After failing 30 years ago, Nintendo’s headset flop returns to disappoint a new generation.
Nintendo has been taking users down a nostalgic road trip for years.
Those subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) have been able to purchase replica controllers from classic systems, specifically for use with the Switch and Switch 2 consoles. Made for use with their respective NSO apps, players have been able to get controls for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Nintendo 64 (N64), Nintendo GameCube, and even the Sega Genesis.
While these controls work extremely well and do bring back a certain level of nostalgia for fans of classic gaming, these somewhat overpriced peripherals cannot be bought in store – and require a constant membership to play the games.
With GameCube releasing last year alongside the Switch 2, Nintendo’s latest release jumps back to the 90s, bringing the companies biggest failure back to do its thing once again.
We’re talking of course about the Virtual Boy, which launched Feb. 14. The headset that barely stayed on the market for a year in 95 offered stereoscopic 3D gaming with a catalog of less than two dozen games.
In order to play these games, you’ll need the top tier NSO membership which includes the expansion pass – and that’s in addition to paying $124.99 for the plastic replica, or 29.99 for cheap cardboard.
While the argument continues to be made about the anti-consumer practices of Nintendo – it’s not like they’re doing anything to convince people otherwise – we’re here to discuss why this headset still shows itself to be a monumental failure.
Upon launch the app offered seven games, this list includes:
- 3D Tetris
- Galactic Pinball
- Golf
- Red Alarm
- Teleroboxer
- The Mansion of Innsmouth
- Warioland
The list is short – there were only 22 games in total before the headset was pulled in 96 – but the current offerings range from meh to downright dumpster fire.
Depending on your taste, the only decent – and that word is used lightly – games from the above list are Galactic Pinball, 3D Tetris, and Warioland. Of course, one’s own perception can change out the ranking of games on the list.
It should be noted, however, that the majority of the games are repetitive, uninspired and the sorta thing you’d really only play in short bursts. Basically, it’s like the early virtual reality (VR) headsets, but without any real VR.
For the plastic version of the headset, setup is fairly straightforward. You’ll detach the Joy-Cons from the console and slide the screen in after booting up the Virtual Boy app. From there, you’ll place the headset onto a metal stand and then place your face up against the lenses to see the screen.
You’ll want to adjust the interpupillary distance, so things don’t look fuzzy. However, it’s basically a guessing game as there isn’t really a perfect way to determine if you’re set. Since you’re not strapping the plastic monstrosity to your face, any minor movements may throw off your settings entirely.
Graphically you get what you expect from the 90s. If you’re expecting immersive VR you’re out of luck – but to be honest even most games don’t appear to provide any real 3D effects.
So, what then is the point of spending $124.99? Honestly, beyond being a bulky gimmick it’s really just Nintendo further proving that they care very little for the people who buy their products.
They could have gone ahead and worked on bringing a console such as the highly successful Wii – complete with remote and nunchuk – back, which would have been a better received idea than this dud.
Sometimes things develop a cult following because they’re so bad, but in this case the only people loving this must have some serious lack of taste. The Virtual Boy is not only a massive failure for Nintendo, but also a disgrace to even the earliest attempts at VR.
While better VR headsets are considerably more money, this isn’t even remotely close to being a cheap entry point for those who want to experience the most immersive form of gaming.
If you’re considering getting this, just don’t do it. Even if you have just a ton of disposable income, there are so many better ways to spend that money – ways which can actually help people in need.
The Virtual Boy is and forever shall be, a disgrace to the gaming world – and Nintendo should truly be ashamed at charging people money for this.
Avoid this at all costs.
