Poll: So, Will You Be Checking Out Switch Online's Virtual Boy Service?

Nope. Nah. No. Not gonna do it. Uhhh… Nope.

No. There’s a reason why it failed the first time. It was an awful system and not worth revisiting

@ear_wig totally read that in Beaky Buzzard’s voice. 🦅

I won't be playing it anytime soon, but yes, I am VERY interested in trying the VB as God intended someday and I totally get why they'd emphasize the headset with this*. I don't think a lot of people realize just how much the 3D in these games matter to the experience. Yes, you can technically see them on a flat screen, but I feel that's missing the point. The games were entirely designed with total depth perception in mind and that really does change how you engage with them(the best examples being Mario Clash and Jack Bros). I truly think everyone should experience the system and its games at least once, if only just for the history of the thing. Heck if they don't want to shell out for the headset there's always Red Viper.

_{*this does not mean I agree with the price, I think it definitely should be half of what's on offer. Or at the very least include a replica controller alongside it, jeezaloo}

I knew Wario Land would get the most votes. It's long known to be the system's best game, with many unable to get their hands on it until now.

Very eager to give it a shot, and hopefully worth going blind for.

I love exploring games I never got the chance to play and Virtual Boy gives me some extra morbid curiosity.

I ordered the replica Virtual Boy shortly after the Direct. It's the kind of thing I like collecting.

Looking forward to trying Wario Land and Jack Bros. Insmouse no Yakata also stands out to me. My secret hope is we get the unreleased titles Bound High, Dragon Hopper and Zero Racers on it. After Star Fox 2 and Virtual Boy's comeback, anything feels possible.

I'm planning to pay for one year of the Expansion Pack at some point (when there are enough of its games I want to play), and if the accessory turns out to not be as obligatory as it seems (beyond the authentic experience), I'll definitely check it out.

I was one of the lucky/unlucky few to have a virtual boy and some games when it released. Unfortunately it caused me wicked headaches and vertigo… (even current VR does this tho) so it wasn’t enjoyable to me. Gonna pass on this, but nifty for those that want to check it out / enjoy it!

I hoping there are no latency issues, unlike the majority of the other virtual console systems.

bought an og vb and Im getting this day one boxed up as a back up

Zero interest at all. I only subscribed to the basic service for F-Zero 99 two years ago, and it's set to lapse in a few days. The expansion pass remains a complete insult ever since Nintendo put GBA games at that level. With the addition of decent NES and SNES games exhausted long ago, GBA should be added there, especially as they are commensurate to SNES level games.

I've been fortunate enough to play a fair amount of VB. A friend got one at launch and one of my current friends has two. I love Red Alarm so much. Now I just have to decide between $100 and $25.... Also, I still have my S1.... Will my Labo VR headset work???

I'd consider getting the cardboard thing with it. I'd love to say I could justify buying the full Virtual Boy plastic thing, but no, of all things I could buy, I am not giving Nintendo 100 bucks for Virtual Boy. There's a degree I'm willing to play along with Nintendo putting out the funniest niche thing they could've added, because its fun and funny and weird, but certainly not 100 bucks worth. I've yet to pay 100 bucks total for NSO across like 5+ years I'm pretty sure.

they should've just sold the games individually on the 3DS and I probably would've made a bunch of unwise purchases.

but this ain't the way.

I’m optimistic that the Labo VR set will work with this, since it looks basically identical to the “cardboard” version. Labo only works with the basic model of Switch, but that should be fine.

NOPE and will never consider at all.

I already played virtual boy, it was akin to torture.

I'd definitely play VB Wario Land, the Mario games and some other stuff if there was a workaround. There's no way I'm buying an accessory.

I didn’t realize the accessory was required. So this will be a “no” for me. I’d be willing to swap this out for TG16 though!

Would get if I could buy the games individually. Since it’s just NSO. Not interested.

I like the idea of the replica system that works with the Switch 2, and I like that they offer a cheaper alternative, but I still don’t like that I need to buy a new peripheral for the new console I just dropped a pretty penny on, and a subscription that I have to pay a higher tier to get access to the games.

If they made it so you can play the games without the stereoscopic 3D, without an extra peripheral, I would be far more appreciative and excited for this.

Really want to play that Wario Land. But unless you can do it without buying additional devices, it's a no for me.

If i sign up for NSO some day I guess I would try out Wario Land...? I already have the Labo VR so I think that problem would be solved. But I don't subscribe.

