Nintendo is giving its 1995 Virtual Boy console a second life on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 with a curated collection of classic titles, previously unreleased games, and modern quality-of-life upgrades.
Fans first learned of the revival earlier this year, and a new trailer has now filled in more details about the launch lineup and features.
The initial collection, set to arrive on February 17, 2026, features seven games: Teleroboxer, Galactic Pinball, Red Alarm, Golf, Virtual Boy Wario Land, 3-D Tetris, and The Mansion of Innsmouth. The latter, originally released in Japan as Innsmouth no Yakata, will be officially playable in the U.S. for the first time.
Later this year, Nintendo plans to expand the offering with additional classics, including Mario Clash, Mario Tennis, Jack Bros, Space Invaders Virtual Collection, Virtual Bowling, Vertical Force, and V-Tetris. The trailer also teased Zero Racers and D-Hopper, titles that never launched during the Virtual Boy’s original lifespan, marking their first official public appearances.
While Nintendo hasn't confirmed exact dates for these later additions, the company typically releases classic collections in periodic packs, suggesting a steady rollout of content over time.
At the same time, Nintendo is updating the Virtual Boy experience for contemporary hardware with features aimed at accessibility and convenience. The Switch versions will include suspended saves so players can pause and resume progress at any time, remappable controls for comfort, and a rewind function for undoing mistakes without restarting from the beginning.
The collection also introduces customizable color options for the games. Players will be able to swap the original red-on-black visuals for white, green, or yellow pixel palettes. This feature is expected later in the year and will not be compatible with the cardboard Virtual Boy model.
Pricing and Availability
The Virtual Boy launch collection and hardware accessories will be available starting February 17. Nintendo is offering two models: a plastic, more authentic headset priced at $99.99, and a more budget-friendly cardboard version for $24.99. These options give players flexibility between a premium or lower-cost experience.
The Takeaway
Nintendo’s Virtual Boy revival for Switch blends nostalgia with modern accessibility. By combining classic and never-before-released games with features like suspended saves, remappable controls, and color options, the collection aims to make this unusual piece of hardware history more playable and enjoyable for both longtime fans and newcomers.
For retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike, the February 17 release represents an opportunity to revisit a unique chapter in gaming with a more comfortable and customizable experience.
Louis Eriakha
