Virtual Boy Games Are Coming to Nintendo Switch, Switch 2 as Part of Switch Online Subscription

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In their latest presentation, Nintendo revealed that those with a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack for both Nintendo Switch and its upcoming model (Switch 2) will have the opportunity to play games from one of their older, nearly forgotten systems: the Virtual Boy.

On February 17, 2026, in both the US and Canada, the releases of Switch and Switch 2 will be accompanied by Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics. However, to enjoy these classic games, users must purchase the separate Virtual Boy accessory for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch. This information was recently announced with a trailer, which you can find below.

There are two types of Virtual Boy accessory options available: a more comprehensive one made entirely of plastic, modeled after the initial Virtual Boy design and retailing at $99.99; and a simpler, cardboard version offering only the essential features for $24.99. Additionally, it’s important to mention that the accessories, as well as the games designed for them, will support stereoscopic 3D viewing similar to the original console.

To put it simply, the Virtual Boy was a video game console launched in 1995, marking Nintendo’s efforts to venture into virtual reality gaming. Marketed as a portable device, the Virtual Boy required a stand during gameplay while users enjoyed exclusive games designed for this specific console.

Regrettably, the Virtual Boy faced limited commercial success due to its bulky design, even though it’s a handheld device. Its game titles also had poor visual quality, which didn’t appeal to many users. Matters worsened as only 22 games were released for the console before its discontinuation. Following this, Nintendo seemed to forget about the Virtual Boy altogether, never mentioning it again in their subsequent products.

The following game titles have been verified for inclusion in the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics collection: Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, among others. In total, Nintendo plans to add 14 games to this collection gradually. Some confirmed upcoming additions are Mario Clash, Vertical Force, Jack Bros., and Innsmouth no Yakata.

In the near future, Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics will be part of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service, which has only recently welcomed GameCube games. This announcement was made in April during the exclusive Switch 2 Direct presentation. Nintendo has confirmed that several titles from this collection will be accessible on the Switch 2, including titles such as Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, and Super Mario Strikers, along with many others.

Including GameCube games in the subscription package not only offered more content, but it also introduced additional features such as the ability for players to apply a CRT filter, aiming to replicate the original game appearance from the early 2000s as closely as possible.

In addition to introducing console games on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo also unveiled a GameCube controller compatible with their new system. However, while Nintendo claims this controller is exclusively for playing GameCube titles, some players have found that it can be used in various other games as well, provided the game doesn’t require more buttons than what the controller offers.

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2025-09-12 19:45