I've finally got the new Virtual Boy for Switch 2 parked in front of my face, and I'm pleasantly surprised. Technically speaking, it's not an outright remake of what absolutely isn't Nintendo's best retro console ever, and I was sceptical about the accessory's reliance on the gaming handheld. Yet, it turns out sticking your face up to the portable's screen using lenses actually works a treat, but Ninty really doesn't want you playing without the goggles.
Technically speaking, you can load up the Virtual Boy using your Switch Online membership and access the library. The issue is that the visuals will appear in stereoscopic 3D mode, producing a faux VR effect by splitting the visuals into two images. Again, this works remarkably well, but it does mean you'll have to make do with two tiny gameplay windows in handheld mode.
Look, I get it, the physical goggles are a core part of the Virtual Boy experience. Blasting your eyeballs with two tiny red images of Wario charging around with a hard hat is the most authentic way to play the cursed console's library, but I've no idea why there isn't an option to play normally. You could argue it's so that you'll either pay $99 for the plastic homage or, at the very least, $24.99 for the cardboard version, but we are talking about games locked behind the Online + Expansion Pack subscription.
Since the Switch can't detect when it's actually sitting in the Virtual Boy remake, it can't force you to actually use the goggles exclusively. If you're feeling stubborn, you can play using the tiny two images designed to line up with your eyes, and making them slightly larger by holding the right joystick and adjusting the display size will help a bit. You will be capped to just 1.3x the default window, though, so it's hardly a gotcha tactic to curb the inherent restrictions.
Before you ask, no, you can't play Virtual Boy games on Switch 2 in docked mode. The handheld will display a rather patronizing message telling you to "remove the console from the dock," but it doesn't mention using the goggles specifically. Nevertheless, not including a full-screen, single-panel mode for playing the NSO games is an accessibility concern, as some players might rely on larger external displays.
The message I want to get across ahead of my full review is that while you can play Virtual Boy games on Switch without the new accessory, you probably shouldn't. I feel like the library should be playable without using the OG setup, as while the freestanding headset itself is historically significant, making the games accessible without hardware strings is moreso.
I'm going to probably spend the rest of the week with the Virtual Boy smooshed against my peepers, and I'll be sharing lots of insights. Not only will I be playing the seven classics currently available to see how they fare in 2026, but I'll also be trying out Super Mario Odyssey and Zelda: Breath of the Wild in a bid to give the old Nintendo Labo modes a new purpose.
I can already confirm that, despite reports elsewhere, you don't have to play Zelda Breath of the Wild in aggressive red since you can take off the physical filter. The lens cover is designed to be removable, as Nintendo will be releasing optional green and white options in the future. I've no idea why these aren't currently included in the box, but if you remove them altogether, you'll get full color visuals that are less likely to induce a migraine.
Looking for ways to play classics on the go? Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation systems and more. If it's more Ninty add-ons you're after, take a peek at the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories to enhance your setup.
