Nintendo has shared a deeper look at the upcoming Virtual Boy library slated for the Switch and its successor. Following the unexpected reveal that the company would be resurrecting its experimental 1990s hardware through Nintendo Switch Online, a new trailer has detailed the software lineup and modern enhancements intended to refine the infamously challenging viewing experience. To simulate the original 3D effect, players can utilize new peripherals designed specifically for the Switch console.
The initial collection, launching on February 17, features a diverse selection of titles including Teleroboxer, Galactic Pinball, Red Alarm, Golf, Virtual Boy Wario Land, and 3-D Tetris. Notably, the launch includes The Mansion of Innsmouth—a title previously exclusive to Japan—marking its first official localization for Western audiences.
Future updates throughout the year will expand the catalog with Mario Clash, Mario Tennis, Jack Bros, Space Invaders Virtual Collection, Virtual Bowling, Vertical Force, and V-Tetris. Most significantly, Nintendo confirmed the inclusion of Zero Racers and D-Hopper. These two titles were famously canceled during the console’s original lifespan and have remained unplayable by the public for decades. While release windows for these additional games haven’t been finalized, they are expected to arrive in small batches similar to other Nintendo Switch Online retro libraries.
Beyond the games themselves, the app includes standard “Nintendo Classics” quality-of-life features, such as the ability to rewind gameplay, remap controls, and create suspended save states at any moment. To address the visual fatigue associated with the original red-and-black display, a future update will introduce customizable color filters. This will allow players to swap the red pixels for white, green, or yellow tones, though Nintendo noted this specific feature will not be compatible with the budget-friendly cardboard headset model.
The Virtual Boy software and accompanying hardware arrive on February 17. Enthusiasts can purchase a premium plastic headset model for $99.99, while a cardboard alternative is available for $24.99.
