Quick Read
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will add seven Virtual Boy games on February 17, 2026.
- Nine more Virtual Boy titles, including two unreleased games, are slated for release later in 2026.
- A dedicated Virtual Boy accessory, available in full ($99.99) and cardboard ($24.99) versions, is required for play.
- January 2026 updates included Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GameCube) and Rayman 2 (N64) for Expansion Pack members.
- A free update for Kirby Air Riders on Switch 2 introduced GameShare and enhanced multiplayer features.
WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – Nintendo Switch Online is set to significantly expand its retro gaming offerings next month, with the highly anticipated launch of a dedicated Virtual Boy library. Starting February 17, 2026, subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will gain access to seven classic Virtual Boy titles, marking a major addition to the service’s growing collection of nostalgic games. This expansion follows the announcement last September of a new-and-improved Virtual Boy accessory, aligning with the console’s 30th anniversary.
The initial wave of Virtual Boy games will include fan favorites such as Teleroboxer, Galactic Pinball, RED ALARM, GOLF, Virtual Boy Wario Land, 3D Tetris, and The Mansion of Innsmouth. Nintendo has also confirmed that an additional nine Virtual Boy titles will roll out later in 2026, notably featuring two never-before-released games: Zero Racers and D-Hopper. Other upcoming titles for the year include Mario Clash, Mario Tennis, Jack Bros, Space Invaders Virtual Collection, Virtual Bowling, Vertical Force, and V-Tetris, as reported by ComicBook.com and Polygon.
New Virtual Boy Accessories and Membership Details
To experience these Virtual Boy games with their intended stereoscopic 3D visuals, players will need to pre-purchase an exclusive accessory compatible with either the Nintendo Switch or the newer Nintendo Switch 2 system. Nintendo offers two distinct options for this accessory: a full version priced at $99.99 and a more affordable cardboard version available for $24.99. Access to the Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics library requires an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which costs $49.99 annually. This premium tier also provides access to games from Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo 64.
Nintendo has incorporated modern enhancements into the Virtual Boy titles available on Switch Online, allowing players to rewind gameplay to correct mistakes and customize controller layouts. A future update planned for later in 2026 will introduce the ability to change the games’ iconic red tint to other colors like white or green, a feature that will require users to remove the lens cover on the Virtual Boy accessory.
Broader January Updates for Nintendo Switch Online
Beyond the highly anticipated Virtual Boy launch, January 2026 saw a flurry of other updates and additions to the Nintendo Switch Online service. Nintendo continued to bolster its retro library by adding Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics collection, playable on the Nintendo Switch 2 system. Additionally, Rayman 2: The Great Escape and Tonic Trouble were introduced to the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library, both accessible with an Expansion Pack membership.
Active Nintendo Switch Online members also received exclusive benefits for existing titles. A new free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons now allows players to decorate resort hotel rooms for guests and explore shared dreamscapes on Slumber Island. Missions & Rewards were updated, offering 50 My Nintendo Platinum Points for playing Game & Watch Gallery 3 or Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, redeemable for retro icon elements. Furthermore, the Nintendo Music smart-device app, exclusive to NSO members, now features classic tracks from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance.
New Games and Enhanced Multiplayer Experiences
Nintendo also highlighted several new and compatible games available for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems. These include LEGO Party!, a new 4-player party game featuring 60 minigames across various LEGO themes, and Hello Kitty and Friends, a cozy adventure game focused on restoring an abandoned island. Sports fans can dive into EA SPORTS FC 26, which introduces overhauled gameplay experiences with “Authentic Gameplay” for Career mode and “Competitive Gameplay” tailored for Football Ultimate Team and Clubs, driven by community feedback.
A significant free software update for Kirby Air Riders on Nintendo Switch 2, released on January 27, 2026, brought new multiplayer features. The update introduced GameShare support, allowing players to enjoy Air Ride, Top Ride, and City Trial modes with others using just one copy of the game, either via local wireless or online GameChat for Switch 2 players. The update also added a ‘Grand Prix’ option for Air Ride mode and enabled two players to play online together from the same Nintendo Switch 2 console, enhancing cooperative and competitive play.
The extensive additions to Nintendo Switch Online, particularly the introduction of the Virtual Boy library and the continued integration of the Nintendo Switch 2, signal Nintendo’s strategic commitment to leveraging its rich history while evolving its online subscription service and hardware ecosystem. This approach aims to appeal to both long-time fans seeking nostalgia and new players looking for diverse gaming experiences, positioning NSO as a central pillar of the Nintendo platform.