Nintendo has always sparked curiosity and excitement among gamers, and their recent announcement about Virtual Reality (VR) has certainly caught attention. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to ask Shigeru Miyamoto about the company's future plans for VR, and it seems that Nintendo is indeed back in the VR realm, albeit in a way that pays homage to its past. On February 17, 2024, fans can look forward to a new Virtual Boy accessory designed for the Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Switch 2.
The announcement was made during a Direct livestream celebrating Mario's 40th anniversary, where Nintendo revealed several exciting updates. Among these was the revival of the Virtual Boy, a once-failed stereoscopic game console from 1996 that has become a fascinating piece of Nintendo history. This quirky console is being revived with the chance to play retro games through a new library available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.
To experience these classic games, players will need to purchase a new red and black accessory that resembles the original Virtual Boy, maintaining its bulky and unique aesthetic. This accessory is available in two versions: an authentic plastic recreation priced at $100 and a more affordable cardboard version at $25. Both versions allow players to immerse themselves in the iconic black and red 3D gaming experience.
Nintendo is promising a selection of 14 titles that will be gradually released, including the ever-popular Tetris. These games will be accessible to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online service, making it an enticing prospect for fans of retro gaming. The introduction of the Virtual Boy accessory not only brings nostalgia but also demonstrates Nintendo's ongoing commitment to enhancing the gaming experience.
While the Virtual Boy is a significant step into the realm of VR, it's worth noting that Nintendo has a rich history of exploring virtual reality technologies. For instance, Nintendo Labo VR, released in 2019, offered a unique cardboard kit that allowed players to engage in various VR games using DIY accessories. The Nintendo 3DS also featured a 3D display, although it did not include any Virtual Boy titles. Furthermore, at Universal theme parks, the Mario Kart ride utilizes an AR visor to provide an enhanced experience, showcasing Nintendo's innovative spirit.
Despite these exciting developments, many fans, including myself, are left wondering whether Nintendo will ever introduce a dedicated plug-in VR or AR headset for the Switch 2. Currently, there are no indications from Nintendo that such a device is in the works, and the Switch 2 does not support plug-in display glasses without a bulky adapter. Nevertheless, the revival of the Virtual Boy indicates that Nintendo is still exploring possibilities in the VR space, either out of curiosity or nostalgia—or perhaps a combination of both.
As we look forward to February 2024, I can't wait to experience the new Virtual Boy accessory firsthand and provide a full review. Nintendo continues to surprise us, and this latest move is sure to reignite interest in their fascinating past while paving the way for future innovations.
