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Where to pre-order the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2: retailers I’d hit for the cursed retro console remake

Phil Hayton

12 September 2025

Which one of you sickos asked for a Virtual Boy comeback?

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(Image credit: Nintendo)

US pre-orders

US pre-orders

Third-party alternatives

I’m not sure who exactly asked Nintendo to bring arguably its worst retro console back, but you’ll soon be able to pre-order a Virtual Boy for your Switch 2. The accessory is scheduled to land on February 17, 2026, and the good news is that it’ll also work with the original system.

Available exclusively to Online Expansion Pack members, Virtual Boy for Switch 2 pre-orders should land at the Nintendo Store soon. I’m still waiting on price information to drop, but while this accessory looks like the original retro console, it’s really just a pair of Goggles that uses Ninty’s gaming handheld screen.
Do I still want one? Yes. Do you need the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 to actually play the 12 classic games heading to the Online Expansion Pack? Absolutely not. In fact, Nintendo says it’s also releasing a cardboard version that will hopefully cost far less. Ultimately, that means the full replica is more or less aimed at collectors who can’t afford the OG monstrosity, and we could see third-party options arrive as an affordable alternative.

You may like

After 30 years, Nintendo’s celebrating its most famous failure with zero irony as Virtual Boy comes to Switch complete with a full console replica

I’ve played every Mario Party game in existence, but I’ll be avoiding the Switch 2 version of Jamboree this week

One of my favorite 8-bit retro consoles is getting an HD remake this month, and it could be killer for casual players with physical collections

Where to pre-order the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 in the US

Nintendo Store
The Virtual Boy for Switch 2 isn’t live at the Nintendo Store yet, but it’s the first place you’ll want to hit when pre-orders go live. Just keep in mind you’ll need an Online membership to buy one, and the compatible games are tied to the Expansion Pack.

Where to pre-order the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 in the UK

Nintendo Store
UK Switch owners will also want to head to the Nintendo Store when Virtual Boy pre-orders drop. Again, you’ll need an Online membership to buy one, and you’ll need the expansion pack for those stereoscopic 3D games.

Check for third-party Virtual Boy alternatives

Honestly, I’ll be shocked if third-party Virtual Boy headsets don’t pop up at retailers like Amazon. All you really need is something to hold the headset in front of your eyes, and if you’re using an original or OLED Switch, you should be able to use existing “VR” headsets out there.

Do you really need a Virtual Boy for Switch 2?
I don’t mean to be a buzzkill, but if you’re simply looking to play Ninty’s weird stereoscopic red and black classics, you don’t need the new Virtual Boy remake. As a retro console collector, I’ll be buying one simply because I can’t afford the original, but only so I have a replica to sit with my original systems.

That said, the big plastic pair of migraine-inducing goggles should make for a pretty authentic experience. The Virtual Boy itself looks nearly identical to the original at a glance, so it should boast the same attention to detail as the GameCube controller launched this year.

Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Nintendo)

(Image credit: Nintendo)

(Image credit: Nintendo)

(Image credit: Nintendo)

I’ll save judgment for when I eventually review this cursed recreation, but I’ve already got a few gripes with the Nintendo Online accessory. For starters, it doesn’t come with the Virtual Boy’s oddball controller, so you’ll need to use your JoyCon instead. I’m also nervous about the fact Ninty only showed the games off in their eye-melting original red and black color pallets, as it feels like a missed opportunity to make the games playable with nicer visuals.

Nintendo Direct 9.12.2025 – YouTube

Of course, Nintendo may reveal more Virtual Boy Expansion Pack details closer to the time that resolves these issues. Ideally, everyone will be able to play the library of 14 games on a TV without sticking their noggin up to a pair of awkward goggles. Yes, that will mean ditching the stereoscopic 3D, but there’s a reason why that console doesn’t sit in a hall of fame with the Game Boy.

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Ultimately, I’m going to need to see the price of this Virtual Boy remake. Even if it’s pretty affordable, most of you won’t need this accessory. I’m also fairly certain cheap third-party alternatives will emerge on the scene once the games go live, and while I can’t 100% confirm they’ll work yet, there are OG Switch VR headsets at Amazon for $29 that should theoretically serve the same purpose.
TL;DR – if you’re not into collecting weirdo retro consoles, the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 isn’t a must-buy.

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Switch 2 controllers at Amazon

Looking for more Ninty goodies? Swing by the ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 starter pack for day one add-ons, the best Switch 2 microSD cards for storage, and the best Switch 2 cameras for compatible webcams.

Phil Hayton

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Hardware Editor

Phil is the Hardware Editor at GamesRadar and joined the team in 2023. In the past, they’ve also contributed to the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, the BBC, and PCGamesN, but these days, they specialize in testing the latest gaming handhelds, monitors, TVs, and PC components. They’re also extremely nerdy about retro consoles and playing the classics on both new and old systems.

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After 30 years, Nintendo’s celebrating its most famous failure with zero irony as Virtual Boy comes to Switch complete with a full console replica

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