I own a virtual boy and I've always wanted to try 3D tetris but cannot afford the crazy prices, so I'm excited to try it and then be able to decide if I ever want to get it physically.

How about an option for “I don’t even have a switch 2 yet.” Now, if I did, yes, I would be virtual boying quite a bit.

EDIT: Turns out virtual boy is available on Switch 1 as well so I don’t need a switch 2! Awesome! Thanks @Nool

Ha! Crap, no.

Putting this in the Expansion half of NSO, so we’re already paying extra, and then more on top of that for the viewing accessory? And a pitiful roster of just 14 titles - not even the full 22 (!) - that’s just going to get in the way of other NSO systems getting new stuff?

Whatever you’re drinking, Nintendo, for crying out loud take more water with it.

If they put the games on a cart I would be in on it.
Not paying $100 and tying my self to NSO+ on top of that.

@Dom_31 it’s not a selection of games, Dom, 14 is literally all there is. The other eight were Japanese exclusives that never made it west.

It's sad, because it would have been Day One for me...
... but it's a Game-Key Card, so no way. I'll just get it on Steam or PS5 instead. Better graphics there, anyway.

There's no both option for the which Virtual Boy accessory option will you be getting?

If this works with the LABO VR set, maybe I'll try it

I wonder if labo VR will be compatible?

Not interested. Sorry.

Not interested in paying for hardware that requires a perpetual software subscription.

Unless I can play it on my screen, this is going to be a hard pass for me. I tried Virtual Boy as a younger fellow and it gave me a headache after five minutes. And I'm afraid even after all this time, I'm somewhat weery of anything involving a heavy piece of plastic on my face, so this is even more of a "thanks but no thanks." A shame, really, because there are some games I'd like to try that look fun.

TLDR version: No Virtual Lab, No Buys.

I'm fortunate to have a new 3DS XL with Red Viper so can play the games in 3D without extra hardware or cardware.
They are not that great really.

I already subscribe to expansion pass (for the Game Cube and N64 games) so that's one hurdle already out of the way.

I've no interest in buying the replica but I'm pretty sure I can stretch to the £16.99 cardboard version.

Whether it's actually worth £16.99 is a different discussion but I've never played any form of Virtual Boy before so as a life long Nintendo fan I'd like to be able to tick it off my list

I have expansion pass but I have no interest paying to hunch over with my head in a box to play the games. If they can be played on TV in 2D then I’ll be happy to play them all.

I will not be playing or getting anything in regards to virtual boy.
I have no nostalgia for it and the color palette is offputting.
Not to mention the impractibility of using the device.
Just give us updated versions of the games with actual colors so it feels more SNES.
Now that i would play.

Cost aside, I am a bit worried it will still cause headaches. I am not sure if it has been confirmed that it won't....as that would be acknowledging the problem of the first system! So, a pass for me, I am afraid.

Maybe the cardboard version, I'll also wait and see if this can be done DIY.
Though it looks like the idea there is that you hold the switch up to your face with the cardboard just on it somehow... Sounds rather flimsy, and probably exhausting

Call me old fashioned but I’m more concerned about my eye health - they’ve hopefully sorted all those issues but I won’t risk it

The whole thing is a bit daft but yes will be getting the replica day one, have preordered. Just looks like a chance to try something quite different and the games do look interesting too - I’ve never had problems with motion sickness or stuff like that when using headsets but there’s a first time for everything! Admittedly only did short play sessions on Labo VR so would imagine doing the same here. The NSO subscription part does detract somewhat and hopefully they don’t drip feed the games over a very long period, overall though I’m still excited to try this.

@ChromaticDracula: "How about an option for “I don’t even have a switch 2 yet.” Now, if I did, yes, I would be virtual boying quite a bit."

Just so you know, the Virtual Boy games will be available on Switch 1 as well, not just Switch 2.

There's a couple games there I'd like to try but I'm not buying the a dumb peripheral for that.

Maybe if you bought the stupid thing and they let you keep the games I'd consider it for curiosity's sake, but them being tied to the Nintendo online thing and being forced to buy a thing to play them is just next level stupid.

Besides, aside from the curiosity of it I'd much rather just play the games on the TV screen instead.

I had a virtual boy around the 00's. Short lived but I had a bit of fun with Tennis and Wario. Once you accepted the red screen (we accepted green for the Gameboy), it was quite good. Form factor wasn't great though as you couldn't get comfortable sitting for long.

Strange choice in one concept that Nintendo puts alot of emphasis on local co op play. This went against that.

