Nintendo has officially opened pre-orders for its revived Virtual Boy accessory but there’s a catch. Only Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can place an order, making this retro-inspired device a member-exclusive throwback.
Virtual Boy returns as Switch accessory
Originally launched in 1995 and long regarded as one of Nintendo’s biggest flops, the Virtual Boy is making a surprise comeback this time as an accessory for the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2. The modern version keeps the iconic red-and-black aesthetic but works by housing a Switch console directly inside the unit.
Pre-orders are now live through Nintendo’s official store, with the hardware priced at $99.99. The catch? Only users with a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription can buy it.
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Classic games require an Expansion Pack
Purchasing the Virtual Boy isn’t enough to unlock its full functionality. To play any of the original Virtual Boy games on the new hardware, users will also need the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier. Without it, the device becomes little more than a novelty shell.
Both the standard Virtual Boy and its Cardboard model (priced at $24.99) will release on February 17, 2026.
Two Virtual Boy models to choose from
Nintendo is offering two distinct versions of the revived Virtual Boy:
- Standard Model – $99.99, includes stand, eye shade, lens cover, and console attachments
- Cardboard Model – $24.99, a budget-friendly Labo-style option with reduced durability
Both support the same gameplay experience as long as you’re using a compatible console.
What you need to play
To use either version, players must insert a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 into the device (note: Switch Lite is not supported). From there, games can be played using either Joy-Con or Joy-Con 2 controllers.
It’s a strange blend of retro and modern, but one thing’s clear: Nintendo’s making sure access to this nostalgic add-on comes with some loyalty requirements.
Exclusive, odd, and exactly what you’d expect
Nintendo reviving one of its most infamous devices isn’t the strangest part it’s locking it behind a subscription. Still, for diehard fans with a soft spot for quirky hardware, the Virtual Boy’s second chance is already drawing attention.
The past is pixelated red and it’s paywalled.
