Nintendo's Red-Tinted Relic Resurfaces: Are Virtual Boy Games Worth Your Time in 2026?
This week, Nintendo Switch Online's Expansion Pack unleashed a blast from the past with the arrival of the Virtual Boy app, finally giving many fans their first official taste of this quirky, short-lived console. While some die-hard collectors might have dusted off their original Virtual Boys over the years, for most players, especially in regions like Europe where it never officially launched, this is a chance to experience Nintendo's 'other Boy' for the very first time.
But here's where it gets controversial: Yes, the Virtual Boy was a commercial flop, but does that mean its games are destined to be forgotten? Absolutely not! Its small library holds hidden gems, and the promise of more titles (including two long-lost treasures languishing in Nintendo's vaults for decades) makes the NSO a perfect gateway to this red-hued world. Sure, the $99.99 / £66.99 price tag for the VB Switch accessory isn't pocket change, but compared to the cost of a functioning original Virtual Boy, it's a relative bargain.
The launch lineup features seven titles, with nine more scheduled throughout 2026, including the inaugural entry in the beloved Mario's Tennis series. Here's what's available now:
- 3D Tetris: A classic puzzle game reimagined in 3D space.
- Galactic Pinball: Experience the thrill of pinball with a futuristic twist.
- Golf: Tee off in a unique, red-tinted golfing experience.
- Red Alarm: Take to the skies in this intense aerial combat game.
- Teleroboxer: Step into the ring as a robotic boxer in this futuristic fighting game.
- The Mansion of Innsmouth (Innsmouth No Yakata): Explore a chilling, Lovecraftian horror adventure.
- Virtual Boy Wario Land: Join Wario's mischievous adventures in a platformer with a unique visual style.
We've got retro reviews from the early 2010s for these games, but we want to hear your thoughts from a 2026 perspective. Now that you've had a chance to play, what score would you give these games? Let us know in the polls below and help us rank the Virtual Boy's launch lineup!
And this is the part most people miss: Even if you haven't had time to dive into all the games yet, you can always rate them later on their individual game pages. The polls are also conveniently located at the bottom of our retro reviews.
We'll be compiling a dynamic, real-time ranking of the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics soon, but if you're impatient, check out our current ranked list of all 22 Virtual Boy games, NSO or not.
So, are you enjoying the Virtual Boy's unique red aesthetic? Let us know in the comments! And here's a thought-provoking question: Does the Virtual Boy deserve its reputation as a failure, or is it an underrated console ahead of its time? Let the debate begin!
