In a move that has surprised and delighted retro gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo has announced a new Virtual Boy accessory for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 consoles. Set to launch on February 17, 2026, this accessory will allow Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers to experience classic Virtual Boy games in stereoscopic 3D.

The original Virtual Boy, released in 1995, was Nintendo's first standalone home stereoscopic 3D gaming system. Despite its innovative approach, it was commercially unsuccessful and discontinued within a year due to its red monochrome display, limited game library, and reports of motion sickness. However, it has since gained a cult following and is fondly remembered by many in the VR industry.

The new Virtual Boy accessory will come in two versions: a plastic model priced at $100 and a more affordable cardboard model at $25. Both accessories share a similar design to the original Virtual Boy, but without the screens and computing hardware. Instead, the Switch console is inserted into the front of the accessory to run and display the games, while the accessory provides the lenses and housing. It is important to note that the Nintendo Switch Lite is not supported by either accessory.

A total of 14 Virtual Boy games will be available to play "over time" via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Some of the confirmed titles include Mario's Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, Virtual Boy Wario Land, Red Alarm, Jack Bros., Vertical Force, Mario Clash, Golf, Virtual Bowling, Innsmouth no Yakata, Space Invaders: Virtual Collection, V-Tetris, and 3D Tetris.

The announcement has sparked speculation about the possibility of other Nintendo games receiving VR support. Notably, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild already has a VR mode that was initially compatible with the Nintendo Labo VR Kit. While the Labo VR headset is not compatible with the Switch 2, the new cardboard Virtual Boy accessory has similar lenses, raising the possibility that Breath of the Wild could be playable in VR on the Switch 2.

Nintendo has a solution for the slightly different screen size of the Nintendo Switch OLED model, which reduces the pixel-scale size of the two rendered eyes to result in the same physical size presented to the lenses. With a simple software update, Nintendo could potentially bring Zelda to VR on Switch 2, offering higher resolution and better performance than the original Switch.

The revival of the Virtual Boy as a Switch accessory is a surprising move from Nintendo, known for its innovative and often unconventional approach to gaming. Whether it's a nostalgic nod to the past or a step towards exploring future VR possibilities, this unexpected announcement has generated excitement and anticipation among Nintendo fans.