Didn't experience the headaches. Im not sure how virtual boy specific this was as many experience similar with VR.

An interesting offering from Nintendo and as always their R&D bucking the trend of the norm and trying something new. Some winners, some not so much.

The NSO offering for me is a curiosity at most and a bit of short fun but it's hampered by the need for the peripheral. I guess though, thats the true experience if you are willing to bite.

I just snagged a Labo VR headset, if that works then I'm here for this day one.

I won't be buying the overpriced viewers, what I will be doing is plugging it in to my old 3D TV, to see if it works any better than the Labo VR modes did

Until I know exactly what is meant by "required",
I really can't answer the first question.

Day 1. Will be fun

I want the cardboard model's lenses, as those aren't cardboard, I'll buy those secondhand

It's crazy that we can get basically new console for only 99.99$! Nintendo is really bringing the big guns for this generation. I just hope they don't sell these with too much of loss, tough as a customer and fan, can't really complain!

Should've released a package with the headset and a cartridge with all the games on. Don't understand why it has anything to do with NSO

Will buy their plastic junk because it's an obvious collector item but will likely end up using it along with some random android tablet because I'm only a regular NSO subscriber and I'm definitely NOT paying ~3x the monthly fee for Nester's Janky Bowling, Blackwaterworld, 3FPS Tetris, Not Punch Out! and Wario World: The Lost Levels.

I'm interested in trying it one day but not rushing out to buy an expansion pass and peripherals.

I would have liked it if they'd sold a Virtual Boy replica with the games included, given the limited catalog available. I probably would have also paid a higher price for a specific collectible. But right now, it's tied to the subscription; if I decide not to renew it or get the basic subscription in the future, I'd just end up with a useless and expensive piece of plastic.

I'm certainly interested in the games, but the peripheral requirement remains a concern - I'm not even confident I've ever seen Labo on local shelves, and here we seem to be talking stuff a potential importer would need an NSO subscription for even one copy of. The thing risks being either nonexistent in Belarus or priced high enough that those already complaining about the default $100 would choke at the sight of the converted tag. The only foreign storefronts humouring our custom service with electronic shipments (read: AliExpress or its Russian analogues like Ozon/Wildberries) might come up with an even cheaper knockoff, but the latter prospect instills proportionally less enthusiasm in someone who doesn't even normally buy third party joycons. Only time will tell.

I've already experienced the Virtual Boy and playing it sucked.

I like the people saying things like "I hope the sales of this flop hard" like this is some release you can buy in your local Walmart. Like guys, this is VIRTUAL BOY on NSO. If you think Nintendo has any grand ambitions with this I have a bridge to sell you. Being NSO + expansion pass exclusive and requiring a replica headset and, again, being VIRTUAL BOY should clue everyone in that is solely a release meant for hardcore Nintendo fans and not the general public, thus Nintendo is eyeing extremely limited sales with this one.

Better option would have been "no I don't have expansion pack"!

I like a poll but the options given aren't really suitable for collecting data and building a picture.

The first poll isn't balanced, maybe, I''m not so sure and I haven't decided yet are all basically the same thing. I'll stick with the original and questions about the expansion pack belong in separate polls.

In the second one, the I'm not interested option isn't really required if you want to know what people are getting, it would be assumed that its aimed at people who are intending to use the sevice.

I'd check them out if playing them didn't require the peripherals

I was there 3000 years ago. I bought the Virtual Boy with high hopes when it came out. The gimmick itself was sort of headache inducing, but the games were actually rock-solid. The system flopped because nobody wanted to try it. I've been wanting a second chance at them for years. I'm legit excited.

I'd rather they add more games to the Gamecube and other systems with increased regularity

@Switching
As an ironic comment that was gold!

I would have been more into this if I did not thave the fear it would make me sick playing it.

I value my health too much to get this. The original caused headaches and wicked eye strain.

I played the entire VB library via retropie emulation 5 or 6 years ago.

Virtual Boy WarioLand, Jack Bros are genuinely good. Mario Clash and Mario Tennis are fine. The rest are absolute bunkum.

Hahahaha, nope.

Depends if you can use Labo VR. I don't see why it wouldn't work, but I wish Nintendo would actually confirm one way or the other!

I would if you didn't need that dumb gadget for it. I'll download it and see if it works anyway without that thing, but if it doesn't work then I'll also not get it.

As much as I love having a massive library of Nintendo Classics available on Switch and will always welcome these kinds of additions, this is just going too far for me right now.

