Virtual Boy Coming To Nintendo Switch Online — And You Won’t Believe How

[PopGeeks]

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As one of the biggest failures in the company’s history, it’s understandable Nintendo wouldn’t want to bring up the existence of the Virtual Boy. Rushed to market in 1995, critics and gamers alike found the device half-baked, a pain to use, and its games shallow. Ever since, Big N has shoved that meager game library in a drawer and refused to even talk about it — until now. Perhaps the 30th anniversary of the Virtual Boy got them talking, but there will soon actually be a section of Nintendo Switch Online dedicated to the thing. They teased the entire planned library during this morning’s Nintendo Direct, which isn’t every single game, but is close to it. Nester’s Funky Bowling, Waterworld, Panic Bomber, and that strange Japanese puzzle game where you have to manipulate bits of throbbing intestine are MIA. Also Japan’s Space Squash, which is too bad — you’re missing out. The headset’s games are finally being brought out of storage and made public once again…and just in time for a different stereoscopic device, capable of glasses-free 3D and produced by Nintendo, to leave the market entirely. Why now? Why Switch? Why not 3DS? We can’t play ’em in 3D! […]
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Virtual Boy Coming To Nintendo Switch Online -- And You Won't Believe How

As one of the biggest failures in the company's history, it's understandable Nintendo wouldn't want to bring up the existence of the Virtual Boy. Rushed

popgeeks.com

 

[Chance]

Isn’t the Virtual Boy the one known for that painful red screen? I always wondered why Nintendo thought pure red was a good idea for long play sessions. It feels like they should have seen that people’s eyes would hurt after a short time. I read that it was a technical limitation back then, but even so, the decision feels strange. Other handhelds at the time already had more comfortable displays, even if they were simple. I am curious if they will adjust the colors for the Switch version, or if they will keep it authentic with the same red visuals.

 

[Toto_Tornado]

I never played a Virtual Boy, but I know its reputation. This news made me curious though. Sometimes failures from the past can look more interesting when time has passed. I think I will give it a try, just to see what the experience is like.

 

[Yellow Garter]

I hope this is just the beginning. If Virtual Boy can make a comeback, maybe other forgotten Nintendo projects could also return. Imagine getting Satellaview or even more obscure Japan-only games on Switch Online. That would make me very happy.

 

[Berlin]

The red and black display has always been the first thing people mention when the Virtual Boy comes up. Mounting that kind of screen directly in front of your eyes was asking for trouble. Even as a kid, I could not understand why Nintendo thought that would be comfortable. It was more like staring at an alarm clock than playing a game console.I still cannot believe Nintendo approved the design with only red and black visuals. It makes sense now as a piece of history, but in the 90s it felt bizarre. Mounting the system on your face while watching vibrating red lines did not feel futuristic, it felt punishing.

 

[Evans]

Nope, I pass.. I dont want eye strain

 

[San Goku]

I never touched a Virtual Boy before. I only read about it online or saw YouTube reviews where people laughed at how bad it was. For me, this feels like a chance to experience a piece of gaming history without paying ridiculous collector prices. I like the idea of cardboard options too, because I cannot imagine spending much on a shell for a failed console. For me, this is about curiosity. I just want to see what the hype and the jokes were about.

 

[Gibletsnearby]

Honestly, I find this move very clever. Nintendo could have easily just dropped the games flat on Switch Online and called it a day, but instead, they’re embracing the original concept in a new way. That replica shell is exactly the kind of odd, playful experiment Nintendo is known for. I am especially curious how Wario Land will feel when played this way. Many say it’s the hidden gem of the Virtual Boy. If the experience is close to what people had in 1995, then I think it has real value.

 

[Geoff]

I do not really care for Virtual Boy. I think it was outdated when it released, and it looks boring today. I play Switch because it has modern games with deep mechanics and strong visuals. These red wireframe graphics do not appeal to me. I guess there will always be people who enjoy retro content, but I cannot see myself putting my Switch inside a plastic or cardboard box just to see old games. For me, this is not worth it.

 

[Uma Thurman Musume]

I am actually more interested in how this will affect collectors. Right now, Virtual Boy units and games sell for a lot of money online. If Nintendo makes the library available to everyone through Switch Online, will those prices drop? Or will people still pay more for the original hardware because of rarity? I am not sure, but I will be watching closely.