I don't know what Nintendo was thinking by releasing a Virtual Boy remake without its oddball controller in the first place. However, the retro community at large as once again stepped in to fix things for the big N-dawg, as there's now a mod kit that will transform your original controller, should you have one, into a wireless gamepad that'll work with the Switch 2 Online collection.
Fully demonstrated in a new video by chaotic (but lovable) retro console tinkerer James Channel, the Virtual Boy controller mod replaces the OG retro controller innards with new RetroOnxy Bluetooth guts. That allows it to then serve as an authentic gamepad for the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 released back in February, but it'll also work with PC, Meta Quest headsets, and even the goggles it originally came with thanks to a Blueretro adapter.
As far as mod conversions go, this one is remarkably simple. At least, James Channel makes it look easy as he converts a Virtual Boy controller belonging to a faulty headset. The bulk of the project involves replacing the gamepad's original board with the new Bluetooth version, which has its own new button contacts that align with the original membranes and plastic.
As you probably guessed, this mod kit completely cuts the cord, replacing the original wire with wireless capabilities. The design cleverly repurposes the through-hole for the cable as an indicator light pipe that signals connectivity, status, and player number through sequential flashes, making the package feel that bit more like a real new Nintendo controller.
For power, you'll still need to use the original battery holder at the back, but you've got options there too. You can choose to use AA batteries if you wish, but it'll also work with DC power adapters, and modern lithium battery packs that recharge via USB-C if you're done with '90s power vibes.
Seeing the modded Virtual Boy controller in action really makes me question why Nintendo skipped its own remake. James Channel puts the pad to the test in both games like Mario Tennis, Jack Bros, and Vertical Force, with the latter shooter helping demonstrate the gamepad's serviceable low latency. A quick Super Mario Bros session also backs that up while proving it can work with games outside the Virtual Boy app, despite its oddball dual d-pad layout.
An additional handy feature sandwiched in there ties to Switch 2 gamepad button mapping. While the pad lacks inputs like Home, you can use shortcuts to still navigate the gaming handheld and access the Virtual Boy app's settings dials. That, again, makes this accessory feel almost official, and makes me more annoyed that we didn't just get an official version.
Of course, such a nifty controller mod comes at a price, as you're looking at $99 for the PCB and a staggering $249 for a complete controller if you're really not into modding or don't have an OG pad. The latter price does make sense given the '90s controller is hard to come by and is normally paired with a more expensive OG Virtual Boy system.
I reckon Virtual Boy enthusiasts will be all over this controller mod kit, whereas casual players might be fine with Joy-Cons or a Pro pad. I should note that the 8Bitdo N64 controller works exceptionally well with Virtual Boy games since it has a d-pad on the left and c-buttons that feel like a Switch d-pad on the right, meaning you've got almost the right controller layout (if you ignore that single stick).
Swing by the best retro consoles for emulation systems and remakes with HDMI capabilities.