If it was something like 'You need to have the new GameCube controller to play the GameCube games' then I would have probably invested in that not just because it would've been cheaper, but that I know I'll get many many hours out of the GameCube library...I can't say the same about Virtual Boy and the cost (at least for the more 'comfortable' option) makes that decision easier.

Let’s see…you need an expansion pack for NSO, which is $50. Then you need to buy an accessory in order to even use it. And you have to shove your head into the thing in order to play the games, which are only displayed in red and black and appear in stereoscopic 3d, which means you’ll almost definitely get headaches after playing this for 30 minutes…I’ll pass. Also it’s the virtual boy. And while I do agree that having to buy an accessory in order to even access the vb library is borderline outrageous, I will admit that that’s probably the best way to experience these games, since without it they seem pretty boring. Still stupid that you need a subscription with an expansion pack, though.

This would have been fantastic as a mini console. Really bummed that it isn’t that.

Day one. Unlike many here who are Day Never lol

@PLATINUM7 Yes, agree completely with you. It would be amazing to get those unreleased games.

Oh heck no, I'm not getting either the cardboard or the silly Virtual Boy replica.
I'd like to have an actual Virtual Boy around (just not enough to pay Ebay prices) since the display tech is really cool, since it's more like a laser light show than a regular display, but in no world would I want to be looking at a regular screen in that form factor.

As the system failed it really shouldn't be regarded as a 'Nintendo Classic'.

Rather than locking it behind the online service I also think they should have simply released the plastic and cardboard versions at retail including a cartridge with all the games on instead.

The option to play in 2D should also be an option.

Any news on a restock of the snes controller and an updated NES one without rails? That's what I'm waiting for. 😊

For $100, this should have just been a standalone mini console

I think the cardboard model is a pretty good way to go. At 25 bucks, it's reasonable and will allow you to experience these games. The full model is way too expensive, especially without a replica controller. There are some fun games here though, especially Wario Land, so for anyone interested the cardboard version is probably worth it,

I guess I could check it out. I mean, Nintendo is like Dr. Clayton Forrester, his mom Pearl and his daughter, Kinga Forrester. This is just a Video Game Equivalent to some of the worst movies ever made, for Joel, Mike or Jonah and the Bots to Riff on, for Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Unlike previous additions I can't see myself buying this. The NSO controllers are good, because they can be used on original hardware and games outside of the service, which I think is cool.

If they did a release with games and the like, like an SNES classic I might be more interested. Also they didn't release the VB controller, which is a bummer.

I suppose the replica can be a collectible too, but I still think it’s insane to pay $99 for something where the games that go with it are only available on Switch Online… Just seems wild that if NSO ever goes away, you’re left with an expensive hunk of plastic.

I can't lie, I'm definitely excited for this. Is it expensive for the plastic replica? Yes. Is there no like "absolute 10/10 omg this is gonna make me go crazy" games? No. But be honest guys you haven't cared enough to want to try and give these games a fair shot anyways. I've gained a greater appreciation for the library overtime thanks to Jeremy Parrish's Works series and just the fact that these games are cool oddities that I feel like are worth giving a fair chance, even with the additional purchase of the cardboard model even.

@Waluigi451 At least it'll serve as a grim reminder of one of the worst systems ever made.

For everyone who is saying they won’t play it, I really urge you to try it out if possible! The system didn’t sell well, and was bulky (for a portable system) …but the games I’ve played on it were really fun. I’m thinking there will be a work around for the device… but until we know more about it I can’t say for sure.

While I'd like a shot at Virtual Boy Wario Land, I'd 1. Have to pony up for NSO+ (not happening until I get a Switch 2 for GCN access) and 2. Buy one of the accessories. Probably the cardboard one. I'd like the actual accessory, but not for the asking price.

So...this is a pass for now. Maybe in the future, but I doubt I'll get bored or curious enough to invest.

I think we all missed the point of this: The Shell and Cardboard Equivalent are only required to emulate the Stereoscopic 3D Effect. You CAN play it without that, but you'll just miss out on the 3D, because the Switch 2 can't give you "3D without Glasses" like the 3DS could.

I've played some Virtual Boy games in 3D and while I really enjoy Wario Land and Jack Bros and some of the others are decent fun, I wouldn't personally consider spending $100 on a plastic shell to be worth the novelty, or even the cardboard version which looks like it would be even more of a pain to use.

The fact that Nintendo hasn't confirmed if there will or won't be an option to just play the games in 2D is insanity and while it would probably miss the point or not give you the full experience of the VB library, it still devalue part of the subscription service when you need to spend an additional $25-$100 to even access part of what you're already paying for.

