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The Nintendo stork is dropping the Virtual Boy for Switch and Switch 2 on doorsteps across the globe, but some of you may be stumped on how to set it up. That's forgivable since we're talking about a VR headset that uses Ninty's best gaming handheld contender rather than a standalone retro console remake, but I can confirm it took me mere seconds to get the accessory firing red beams into my eyeballs.
Yes, the setup is easy, but there's no shame in checking how to set up the new Virtual Boy. The original console feels pretty cursed to use, and as far as Nintendo Switch 2 accessories go, this one is a bit weird. That said, when you break down the ritual that will eventually get you playing forgotten classics like Virtual Boy Wario Land and 3D Tetris, it really comes down to installing the new Online Expansion Pack app and sliding your handheld into the big red goggles.
1. Download the Virtual Boy Nintendo Switch app
Before you even think about cramming your Switch into the Virtual Boy, you'll want to first use it to grab the new Nintendo Classics app. Just like the NES, SNES, N64, and Gamecube Expansion Pack collections before it, the new library is available through the eShop.
While the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics app is technically free, you'll need an active Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to use it. These days, it costs $49.99 per year for an individual membership or $79.99 for a Family subscription that covers eight accounts, and it comes with perks like online multiplayer, free DLC, and the aforementioned Classics collections.
To download the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics, you'll want to make sure you're signed into your account. Then, either head to the eShop on your Switch or the website to download the app. If you opt for the latter, you'll be able to send the Expansion Pack straight to your associated handheld, whereas you'll want to use the search bar to find it on the console's store or grab it in the highlights section while it's still fresh.
Weirdly, the Virtual Boy app isn't listed within Nintendo's specific "Classics" section in the Online app (the first icon on your bar). The whole "home" section is currently dedicated to the accessory, though, with links straight to the eShop listing and gameplay clips all present for your convenience.
Regardless of how you choose to grab the library, once it's sitting pretty on your console, it's time to get your Switch into the goggles. Just make sure to open the app first, as you'll have to pull it out again since the main Switch menu isn't in stereoscopic 3D and won't be viewable.
2. Open the Virtual Boy and insert your Switch
Upon getting the new Virtual Boy out of the box, you'll want to open the compartment that will house your switch. At the top of the accessory, you'll find a notch that will let you lift a hinged door, revealing a slot for your handheld. If you're using a Switch 2 specifically, you can go ahead and detach your Joy-Con, insert the portable with its screen facing towards you, close the door, and you're done!
If you're using an original Switch, the process will take you an extra minute or two. You'll first want to replace the bracket on the bottom of the Virtual Boy by unscrewing the pre-installed Switch 2 bracket, then fit the one for the OG handheld included in the box. This will ensure that the handheld aligns with the lenses properly since the 2017 portable is 7-inch rather than 7.9 inches.
Your Switch should now be hopefully sitting in the Virtual Boy like a mech pilot. If you're having trouble getting the hinged door to close, don't force it too hard. Instead, make sure the handheld is touching the foam pad on the bottom bracket and isn't catching on anything. The latter shouldn't be an issue, but making sure the system isn't sitting at any weird angles. I should point out that there isn't much padding within the slot, particularly at the front and back, so taking some care will help avoid scratches.
3. Attach the Virtual Boy stand
Just like the original, the new Virtual Boy has a V-shaped stand. It makes it look a bit like a Star Wars droid, but it's going let you steadily place the goggles on a table or desk. No, you're not going to be strapping it to your head like a modern VR headset, so before you stick your face into the accessory, you'll want to get the feet on.
The stand both folds and fits to the Virtual Boy using a push clip system, and there are two ways to quickly attach it. The first is to separate the legs, place it on a surface with the V shape pointing away from you, before push fitting the visor down on top. You'll want to make sure the front of the headset is facing towards you and that you gently push it down so the back latch clicks into place.
The second method involves placing the Virtual Boy on your lap upside down with the front facing away from you, then clicking the stand into place with the V pointing the opposite way. Doing it this way will allow you to hook onto the latch and click it in by gently hooking the release latch on the front and pressing down, which might be easier for players with gripping and stability issues.
Now that the Virtual Boy is standing tall, it's time to actually dive into some games, albeit after some visual tweaks in the software.
4. Tweak your visuals
The Virtual Boy accessory has faux dials on top that will adjust visuals, but those are purely aesthetic. To actually dial things in for your specific eyeballs, you'll want to use the Classics app's integrated settings, as these will let you tweak important elements like Interpupillary Distance and the screen size.
Interpupillary Distance, or "IPD" for short, is a measurement that describes the distance between the centre of your pupils in millimeters. Basically, to avoid symptoms like double vision or blur, which could result in eye strain and headaches, you'll want to adjust the setting so that things look crystal clear.
To do this, click and hold the right thumb stick until an "adjust IPD" dial pops up on screen, then move your stick left or right to tweak the minus or plus value. You'll know you've got the right Virtual Boy settings locked in when the graphics look like a single image and are sharp, whereas the panels could be out of alignment if you're seeing ghosting or edge blur.
Lastly, you'll also want to hit the X button to change the actual size of the Virtual Boy visor screens on your handheld. I've already covered the fact that this setting won't help you play in handheld mode without the goggles, as things max out at 1.3x resolution. That said, enlarging or shrinking things will help ensure you're using the right field of view, as graphics could end up cut off if they're outside the lens space.
Setup side missions
My main goal here is to get you playing the Virtual Boy Classics included with the app using the new goggles. If you're feeling spicy, though, there are some other adjustments you can make to arguably get more out of the accessory. The first can simply be achieved by removing the red plastic filter that sits in front of the headset's lenses, as that will save you from playing other supported VR games with the migraine-inducing color palette.
Yes, despite what people online might be saying, you don't have to play Zelda: Breath of the Wild with exclusively red visuals when using the Virtual Boy. Doing so might make you feel like the Predator prowling Hyrule for prey, but if you do want to use the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con feature normally, you can just take the filter off by pinching the nose grip and pulling it towards you.
What's perhaps more of a concern with using the Virtual Boy to play Breath of the Wild in VR mode is that there are no IPD options. This means that the visuals may look pretty blurry, and the fact that you can't scale the screen size doesn't help either.
It's worth noting that without the filter in place, dust and debris could get onto the Virtual Boy lenses, but they will be just as exposed as the Meta Quest 3 or any other VR headset. I should also point out that this specific piece is made to be removable since Nintendo is planning a green version and in-app color options at a later date.
Personally, I'd also consider using a different Switch 2 controller than Ninty's standard Joy-Con. The detachable gamepads work completely fine, but using something like a GameCube pad will feel that bit closer to the OG Virtual Boy controller, which, for whatever reason, doesn't come with the retro remake.
Purely in terms of layout, the Nintendo 64 gamepad is technically the closest to the Virtual Boy in terms of layout. While it lacks the unique dual d-Pads, it does have the right-hand C buttons that are designed to be directional, and I reckon the 8Bitdo N64 controller for the Analogue 3D could get a great fit. I suspect either a third-party brand or even a crafty DIY enthusiast will eventually make a more authentic option, and if it doesn't happen, I may end up doing it myself.
Looking for more add-ons? Swing by the best Nintendo Switch 2 cases and Nintendo Switch 2 microSD cards to enhance your current setup.
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