Nintendo has begun taking pre-orders for a new Virtual Boy accessory designed for the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2, the company said, following an earlier announcement in September.
The add-on is a modern replica of the original Virtual Boy released in 1995, a device often cited as one of the company’s rare commercial missteps. In the original announcement, Nintendo described the revival as “a replica of the original Virtual Boy released in 1995,” positioning it as an optional accessory for its latest handheld systems.
See also: Nintendo Revives 1995 Virtual Boy as Switch, Switch 2 Add-On
The Virtual Boy is priced at $99.99 and is available only to customers with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. To access compatible classic titles, users will also need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The package includes a stand, attachments for both Switch models, an eye shade and a lens cover.
Nintendo is additionally offering a cardboard version of the device for $24.99, with both models scheduled for release on Feb. 17, 2026. The cardboard model follows the same subscription requirement.
See also: Nintendo Launches Official Store App for iOS and Android
To operate either version, players must insert a Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 into the accessory — the Nintendo Switch Lite is not supported — and use Joy-Con or Joy-Con 2 controllers to play supported titles.
Source: Nintendo Virtual Boy, Virtual Boy (Cardboard Model)