Not possible to order here, so «Would've, but can't».

I'm going to see what happens when I attempt to play it docked.

Never underestimate Nintendo! They sure know their audience, and there seem to be enough old-school collectors in our midst to make this a success.

Just hack your 3DS, put the VB emulator in it and play in stereoscopic 3D glory and don’t give a cent to Nintendo and their greedy practices.
Because they really should give you the option to play this without the 3D without having to pay $30-$100 for mid games.

@YoshiAngemon is that confirmed?

won't be needing a workaround since i have a labo vr headset already. strange they don't seem to have confirmed compatibility even though the cardboard headset is identical, but yeah i wouldn't check this out otherwise lol. the real question should be if smash 6 and botw will support vr mode on switch 2

I don’t like pirating games but this is the one instance where I’d rather do so on my modded 3DS. The pricing is ridiculous for those uncomfortable accessories.

Virtual Boy visuals give me a migraine so no thanks lol.

I'm waiting for the true virtual boy experience with the new upcoming update to Antonblast and with that new update being added it's basically the same thing as the wario land game for the VB. And also I'm really not interested in the whole NSO service as a whole honestly 😒.

I don't want motion sickness, I'm good

It’s wild to me that they drop a $100 and $25 peripheral on switch and switch 2, yet the 3DS never had these. It’s a lot of money to spend on something so niche. I won’t be bothering, not in this economy anyway.

@RushDawg

I agree, I think that would have been a cool novelty item.

I love that Nintendo is going for the authentic Virtual Boy experience:

• Expensive point of entry
• Headache-inducing red wire graphics attached to your face
• Mediocre software
• Backlash from their fans
• Not reading the room at all

Leave it up to Nintendo to offer that classic experience with all of its original authenticity

Oh absolutely. I'll order the damn headset and everything.

@Nool WHAT?! How did I miss that??? I need to wake up lol
Very cool, thank you for the tip. 👍

I had the original VB day 1, and enjoyed a couple of the games I picked up for it.(Tennis and Wario), while the others were a bit meh.

Though I will almost certainly buy it, play for 15 min to experience the nostalgia of a sore back and nausea, and put on display never to be used again.

I'll stick with the original system. Bought it day one and still have it. I have 8 games for it, and they're all great games. Anyone who tries to claim that there are no good games on the Virtual Boy is someone who never played one.

@EvilBear And those of us who bought one back in the day will eat it up.

@Runex2121 I still have mine lol

Where's the "Big Fat Nope!" option?

Yes, I will buy the damn thing day one.

Cause I'm weak.

The Virtual Boy used to be a dream, for me. Alas, it was never released in my country. But I've read about it in so many magazines ! So, yeah, now that I can finally have one, I want one !

Off course, I would have preferred the option to buy the games with it. But that's ok : I'll keep the device's replica exposed in my bat-cave, just for the museum aspect of it.

Told you : I'm weak.

i'm interested but those required accessories are hard to justify paying that much for

Call me old man Rogers cuz...

"No, I don't think I will."

Yes, I will be getting it. Love all the NSO retro controllers and all their other stuff. Nostalgia wins.

I'm going to download it on my switch 1 and use my old labo vr hopefully.

@Switching 🤣🤣🤣🤣 some grade a trolling right there 👍

I'll be trying it out purely because I still have my Nintendo Labo VR Headset lying around somewhere, so im just gonna hope that works for this

@Orwellian87 You might not believe this, but that character is LITERALLY on my TV right as I read your comment. I'm a little freaked out honestly.

Look. It won’t befor everyone I guess. But in a way Nintendo is bringing the VB back and preserving rhe experience. I’m quite gapp with that. Most of us are locked ti the nao+ anyway…. But I agree that if you buy such a single use item, it would have been nice to give you the games as well, since otherwise it is just a paperweight in the future. But it fits in with Nintendo focussing on the value proposition of the nso sub. Although. They should the have give ua dk’s dlc for free. That part haa barely been expanded since 2022.

So I'm not commenting on the pricing or NSO or any of that jazz as a little preamble. Holy ***** it's amazing how many of the 125 commenters before me have such clear firsthand knowledge of "awful" the Virtual Boy was and completely irredeemable its library apparently is. Like holy ***** this is super cool just from a games preservation perspective. This is 15 games that are basically impossible to play anywhere else that are now available. How about giving it a shot before writing off the entire thing? Sorry if I'm not one to take mid 90s gaming journalist as immutable distributers of truth.

