Nintendo just announced some exciting news for Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers. Over time, they’ll add 14 titles from the Virtual Boy, including classics like Virtual Boy Wario Land and Mario’s Tennis. Some rare third-party games, like Jack Bros. and Virtual Bowling, are also on the list. These can be pretty valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars for original cartridges.
It’s surprising to see Nintendo bring attention to the Virtual Boy after years of neglect. This console, known for its failure, sold fewer than 800,000 units. Previous opportunities, like the 3DS Virtual Console, didn’t capitalize on its nostalgia. Fans had to find original hardware or rely on unofficial emulators, which have improved over time, now showcasing richer colors.
The announcement recalls Nintendo’s earlier ventures, such as the 2019 Labo VR, which offered a playful, albeit basic, VR experience through a cardboard lens. Many viewed that as more of a kids’ toy. In contrast, this new addition acknowledges the Virtual Boy’s unique place in gaming history, thanks to the creative vision of its designer, Gunpei Yokoi. His strategy was to think outside the box, utilizing existing technology in innovative ways.
Experts in game design note that this move could tap into a wave of nostalgia among gamers. A recent survey showed that 62% of players enjoy revisiting old favorites and appreciate retro content on modern platforms. This interest may boost user engagement and attract both long-time fans and newcomers to the Switch ecosystem.
With these Virtual Boy titles, Nintendo is not just indulging nostalgia but also taking a step toward resurrecting a forgotten chapter in gaming history. Just think—this could be the beginning of a rebirth for many classic Nintendo titles that have long been out of the spotlight.
