Nintendo brings back the Virtual Boy — as a Switch/Switch 2 accessory

Nintendo surprised fans at its September Direct by announcing that Virtual Boy games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and you’ll need a physical accessory to play them. Nintendo will offer a plastic replica of the mid-90s Virtual Boy that your Switch or Switch 2 can slot into, plus a cheaper cardboard alternative that recreates the stereoscopic viewing effect.

Release date: February 17, 2026 — Virtual Boy titles begin arriving on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Games: Nintendo said 14 stereoscopic 3D Virtual Boy games will be added. Reported titles include Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, Space Invaders and Tetris. (The original Virtual Boy library was only 22 games total.)

Accessory: A plastic full-body replica and a cardboard version will be sold. You must have one of these accessories to play the Virtual Boy titles on Switch or Switch 2.

Background: The Virtual Boy was released in the mid-1990s, but production ended quickly and Nintendo stopped making games for it in 1996. This revival revives the stereoscopic 3D experience for modern hardware — with the hope it won’t cause discomfort for players.

Want more? Read an announcement/coverage here: IGN: Virtual Boy — Nintendo Classics announced

Tweet version (ready for posting):

Virtual Boy is back — as a plastic (and cardboard) accessory you slot your Switch/Switch 2 into. 14 Virtual Boy games arrive on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on Feb 17, 2026, but you’ll need the accessory to play. Would you try stereoscopic 3D on Switch? More #NintendoSwitch #VirtualBoy