@ZimmerRemmiz stop trying to bring reason to the comment section. It’s all about outrage! Grrrr etc. 😃

Nope. I would've if it didn't require a pointless hardware purchase and had the features you get emulating VB.

@ZimmerRemmiz Leave the billionaire corporation alone, you guys.

I don't think I will. I know my pattern for NSO. I see a game get added and think "oh cool, I've never played that one," try it a few times and then quit forever when it gets a bit difficult.

And that's fine when the games just pop up as part of the subscription. When you have to get a peripheral in addition to that? Just seems like a bad value for me personally.

@Chocobo_Shepherd what a serendipitous occurrence, haha. Brilliant. 😂

@axelhander which billionaire corporation? Sony? Microsoft? Nintendo? Valve? Asus? Apple? Samsung? Nvidia? Grow up son.

Imagine all the headaches and vomiting from playing Virtual boy.

Don’t really care about any games etc. I really just want to experience the enigma that was virtual boy. It never came to my country and was well ahead of its time. It’s like a museum piece to the weird and whacky stuff that Nintendo does

Nintendo has lost their minds. It’s all pure greed and nostalgia bait- but now they are trying to tap into products that don’t even have nostalgia because they were crap since day one. This whole announcement is an utter joke. Anyone who pays $100 for a piece of plastic with 2 lenses should get their heads checked.
And of course the brainwashed Nintendo fans who made this company their identity will still buy it.

@7h0r Does Nintendo make bad decisions here and there yes of course but they shouldnt be taking all the blame for raising prices we can all thank the tariffs for that.

@7h0r you said on the 14th September: "The switch 2 is overpriced and underpowered and I’m just done. Steam Deck for life, good bye Nintendo. The Nintendo I knew and loved growing up is dead."

Why are you still here?

I had always wanted a Virtual Boy when I was a kid. I got one as an adult, and eventually owned every US game for the system, even Jack Bros.

Then, my air conditioner broke. Had to sell the VB stuff to pay for a new one.

I’ll gladly buy this. Cheaper than the legal alternative.

I mean, I'd like to check out some of these games like Wario Land, but not enough to shell out for the higher cost NSO tier AND purchase a $100 accessory that will become a useless hunk of plastic when my subscription lapses.

I was really surprised to see Nintendo lock this behind the Expansion Pass. You would think that since it requires an extra physical accessory, that they would put it in the cheaper tier to try to get more sales for the accessories.

Hell Yeah! I preordered the replica straight away. Get your sick bags ready!

@ZimmerRemmiz hardly impossible, you could download the full library and emulator to your phone and be playing within 15 minutes if you felt that way inclined...

I wish there was option to play it without the attachment even if it’s in 2D and it doesn’t capture the look and feel of an actual virtual boy. I own the original virtual boy and it’s no fun setting this up play comfortably. I’ll probably pick up the Virtual boy dock but man, not one of their best systems.

Requiring additional hardware to play games locked behind a subscription paywall? No thanks. Now that I think about they should have gone for Game & Watch first, as a complete collection of these masterpieces (except the licensed ones) is long overdue.

Where’s option for “maybe, if they give option for something other than Red, and stop taking the P on the price? For example, let us download our own templates for cardboard, etc”

I’ve played virtual boy (original), the red.. hurts.. if they don’t offer other colours, we’ll, it’s Nintendo, of course they won’t, half assed job - maximum price

I would have been all over this if the games were supplied on a cartridge, but I'm not buying an expensive accessory that can only be used with rental games.

I also skipped Mario Kart Live a few years ago, because while I love the concept, I couldn't justify buying it out of principle as there was no physical copy of the game included. Free download or not, I do not want physical accessories tied to non-physical games that will eventually become inaccessible.

I might bite on the full replica of the VB. Always wanted one when I was 9 years old, but I wasn't able to get it when I had the chance.

Another reason why I might want to buy it, there could be a future for a DS and 3DS apps with any additional DS type screen. Retroid is shipping one for their Pocket devices, so this could be an easy one for Nintendo when adding another screen to give a shell feel. I doubt Nintendo would base sales on the VB unit for the DS/3DS, but it would be encouraging for other cool NSO only devices.

I would expect the DS/3DS games to function on the Switch 2 only and the hardware screen would be optional.

This is a niche to say the least, and I feel like Nintendo are only doing it because a Mario game is on the system, and not for some nostalgia for one of their worst performing consoles.

