Nintendo has a long history of revisiting its legacy, and its latest announcement marks a bold return to one of its most unusual systems. On February 17, 2026, the Virtual Boy, Nintendo’s short lived yet memorable console from 1995, will make its way back through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
Players will need an active membership to access the new Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics collection, which launches with 14 titles. The lineup includes fan favorites like Mario’s Tennis, Galactic Pinball, Teleroboxer, and Virtual Bowling. Several of these games are arriving in North America for the very first time. Unlike the Game Boy Advance or Nintendo 64 collections already on the service, the Virtual Boy lineup emphasizes stereoscopic 3D gameplay, a defining feature of the original hardware created under Gunpei Yokoi’s direction.
To capture that unique 3D experience, Nintendo is introducing two new peripherals: a $100 plastic replica of the Virtual Boy and a $25 cardboard version. Both accessories are exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers in the United States and Canada and will be available for pre-order through the My Nintendo Store. These add-ons let users insert their Switch or upcoming Switch 2 into the frame, mimicking the original headset-like setup without requiring a built-in screen.
The plastic replica closely mirrors the original design, complete with a kickstand and faceplate, though it swaps out the old red-and-black LED display for the modern Switch screen. The cardboard version recalls Nintendo’s Labo experiments, offering a more affordable way for curious players to sample the 3D visuals. Both are necessary for experiencing the games in stereoscopic 3D, though Nintendo notes that titles can also run in a standard 2D mode on a regular Switch display.
Bringing back a console that sold only 770,000 units worldwide and was discontinued after just a year may seem surprising. The failure of the original Virtual Boy was tied less to its software library and more to hardware limitations that caused eye strain and neck fatigue. Nintendo’s modern revival sidesteps these issues by using the Switch’s screen and online infrastructure to deliver the experience in a more comfortable way.
Nintendo’s strategy serves multiple goals. By tying the Virtual Boy revival to the Expansion Pack, the company strengthens its subscription base while allowing fans to revisit a quirky chapter of gaming history without major risks. The budget friendly cardboard accessory makes entry easy for newcomers, while the detailed plastic replica appeals to collectors and dedicated fans. Nintendo has cautioned, however, that tariffs and supply costs may affect the $100 and $25 price tags in the future. The limited rollout in the US and Canada hints at a testing phase before potential expansion to other regions such as Europe and Japan.
As with the 1995 release, Nintendo has not overlooked safety concerns. Both accessories are rated for ages seven and up, with parental supervision advised. Unlike the original Virtual Boy, which was infamous for causing headaches, this new approach ensures that players can enjoy the games with improved comfort and accessibility. The titles will be released gradually, curated from the Virtual Boy’s original 22 game library, giving players the chance to rediscover hidden gems such as Jack Bros., Red Alarm, and Panic Bomber in a form that finally does justice to their design.
The Virtual Boy’s return in 2026 is more than nostalgia. It’s a careful blend of preservation, innovation, and subscription-driven strategy, ensuring that Nintendo’s most unusual console finally finds the audience it missed three decades ago.
