Virtual Boy returns after 30 years
When it first appeared in 1995, the Virtual Boy stood out for all the wrong reasons. We were expecting stereoscopic 3D but got a bulky red headset. It came with limited software, and a steep price tag. People (or fans) never really loved the system. That’s why Nintendo quickly moved on.
Nintendo Virtual Boy (1995) – Specs
General
- Manufacturer: Nintendo
- Type: 32-bit table-top portable console
- Release Year: 1995 (Japan, North America)
- Discontinued: 1996
Display
- Technology: Two monochrome (red LED) displays, one per eye
- Resolution per eye: 384 × 224 pixels
- Colors: 4 shades of red on black background
- Field of view: ~50°
- Refresh: Oscillating mirrors projected images at 50–60 Hz
Processor
- CPU: NEC V810 RISC, 20 MHz (32-bit)
- Performance: 32-bit instructions with 16-bit data bus
Sound
- Audio: Stereo 16-bit sound
- Channels: 6-channel PSG (programmable sound generator)
Memory
- Work RAM: 64 KB
- Video RAM: 128 KB
- Game Storage: ROM cartridges (up to 2 MB, some supported 4 MB)
Input / Controls
- Controller: Unique wired controller
Two D-pads (left + right)
A, B, Select, Start buttons
Two shoulder triggers
Ergonomic grips with stereo headphone jack - Two D-pads (left + right)
- A, B, Select, Start buttons
- Two shoulder triggers
- Ergonomic grips with stereo headphone jack
Physical / Power
- Power supply: 6 × AA batteries (≈ 4–5 hours) or AC adapter
- Weight (console): ~760 g (1.67 lbs)
- Weight (controller): ~260 g
Other
- Games library: 22 officially released titles worldwide
- Notable launch games: Mario’s Tennis, Red Alarm, Teleroboxer
Over the years, though, the device has a cult following. Collectors, retro fans, and emulator projects keep its memory alive. Now Nintendo is officially bringing it back! This time it fits neatly into the company’s modern ecosystem.
The company revealed the accessory during a special Nintendo Direct presentation celebrating Mario’s 40th anniversary. Alongside new remasters of Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, Nintendo surprised fans with the announcement of both a plastic Virtual Boy headset priced at $100 and a more affordable cardboard version for $25. Both options allow the Switch or Switch 2 to slot in, recreating the original 3D gaming experience.
A cardboard kit, much like the earlier Nintendo Labo experiments, will be offered for $25. Both options allow the Switch or Switch 2 to slot inside and display the familiar red-and-black visuals.
Access to the Virtual Boy game library will be included with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Nintendo confirms that 14 games will roll out over time. Some classics such as Tetris will also be in. Subscribers won’t need to pay extra for the titles, and that’s a plus. However the accessory itself is sold separately.
VR and AR compatible?
Nintendo has tested the waters with VR and AR before. The Nintendo Labo VR Kit from 2019 gave players a cardboard headset to explore simple 3D experiences.
The 3DS handheld also offers glasses-free 3D effects and bundled AR mini-games. Beyond its hardware, Nintendo has worked with AR at Universal theme parks. Notably with the Mario Kart attraction, and even in toys like Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.
Even so, Nintendo avoids competing directly with high-end VR headsets. The Switch 2 won’t support plug-in displays without extra adapters, and there are no signs of a dedicated VR platform in development.
That makes the Virtual Boy’s return feel less like a push into modern VR and more like a nod to Nintendo’s playful past.
For fans, the accessory offers two things at once: a chance to experience gaming history and a quirky reminder of how experimental Nintendo can be. It may not change the future of VR, yes I agree.
However it does bring back a piece of gaming’s most curious chapters. This time with a wider audience ready to give it a try.