Nintendo has unveiled the launch lineup for its upcoming Virtual Boy accessory, featuring 7 retro games with modern features like save states and color customization options.
Nintendo has unveiled the launch lineup for its upcoming Virtual Boy accessory, revealing the seven retro games that will be available when the device releases on February 17, 2026. The Virtual Boy, which has been available for pre-order since December 2025, is designed as an accessory for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 (available on Amazon for $499) and requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership to access the virtual console library.
Launch Lineup Features Modern Gaming Amenities
When the Virtual Boy launches, players will have access to seven classic titles that originally appeared on the ill-fated 1995 console. These games include:
- Teleroboxer
- Galactic Pinball
- Red Alarm
- Golf
- Virtual Boy Wario Land
- 3-D Tetris
- The Mansion of Innsmouth
However, Nintendo is bringing these retro experiences into the modern era with several quality-of-life features. Players will be able to create suspend points to save their progress at any time, rewind gameplay to correct mistakes, and even remap controls mid-game. These additions address some of the frustrations that players experienced with the original hardware.
Expanding Library Throughout 2026
Beyond the initial seven titles, Nintendo has announced plans to expand the Virtual Boy library throughout 2026. Additional games coming later this year include:
- Mario Clash
- Mario Tennis
- Jack Bros.
- Space Invaders Virtual Collection
- Virtual Bowling
- Vertical Force
- V-Tetris
In a surprising move, Nintendo is also developing and releasing two games that were never originally released for the Virtual Boy in 1995: Zero Racers and D-Hopper. These titles represent new content for the platform and demonstrate Nintendo's commitment to expanding the Virtual Boy's library beyond its original offerings.
Color Customization Feature
One of the most intriguing announcements is the addition of screen color customization. While the original Virtual Boy was notorious for its monochromatic red display, the new version will allow users to change the screen color to yellow, green, or white in addition to the default red.
However, this feature comes with a caveat: users must physically remove the red lens cover to access the color-changing capability. This design choice maintains the authentic Virtual Boy experience while offering modern customization options for players who might find the red display fatiguing during extended play sessions.
Pricing and Availability
The Virtual Boy accessory is priced at $99.99 and is available for purchase directly from Nintendo. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, Nintendo is also offering a cardboard model version for $24.99, though specific details about the differences between the two models have not been fully disclosed.
The Virtual Boy represents Nintendo's latest attempt to revisit and reimagine one of its most controversial hardware experiments. By combining the original Virtual Boy's unique stereoscopic 3D experience with modern gaming conveniences and expanded content, Nintendo appears to be targeting both nostalgic fans of the original system and curious newcomers who want to experience this piece of gaming history with contemporary enhancements.
The February 17 launch date puts the Virtual Boy in direct competition with other gaming accessories and services, but its unique library of Virtual Boy-exclusive titles and the novelty of experiencing these games with modern features may help it carve out a dedicated audience among Nintendo Switch owners.
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