Going for the cheap cardboard ones, to get my once-in-a-life fix of Virtual Boy, while I lie in bed with my hands over my head.

I’m interested. If this were a VB mini for $100 or maybe even a bit more with games included I would have one ordered already. But $100 plus a subscription? No.

@7h0r This is nonsense. It's been 30 years and Nintendo is finally giving some attention to their unique failure, and via a method that is uniquely Nintendo. It's impressive this method will even work, and I appreciate the ingenuity. I have positive memories of playing Wario Land VB in shopping malls in 1995, and I'd love another chance to revisit that.

@Joekun they’re selling an empty shell for $100. What makes you think they would sell a full working VB with almost all the games built-in for $100? They just wouldn’t. It would be $170+ at least.

@Bass_X0 Seriously. The original VB was almost $200 USD in 1995. So many people truly don't appreciate the value of money and underestimate just how costly this stuff is to make. And that's not even touching on the current global political situation...

All this talk of there being only 14 games... but where is Goldeneye, Waterworld, and Nester's Funky Bowling?

I got my Virtual Boy for $99 back in 1996, and still got it. Unfortunately I've had the same 2 games for all that time... Interested to try something else, but has to be the cardboard option.

Can't use it. Don't have money to buy the crap.

It's curious. I've never really been that keen on seeing what the fuzz (really wasn't) about at the time. Somehow I still can't resist the opportunity to see this part of Nintendo history with my own eyes. Day one then, in my case. And yes, with the full size replica.

@splinters

Sadly I agree. The 'top' games are okay at best. I was hyped when the Virtual Boy was announced back in the day and was very disappointed when it didn't get released in France.

I personally will be getting it. I probably won't get it on launch considering it's coming out right after Christmas, but I've collected all of the NSO controllers except for the NES ones (primarily because they look stupid with the rails - wish they'd re-release them without) so I don't see this as any different.

I'm not that bothered about the games to be honest, not sure I'd ever particularly play it, it will just be a collector piece on a shelf for me.

@ear_wig So that’s a yes

@PhilW I think that's what a lot of people will do, just get it for nostalgia's sake and sit it on the side.

It’s NSO+EP, not NSO, and yeah, I don’t have that.

No way. I've had my days of paying to make myself sick when I used to go out drinking.
The ***** eating grin from that Yakuza looking guy whenever he introduces one of these things is always priceless: dance puppets dance!!

No. Not only is it baffling that it's apart of the expansion pack, and not base nso. It requiring a headset and still being stuck with a red screen, despite emulators fixing it in the past, makes this a no go

Not interested/Not interested/Not interested.
Those are the right and most honest answers.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Nintendo scraps the standard NSO pass and has the expansion pass as the only NSO pass.

I have to not only pay for the more expensive version of the monthly subscription, but I also have to pay either $25 or $100 for a peripheral just to play headache-inducing games from a failed system? Yeah count me out. They absolutely could've figured out a way to let us play them without that peripheral, this is just lazy and money-hungry.

Never cared about the virtual boy. Lol. That assessment hasnt changed in 2025

I will buy and display the replica, but not bothering to play the ONE playable game in the entire library. I know it's the one playable game in the library because I tried it out on the system that made the most sense...my modded 3DS.

like every other form 3d i have vision issues and it dosent work. but the original system was uncomfortable as anything to play on

This just sounds so awful. An expensive replica that requires a subscription to play its games — so unless you keep paying for the service the thing will just lay around in your house somewhere. For nearly $100 that thing should have its own screen, with the games already installed on it. There is a literal sea of great entertainment content out there in the world, and with so many amazing games, frankly none of these is worth your time. Even if you go with the cheaper version. Go buy Hollow Knight or Steamworld Dig instead.

I want to play the games but really don't want to spend extra money for the accessories when I already bought the $500 console and am spending extra for the Expansion Pack.

I still hope they add an option to play the games without the stereoscopic 3D

How will it know if I'm using cardboard or not

yeah, I want to play teleroboxer again.

I may not be there day one, but yeah, I'm getting the replica and playing Teleroboxer. I wanted this game since I saw it in the 90s and never got to play it. HUGE gaming bucket list item for me.

That the VB games are behind not just the standard NSO price tier, but behind the Expansion version, well, that was a good way to minimize exposure to them, I guess??

@electrolite77 Yes you are.

That's a negative ghost rider

I'll of course download the app. Now, whether I can play it on the TV or not, that's yet to be seen.

