Nintendo Switch Online expands its retro library with Virtual Boy games, available on both Switch and Switch 2. This 1995 console, known for its stereoscopic 3D and red-black visuals, flopped commercially and skipped Europe entirely. Developers discontinued it quickly after launch due to low demand for its headset-style gameplay.
Virtual Boy’s 3D Experience Today
Recent play sessions reveal impressive 3D effects, with enemies and objects popping out effectively in titles like Wario Land and Golf. However, the headset design causes neck strain unless positioned perfectly. No nausea occurs, unlike past reports, but comfort remains an issue. The system handles limited polygons, mostly wireframes and 2D sprites, yet delivers consistent depth compared to the 3DS’s screen-based 3D.
Nintendo plans 16 titles for Switch and Switch 2 (17 in Japan). Launch lineup includes seven games: Mario’s Tennis, Jack Bros., Vertical Force, Mario Clash, Virtual Bowling, Space Invaders Virtual Collection, and V-Tetris. Future releases feature D-Hopper, Zero Racers, and others. Standouts include unreleased gems from Intelligent Systems (Fire Emblem creators) and an F-Zero spin-off.
Accessing Virtual Boy Games
Games require Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription at £34.99 for 12 months. This tier unlocks N64, Game Boy Advance, GameCube (Switch 2 only), and Sega Mega Drive titles, plus online play and select DLC like Zelda updates.
3D viewing needs extra hardware: a £16.99 cardboard headset from the Nintendo store, Labo VR Kit (Switch only), or £66.99 plastic replica. The replica mimics the original but lacks functional external buttons and headphone support. Without hardware, games appear as dual small screens.
Game Reviews
Virtual Boy Wario Land (Nintendo R&D1) – 4/5
The standout platformer resembles Mario games. Wario dashes, throws enemies, and gains power-ups like garlic bulbs for enhanced attacks. Background-to-foreground shifts impress, with alternate paths via pipes. Pacing feels slow, length short, but varied hats and swim levels add appeal.
Galactic Pinball (Intelligent Systems) – 3/5
Four tables leverage full-screen 3D views. Designs suit the format with a id nod, but tables feel sparse. Puck physics perform adequately, though not exceptional.
Red Alarm (T&E Soft) – 4/5
This wireframe on-rails shooter evokes Star Fox. Smooth framerates, enemy variety, and effects like protruding faces shine. Views switch between first-person and isometric, with free movement in constrained space.
Teleroboxer (Nintendo R&D1) – 2/5
Punch-Out!!-style robot boxing excels in 3D depth for fists and opponents. However, simple patterns make it too easy after initial beats, feeling like a tech demo.
Golf (T&E Soft) – 2/5
A straightforward sports sim surpasses SNES-era graphics. Flip-screen views and power-meter controls with ball-cursor aiming work fine, but limited courses, no multiplayer, and password saves disappoint.
The Mansion of Innsmouth (Be Top) – 1/5
Lovecraft-inspired dungeon crawler uses grid steps and jump scares. Basic layouts and high difficulty, with quick deaths and no ammo alternatives, hinder fun.
3D-Tetris (T&E Soft) – 4/5
Drop tetriminos into a 3D pit to form solids. Camera shifts and controls adapt quickly, offering fresh modes like shape puzzles. More engaging than flat V-Tetris.
All titles include save points and rewind features, enhancing accessibility on modern hardware.
