During the latest big Nintendo Direct showcase – read the full breakdown of everything covered here – Nintendo unveiled the latest piece of retro hardware that will join Nintendo Switch Online, and boy was it a surprise.
Following the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, N64, GameCube and Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) to the back catalogue library is none other than the legendary Virtual Boy. The new hardware will be compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, by popping your console into the new purchasable headset which is an almost replica of the original headset:
A cheaper cardboard version is also coming:
The Virtual Boy is the original gaming VR headset. With its own list of VR games that were completely played in black and red, including games like Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball and Teleroboxer:
Released in 1995, the Virtual Boy had an incredibly short life, selling well under 1m units and thus had a very small library of games. 14 of the Virtual Boy's 22 games will be released over time to NSO for players including Jack Bros, 3D Tetris and Mario Clash.
Many of these games will have been completely inaccessible to gamers for generations therefore this will be a unique opportunity to relive some of Nintendo's most cult-classic games.
When is Virtual Boy coming to Switch Online?
Virtual Boy joins Nintendo Switch Online February 17 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Members.
How much does the Virtual Boy accessory cost? And where can I pre-order?
Currently the Virtual Boy headset accessories are listed as follows.
Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2/Nintendo Switch cost:
- UK: £66.99
- US: $99.99
- Canada: $109.99
Pre-orders will be available here.
Virtual Boy (Cardboard Model) for Nintendo Switchâ„¢ 2/Nintendo Switch cost:
- UK: £16.99
- US: $24.99
- Canada: $29.99
Pre-orders will be available here.
Will you be picking up a Nintendo Virtual Boy headset? Did you have one of the original VR headsets?
Let us know in the comments below and stick with GSC for more coverage from the latest Nintendo Direct.
