Nintendo has officially revealed pricing and launch details for its new line of Virtual Boy accessories, as well as more additional details that prove to be a turn-off for many.
The original Virtual Boy, released in 1996 in the U.S., failed to capitalize on the success of the Game Boy, with Nintendo ceasing support for the 3D-capable console after releasing only a handful of games.
Per the company’s official storefront, the full-scale replica of the console will retail for $99.99, while a cheaper alternative, made from cardboard and foam, will be available for $24.99. Both models will release on February 17, 2026, and be compatible with the original Switch as well as Switch 2.
Games not included
In addition to price and release date details, Nintendo confirmed that either the $99.99 or $24.99 accessories are mandatory to play the Virtual Boy Classics lineup, which will be available through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack service.
The official product description reads:
“To play games in the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics, you will need an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Either this accessory or the Virtual Boy (Cardboard Model) for Nintendo Switch 2/Nintendo Switch (sold separately) is required to play Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics”
Presumably, the mandatory nature of either Virtual Boy accessory is due to the original console’s use of stereoscopic 3D.
Unless Nintendo has a built-in system preventing Virtual Boy games from being playable without being docked in the replica, I wonder if a pair of $5 stereoscopic 3D glasses could do the job for a fraction of the price. We’ll find out for sure as launch approaches.