rich and varied history of one of the video game industry's most beloved companies.

The museum, slated to become a must-see destination for Nintendo fans worldwide, is not only preserving Nintendo's legacy but also revisiting some of its most controversial chapters, including the legacy of the Virtual Boy. Nintendo's Virtual Boy, released in 1995, stands out as one of the company's most notable commercial failures.

The 32-bit tabletop console was marketed as the first system capable of displaying true 3D graphics, but it struggled due to its monochromatic display, limited game library, and ergonomic issues.

Despite its lackluster sales performance, the system has developed a cult following over the years, thanks in part to Nintendo's enduring brand loyalty and occasional nods to the hardware in later titles. Now, the new Nintendo Museum is shining a spotlight on the Virtual Boy in its merchandise offerings.

According to reports from Nintendo Life, visitors will find a range of Virtual Boy-themed memorabilia—including apparel and collectibles—alongside items celebrating classics like the Wii, N64, and the iconic Game & Watch series.

This prominent display marks a significant moment, as it underscores Nintendo's willingness to acknowledge and even celebrate a product long associated with commercial disappointment. While Virtual Boy merchandise has previously surfaced in limited form—such as themed cameos in titles like 'Tomodachi Life,' 'WarioWare,' and as a collectible in the 3DS StreetPass mode—this is one of the most visible acknowledgments yet.

Instead of shying away from its less successful ventures, Nintendo is embracing its full history, inviting fans to engage with every era of its innovation, both highs and lows. Nintendo's decision to showcase the Virtual Boy alongside more universally beloved systems reiterates its commitment to preserving the entirety of its hardware legacy.

The museum, expected to open soon, is poised to draw fans from across the globe, all eager to experience the company's journey firsthand, acquire exclusive memorabilia, and perhaps, reconsider the legacy of the Virtual Boy itself. For those unable to make the trip to Japan, the strong online reaction to these exhibits is testament to the enduring fascination with Nintendo's past—and the company’s increasing comfort in celebrating all chapters of its storied history.

Nintendo Nintendo Museum Tokyo Virtual Boy consoles Nintendo Switch Game & Watch Wii N64 Tomodachi Life WarioWare 3DS StreetPass Nintendo Life