If not, I'm not too worried because I'm sure non-expensive alternatives will be made for those of us who cannot get the shell or the cardboard version so easily since we live in countries without My Nintendo Store.

Worst case scenario: I somehow mod my Virtual Boy to allow the Switch to be inserted.

Nah. Red Viper is basically perfect and what Nintendo should have done ages ago. The only thing it's missing is the controller experience, which Nintendo could have done here, but didn't. I had a VB in the late 90s and the dual d-pad layout has a very particular feeling that doesn't translate well to anything else. Playing Teleroboxer is a blast with the right controls, and a chore otherwise.

Day one with the replica. Don't care what anyone says, this is a dream come true for a lot of us who want to enjoy VB games without the BS the system makes you go through with faulty hardware that never really seems 100% fixed.

I only hope Panic Bomber is released later as it's by far my favorite game.

I am in to this on Day One! Back in the Noughties, I bought a Virtual Boy off eBay sealed but it didn't work. Was gutted. So I've never been able to play one. So I'm really all in here.

I've got both the cardboard and replica and I will be playing EVERY game. I might even take couple of days off work to celebrate! Lol. It'll feel like having a a whole new system! And I always take days off for those.

I would happily buy the replica if it came with a game card containing all of the games. Otherwise it is a hunk of plastic junk tied to a fleeting subscription. The cardboard one should be for NSO users and the replica should be an actual collectible.

@mingyjongo the Switch 2 was just released a few months ago. There is nothing fleeting about the NSO.

Right, just keep coughing up that money and nobody's "collection" gets hurt.

My face is ready for the VB replica and Red Alert. I am thrilled to have the Switch 2 experience next to my original VB.

And, someday, I hope to have a VB flashcart to play the impressive homebrew released for the system.

Kinda sad to see the amount of people falling for this cash grab. It truly shows that Nintendo could release a turd with his logo on it and people will buy it.

I wonder if my existing Labo VR replica will work with this…

@poudigne Nintendo zealots are the Disney adults of gaming.

@Bass_X0 Ah, I didn’t word that as clearly as I should have. I’m fine with the shell, I just don’t want the games tied to a subscription. A cartridge would do, even if it was a bit more. I certainly wouldn’t expect a fully working standalone device for that price.

Yay, probably not made it as an option on this poll!

Considering an accessory is required to play, and the virtual boy library just doesn’t have many games that are screaming out “play me!” I don’t think it’s worth the price of admission. The headset is cool but far too expensive for what it is, and I can’t see myself getting much use out of it.

So “probably not” is the most accurate option for me!

@FernandoMachado I highly doubt it, labo vr is designed for switch 1, not switch 2

@splinters Red-Viper is So Great i'll be interested to see if the switch version can better it

Even if the idea is kinda nice.
This is garbage, people will maybe try it 1 or 2 times and that's it.
Also, Switch Online expansion pass is needed. No way.

Bet they will go one better and release all the games on a Key Card.

I have access to the entire Virtual Boy library already in 3D on my 3DS, but I haven't bothered to play through any of the games. I am interested in Wario Land, but there are so many other games to play.

On the Switch, I think there's a decent chance that the Labo VR set will just work, and I already have that. I have an OLED model now (in addition to my Switch 2), so it may not quite fit, but we'll see. I'm not totally opposed to getting the cardboard model, or something 3D printed (using the lenses from Labo or Google Cardboard or something).

I don't think I'm going to bend over backwards just to play through Wario Land and mess around with Mario Tennis for a few minutes. The ergonomics of the cardboard design look abysmal (similar to VR modes in other Switch games). The $100 mode looks at least less uncomfortable, since you're not holding it up, but not by much.

I hear that the Virtual Boy had an adjustment slider for the distance between your pupils, and I wonder if that'll be part of either of Nintendo's offerings. Apparently not adjusting it to match their eyes gave people headaches.

Ultimately the best way to deliver these games would be either on a TV with a 3D display, or with an actual VR headset (adjusted for head tracking). Or perhaps on a handheld produced by Nintendo that has a built-in stereoscopic 3D display with eye tracking.

I'm definitely interested, it's certainly an anomaly in the world of gaming. I've personally never even seen a Virtual Boy, let alone played on one.
It's only the price that's off-putting, but just as something cool to add to my collection and have sitting on the shelf once the novelty's worn off, I'll probably get it eventually.

What would be a really good incentive is if Nintendo, or any developers for that matter, were to produce new games exclusively for use with the new Virtual Boy, but I really can't see that happening any time soon.