Get ready for a blast from the past! Nintendo is bringing back the Virtual Boy, a console that was way ahead of its time, and it's about to revolutionize your Switch and Switch 2 gaming experience. But here's where it gets controversial...
The upcoming Virtual Boy accessory, as reported by Video Games Chronicle, will allow you to play VR-supported games on your Switch devices. Imagine stepping into the world of Mario and Zelda like never before! There are four iconic titles available: Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
But wait, there's a twist! These aren't brand-new VR builds; they're the same versions that were released for the Nintendo Labo VR set. The Labo was a creative kit that let you build your own cardboard VR headset and other fun gadgets.
This is fantastic news for Switch 2 owners, as most Labo creations aren't compatible with the new console. So, if you want to experience these four games in VR, the Virtual Boy accessory is your only option. And here's an interesting detail: the Switch 2 upgrade for Breath of the Wild still includes the VR mode, so you can explore Hyrule in a whole new way.
Now, let's talk about the accessory itself. You have two choices: a hardware unit or a cardboard version. The cardboard option is a steal at just $25, and it's the recommended way to play these VR games. Why? Because the hardware version sits on a stand, similar to the original Virtual Boy, which limits your head movement. The cardboard headset gives you the freedom to move naturally.
The hardware version does have its perks, though. It includes red filters over the lenses to replicate the original Virtual Boy experience, but you can remove them if you prefer. And if you're a fan of the actual Virtual Boy games, this is the way to go, as they were designed for a static headset. So, it's a trade-off: do you want the convenience of the cardboard version or the authenticity of the hardware?
Both versions of the Virtual Boy accessory will be available on February 17, the same day that several retro Virtual Boy games hit the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service. You can grab them at the My Nintendo Store. We had a chance to try it out, and we were impressed, although we have to admit that the accessory is just as quirky and unwieldy as the original, even after all these years.
For those who are curious, the Virtual Boy was a groundbreaking console released by Nintendo in 1995. It was one of the earliest mass-market VR devices, offering an immersive experience long before VR became mainstream. It had its limitations, with games displayed only in red and no motion control, but it was a bold step forward. Americans only got 14 games before it was discontinued, but its impact on gaming history is undeniable.
So, are you ready to relive the Virtual Boy experience on your Switch? Will you opt for the convenience of cardboard or the authenticity of hardware? And this is the part most people miss: the Virtual Boy games won't work with the original Labo VR headset, which might be a bummer for OG Switch fans. What do you think? Is this a fair trade-off? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
