BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Arguably one of Nintendo’s biggest commercial flops is making a return via the Nintendo Online Classics library.
First announced at September’s Nintendo Direct event, the Virtual Boy is making a comeback on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Beginning Tuesday, games from the 1995 table-top console will be available to players for the first time since the system in 1996, including Wario Land, Teleroboxer and Galactic Pinball.
Nintendo says more games will be added to the library in the future.
Gamers will need one of two separate accessories to play the vintage games, both of which go on sale Tuesday.
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Virtual Boy for the Nintendo Switch 2/Nintendo Switch is a near-duplicate of the original console, featuring the adjustable headset, eye shade and two-legged stand. The Switch console goes inside the accessory and makes use of the console’s existing Joy-Cons.
That replica model will cost $99.99 while Nintendo is offering a cheaper, cardboard alternative for just $24.99.
The original Nintendo Virtual Boy released in North America on Aug. 14, 1995, and promised to be the first system capable of rendering stereoscopic 3D graphics.
The console, however, proved to be a critical and commercial failure, garnering negative reviews and only selling 770,000 units worldwide.
Fans and critics alike complained of the red monochromatic display causing headaches and eye pain as well the system’s overall lack of mobility.
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In the end, Nintendo turned its attention to the soon-to-be released Nintendo 64, discontinuing production of the Virtual Boy a year after its North American release.
Just under 30 years later, gamers will be able to relive the migraine-inducing nostalgia or experience it for the first time ever.
Both the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2/Nintendo Switch and the cheaper cardboard model will be available to purchase for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers Tuesday.
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