Nintendo has shocked fans by saying that the Virtual Boy, one of its most unique and memorable consoles, will be back. Starting on February 17, 2026, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription will be the only way to get the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics collection.
There will be 14 classic Virtual Boy games in this collection, and they will be released over time for the Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Classic Virtual Boy Games in Stereoscopic 3D on Nintendo Switch
Players will need a special accessory that gives them the experience of using the original Virtual Boy hardware to play these games. This accessory lets you put your Nintendo Switch console into the device, which gives you the famous stereoscopic 3D graphics that made the original system stand out.
The accessory will be compatible with both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. For those who prefer a more affordable option, Nintendo will also offer a cardboard model of the accessory.
Some of the games you can choose from are Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, and Teleroboxer, among others. These 14 games represent a significant portion of the Virtual Boy’s original library and will be rolled out over time, so not all titles will be available at launch.
This collection provides Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers with a chance to experience the Virtual Boy’s distinctive 3D games without needing the original, somewhat rare hardware.
Nintendo plans to make the accessory and the cardboard model available for pre-purchase on the My Nintendo Store in the near future. Nintendo has confirmed that this accessory will be sold in places like the United States and Canada, but they haven’t said how much it will cost or any other details.
This announcement comes as a nostalgic nod to the Virtual Boy, which originally launched in 1995 but was widely considered a commercial failure, selling fewer than 800,000 units worldwide before it was discontinued.
Even though it didn’t last long, the Virtual Boy became very popular because of its unique way of playing 3D games. This re-release is exciting for both long-time Nintendo fans and new players who are keen to learn more about the history of classic games.
Starting in February, fans will be able to play the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics, which will bring a piece of Nintendo’s past to the new hybrid consoles in a whole new way.
