Nintendo took a lot of gambles when releasing its video games and consoles. For example, Atari's video game crash a few years ago made releasing the NES a risk. However, marketing the console as a toy helped the NES sell well, making Nintendo a global phenomenon. But one gamble that didn't pay off was Virtual Boy, a 3D-ready system released in 1995.
There was only one year left until it was discontinued, which meant many projects were cancelled. Now, decades later, Nintendo is set to re-release the Virtual Boy as an accessory for the Switch 2 in 2026, and the game will be added to its online library. The device costs $100, which is a high price for an accessory meant for a small number of games. If Nintendo wants to give players a reason to keep their accessories, there are some clever ways to extend their lifespan.
Create a new game
If Indy could do it…
The best thing Nintendo could do with this new peripheral is provide better support than the original Virtual Boy. Across all regions, only 22 games were produced before the system was shut down after about a year of support. Even if the system is considered a failure, it has its fans.
There was a thriving community creating home-made Virtual Boy games and demos that ran on the emulator. There is a demo for Virtual Boy. star fox and mario kart Games for example. If an indie developer can make a Virtual Boy game, so can Nintendo. Making something this old using modern hardware might not be easy, but if anyone can figure it out, it's Nintendo. Hopefully, they will release this game for free to their online retro library.
Support these games with new content
Experience North America's lost gems
There were a few games for the Virtual Boy that never left Japan. Innsmouth No Yakata and SD Gundam: Dimension War. Both of these games are still worth playing today, SD Gundam: Dimension War At least there is an English fan patch. It would be great if Nintendo officially re-released these games with full English support. This is one way Nintendo could update these games, but there are other possibilities as well.
For example, Nintendo has released special versions of games on its various Virtual Console libraries such as SNES and NES. These special editions transported players to specific sections of the game or provided many power-ups. Some examples are: metroid, Ninja Gaidenand super mario kart. Nintendo may also add special editions of Virtual Boy games.
Create a virtual boy remix
A powerful sequel to NES Remix
This idea goes beyond the special editions of the online library and reminds us of one of the best things about the Wii U. The Wii U had two NES Remix games that took classic NES games and turned them into bite-sized minigames. For example, players can collect a certain amount of coins. mario Play games or kill enemies zelda game.
The coolest levels were those that put the character into another game, like controlling Kirby in a Mario game. Nintendo could make a Virtual Boy Remix game with the same idea. This may be more difficult in 3D, but the Remix series should return in some form, be it Virtual Boy, SNES, Game Boy, or other medium.
Added 3D support for retro games
Like the 3DS NES port
The 3DS had a lot of great ideas built into it, and Nintendo even experimented with a few features with the eShop. Nintendo has re-released several NES games in 3D, including: Kirby's Adventure and Kid Icarus. It looked really great in 3D and played a little better. Sega also re-released some classic games, so the whole idea was to be a fixture for retro fans.
Nintendo could do this again by deconstructing and starting an NES game and adding a 3D layer. reproduction The Legend of Zelda The flashy red graphics may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's an idea Nintendo could try.
Weekly video series launched
Or a 3D trailer
In addition to re-releasing the retro classic, Nintendo also created a short video exclusively for the 3DS eShop. One particular trailer was available in 3D, and there was even a short about the cute little Pikmin creatures from the titular series. These are just a few examples, the eShop is now gone, but some of these videos have been archived on YouTube, except for the 3D support.
Nintendo could do this again by creating exclusive content for the Virtual Boy accessory. This may again include trailers and short films. Like any other video content, this too should be free, this goes without saying.
Bring back your 3DS
reuse technology
This idea is a bit more lofty, but adding 3DS support would be the ultimate goal. No one wants to experience a classic 3DS game like this: Super Mario 3D Land or The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds With a red tint. Instead, Nintendo could release a new screen overlay that will be inserted into the Virtual Boy for a clearer view.
It may be impossible, but fans generally want to see 3DS games ported to the Switch or Switch 2. There have been a few examples so far: legend of legacy, Bravely Default Flying Fairyand Luigi's Mansion 2. 3D support may be lacking at the moment, but support may be available in the future. Even without 3D support, it would be nice to play the classic game again.
