Virtual Boy Games Coming to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in 2026

Nintendo has gone out of the box. The company stated that on September 12, 2025, the games of the Virtual Boy system will be playable on Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. Players in the United States and Canada can enjoy a new library beginning February 17, 2026, called Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics.

This is the first time that Virtual Boy games are technically returning in a manner that would be accessible to a wide audience. The Virtual Boy is more of a myth than a memory to many people. The system was launched in 1995, but it failed to succeed as the number of games was limited, its size was huge, and it caused discomfort during the process.

But it has gained a cult-following over the years. By introducing it back into its online library, Nintendo is not only satisfying a gap in its online library but also providing the fans with an opportunity to consume a piece of gaming history.

How It Will Work

The Virtual Boy collection will require a subscription to an active Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. After the service is launched, Virtual Boy games can be played not only on Nintendo Switch 2 but also on the original Nintendo Switch.

But there is one more twist, the real one, the games in the Virtual Boy will use special accessories. Nintendo has declared two possibilities:

Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2/Nintendo Switch is a replica of the original Virtual Boy, in the form of a hardware accessory. Virtual Boy (Cardboard Model): A cheaper Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch cardboard version also styled after Nintendo Labo.

Both accessories will enable players to enjoy some games in 3D, as was the case with the original system. This displays the attempt by Nintendo to retain the original style of the Virtual Boy and make it more accessible.

What Games Are Included

During its launch, such classic titles as Teleroboxer and Galactic Pinball will be included. Nintendo has not released the entire list, but enthusiasts should expect a variety of original games for the Virtual Boy. Given that the Virtual Boy library was small, chances are high that Nintendo will eventually bring almost all of them to the service.

This will be the first opportunity for many fans to play these games legally. The Virtual Boy initially only had approximately a dozen games, many of which were never re-released. Having them in Switch Online makes them more accessible to experience without having to use rare and expensive hardware.

Regional Limits

Among the details that are worth considering is that the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics will be sold in the United States and Canada only. It implies that players in Europe, Japan and other markets will be left behind, at least in the short term. Nintendo has not clarified the reason, but it could be because of safety laws, licensing or hardware manufacturing restrictions.

This selection will displease fans all over the world who have long desired an opportunity to taste the system. Whether or not Nintendo can increase availability in future is to be seen.

Pricing of the Accessories

These prices make the replica accessory belong to the high-end category, whereas the cardboard version is obviously targeted at families or recreational players. They are both member-only and will be available for pre-purchase at a later date in the My Nintendo Store.

They have made two versions, which means that Nintendo is targeting both collectors and low-end players. The imitated accessory is likely to appeal to nostalgic players, whereas the cardboard version is a playful point of entry for the younger audience.

Expansion Pack Continues to Expand

The Virtual Boy game addition carries on the trend of Nintendo having the Expansion Pack as its high-end service. In addition to the normal Switch Online features, this plan already provides access to:

Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games

The Why behind Why Nintendo Is Doing This

Challenges Ahead Although the news is exhilarating, there are issues that Nintendo will have to tackle

To get this venture to work, Nintendo will need to strike a balance between nostalgia and accessibility.

Concluding Opinions

The addition of Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics to the service Nintendo provides online is not a mere update. It is a combination of nostalgia, innovation and business strategy. To the fans, it provides an opportunity to revisit a weird and yet interesting era in the history of games. To Nintendo, it makes its subscription system stronger and once again it proves that nothing in its heritage is really forgotten.

As a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, February 2026 is set to be a great year to explore one of the most bizarre systems that Nintendo has ever produced.