Virtual Boy Resurrection?! 2 Lost Games Finally Unearthed!

Well folks, dust off your virtual reality dreams (or nightmares, depending on your perspective) because Nintendo is apparently ready to resurrect a ghost from its past. That's right, the Virtual Boy, that red-tinted harbinger of 90s gaming innovation-gone-wrong, is coming to Nintendo Switch Online next month. I have to admit, I did *not* see this one coming.

Virtual Boy Resurrection?! 2 Lost Games Finally Un...

The news, confirmed earlier today, will see a selection of Virtual Boy titles becoming available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Now, before you get too excited, remember we're talking about the Virtual Boy. This isn’t exactly a treasure trove of gaming classics. But, hey, a little retro weirdness never hurt anyone, right? Besides, the fact that they're bringing it to the Switch (and potentially its successor, according to some rumors) is just… bizarrely fascinating.

For those who weren't around (or consciously blocked it out) the first time, the Virtual Boy was Nintendo's attempt at a portable 3D gaming experience back in 1995. It involved strapping a hefty headset to your face and staring at a red monochrome screen. It wasn’t exactly a hit, to put it mildly. It was quickly discontinued, becoming something of a cult item and a symbol of Nintendo's occasional missteps. The tweet from Nintendo announcing the move is already getting a lot of… interesting responses.

Here's the catch, and honestly, there had to be one. To truly experience the Virtual Boy games in all their headache-inducing glory, you'll need a dedicated Virtual Boy accessory. Nintendo is offering two options: a standard version for a cool $99.99, or a more budget-friendly cardboard alternative for $24.99. A cardboard Virtual Boy headset in 2024? We've officially circled back around to peak DIY absurdity, haven't we?

At launch, we're promised the usual Nintendo Switch Online bells and whistles – gameplay rewind, save states, customizable controls. They're even planning an update to let you adjust the screen color. Because, you know, red is *so* last century. Details on the actual game lineup are still a bit scarce, but we do know that, incredibly, there will be two *never-before-released* Virtual Boy games launching further down the line. That’s right, games too obscure to even see the light of the (red) day back in the 90s are finally getting their moment. Talk about pulling something out of the vault. Color me intrigued... and maybe a little worried for my eyesight.

So, there you have it. The Virtual Boy is back, in a way. It's a strange, nostalgic, and slightly bewildering move from Nintendo. But, hey, if it brings a few smiles (and maybe a few headaches), who are we to complain? I, for one, am morbidly curious. I might even spring for that cardboard headset. For science, of course.