After Nintendo's announcement that the virtual boy will join Nintendo Switch Online catalog, it has been revealed that two previously unreleased games will be added the list. Nintendo Switch Online has been around for over six years, starting as a membership to access online features and cloud saves, and became a hub for retro gaming. The service now provides access to NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis and GameCube. These emulators provided access to classic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeand now the Virtual Boy will arrive to add to the list.
The Virtual Boy was marketed as the first gaming VR headset, although in functionality it functioned more like a 3D tabletop monitor. Gamers would have to rest their heads against the console's eyepieces, while the device itself rested on a stand, providing gaming experiences drenched in a strangely eerie red color. Unfortunately for Nintendo, the Virtual Boy did not perform as well as expected, selling fewer than 800,000 units and even being called Nintendo's biggest console failure. The console had some entertaining games, be that as it may Mario's tennis or Wario Land. With Nintendo using its Nintendo Switch Online service to revive retro consoles, it only makes sense that the Virtual Boy would eventually get the same treatment.
Now is a good time to check out Nintendo Switch Online if you're not already a member
With 2026 just around the corner, Nintendo is unveiling a new promotion that could make this a good time to check out Nintendo Switch Online.
Virtual boy games will switch online
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3D Tetris
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Galactic Pinball
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Golf
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The Mansion of Innsmouth
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Red alarm
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Teleroboxes
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Virtual Boy Wario Land
Nintendo's Virtual Boy will be available on February 17, 2026, available through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack membership, including games such as 3D Tetris at this launch date. Along with this information, ZERO RACERS and D-JUMPERtwo previously unreleased titles, have been announced for the emulator. These won't be available initially, instead getting a simple 2026 release date alongside seven other titles. Just as Nintendo Switch Online shadowed three SNES games, and has done so for almost every other emulator, it's more than likely we'll see some of Virtual Boy's other games shadow-dipped in the future.
These unreleased titles are definitely the most interesting aspect of this announcement, with acclaimed racing series F-zero gets a spin-off. The classic racing series returns in this unreleased title, which, while unlikely to meet the expectations of fans who want a huge F-zero comeback on Switch 2, will at least be something to quench the racing drought. This unreleased spin-off, despite being created for a niche console, left great speculation after its reveal at E3 1996 in a 100% complete form, after which it was immediately never mentioned again due to the failure of the console. Gamers now have the chance to experience this long-lost title through its inclusion in the Virtual Boy emulator. The second game, D-JUMPERis an original title for the Virtual Boy, placed in the top-down adventure genre, and was also showcased at E3 1996.
With Nintendo Switch Online getting a new beta in 2026, and Virtual Boy's promising lineup and roadmap, it seems like there's never been a better time to join the online subscription. It's worth noting that this free trial only covers the base membership and Virtual Boy is included in the expansion pack, although the free trial is still a good way to experience the other emulators first and make an immediate decision. The strong selection of games and upcoming features, such as the ability to change the screen color, make Virtual Boy's addition to Nintendo Switch Online a promising but patient step in the overall quality of the service.
