Nintendo’s Virtual Boy accessory lets you play VR Mario and Zelda on Switch 2

Nintendo is bringing back a piece of its history with the release of a Virtual Boy accessory for both the Switch and the forthcoming Switch 2. The accessory will allow users to play select Switch titles in virtual reality, specifically Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, as reported by Video Games Chronicle.

Reviving a Retro Experience

The VR functionality isn’t new to these games. They originally received VR modes through updates for the Nintendo Labo VR set, a build-it-yourself cardboard headset for the original Switch. However, this new accessory offers a way for Switch 2 owners to experience these VR modes, as Labo creations are generally not compatible with the new console.

Did You Know? The original Virtual Boy, released in 1995, was one of the first mass-market consumer-level virtual reality devices.

Hardware vs. Cardboard

The Virtual Boy accessory will be available in two versions: a hardware unit and a cardboard version. The cardboard version is significantly cheaper, priced at $25, and is considered the preferred option for gameplay. This is because the hardware version, designed to mimic the original Virtual Boy’s static setup, sits on a stand which limits head movement.

Trade-offs and Considerations

While the hardware version includes red filters to replicate the original Virtual Boy experience, these filters can be removed. The hardware is better suited for playing actual Virtual Boy games, which were designed for a stationary headset. The choice between the $25 cardboard version and the $100 hardware version depends on individual preferences.

Expert Insight: Nintendo’s re-release of the Virtual Boy accessory demonstrates a willingness to revisit and reimagine its past, even its less commercially successful ventures. This strategy can generate nostalgia and attract both long-time fans and a new generation of gamers.

It’s important to note that Virtual Boy games will not work with the original Labo VR headset, a potential disappointment for those who still own the earlier VR kit.

Availability and Timing

Both versions of the Virtual Boy accessories will be available for purchase on February 17, coinciding with the release of several classic Virtual Boy games on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service. They can be purchased at the My Nintendo Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What games are compatible with the Virtual Boy accessory?

Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker are the four games currently supported.

Is the VR functionality new to these games?

No, these games previously received VR modes through updates for the Nintendo Labo VR set.

What is the difference between the hardware and cardboard versions of the accessory?

The cardboard version costs $25 and allows for more head movement, while the $100 hardware version sits on a stand and includes red filters to mimic the original Virtual Boy experience.

As Nintendo continues to blend its legacy with innovation, will this revival of a classic, albeit quirky, console resonate with modern gamers?