Get ready for the Virtual Boy’s comeback next week—here are three key things to know about its Switch Online remake.

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Whether you see it as one of the best retro consoles or a notorious flop, Nintendo is reviving the Virtual Boy. The latest remake of this classic accessory for the Switch will be available on February 17, and pre-orders are already open. But before you rush to grab one, here are three key things you should know about the goggles.

Originally launched on July 21, 1995, the Nintendo Virtual Boy is often referred to as a “tabletop” console. This is mainly because, despite its resemblance to a large red VR headset, it’s designed to be used on a stand, much like a pair of binoculars you’d find at a tourist spot. Instead of paying to see the real world, you’d immerse yourself in red stereoscopic 3D visuals of Mario playing Tennis and Wario being, well, Wario.

The fact that many of the best retro handhelds are Game Boys, combined with the way Nintendo’s VR ambitions fizzled out with the Virtual Boy, tells you a lot about this system. Only 22 games were released for it, likely due to complaints about headaches and the awkwardness of using a specific controller, which hampered its commercial success. Yet, here we are, discussing a remake aimed at satisfying the curiosity of Switch players, taking a different approach than you might expect.

While it may not be surprising that the new Virtual Boy isn’t a console, it’s worth noting that it lacks any electronic components. Instead, it functions as a stylish stand for your Switch or Switch 2, complete with two lenses at the front. The idea is that by placing your eyes into the goggles, you’ll experience a stereoscopic 3D effect by viewing two images from the handheld screen.

Yes, the Switch Virtual Boy resembles those budget pseudo VR headsets designed for phones and tablets, and there are likely alternatives already available that hold the handheld in a similar way. Nintendo even has its own cardboard version launching alongside the plastic accessory for $22.99 (or £16.99 in the UK), meaning you’re essentially paying for a physical remake rather than one that replicates the original hardware functionality.

I have to admit, the absence of a remake of the Virtual Boy controller is a bit of a letdown. Nintendo has been rolling out new wireless versions of its classic gamepads for years, and this could have been a perfect opportunity to introduce a rather obscure controller to fans who may have never had the chance to use one.

Instead of a dedicated Virtual Boy controller, you’ll need to use a Switch pad to access the Expansion Pack collection. The cardboard version has often been showcased with Joy-Con still attached to the handheld, as you’re meant to hold it up to your face if you opt for the budget version. However, with the full model’s stand, you can choose from the best Switch controllers, and I’m personally hoping a third-party manufacturer will create a proper matching pad.

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I suspect the reason Nintendo skipped including a Virtual Boy pad is due to its quirky design. With two d-pads and long grips, it’s not exactly something Nintendo is proud of ergonomically. Still, preserving the design of these iconic accessories and making them accessible to modern players through recreations and remakes should be the goal of projects like this. For $100, it’s odd that the goggles don’t come with the unique controller.

I genuinely miss the Virtual Console, as all things retro from Nintendo are now tied to a Switch Online subscription. This includes the new Virtual Boy library, and the Expansion Pack won’t even provide access to the complete original library.

Initially, Switch Online subscribers will have access to seven Virtual Boy games, with Nintendo promising 14 will be released over time. Given that the original lineup had 22 titles, that leaves eight third-party games unaccounted for, and here’s a quick list of what you might be missing:

While that third-party list doesn’t feature any beloved Mario titles, it’s still surprising that the entire Virtual Boy collection isn’t making its way to Switch, especially considering its limited size. The fact that Nintendo will be releasing games gradually means that if you invest in the headset, you might find yourself running out of games to play sooner than expected.

I’ll share my complete thoughts on the Switch Virtual Boy once I can dive into the goggles. However, I can already tell you that this particular Online accessory is more geared towards collectors and those seeking novelty rather than players looking for extensive gameplay or entertainment.

There’s definitely something to be gained from experiencing Virtual Boy classics in a way that mirrors how players enjoyed them back in 1995. It’s certainly a physical, preservation-focused experience I can get behind, but ultimately, this add-on seems aimed at those who would buy the original for their collection if it didn’t cost over $400 on sites like eBay.

Nintendo’s strategy for reintroducing the Virtual Boy is debatable, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be worth picking up. It promises some meaningful features, like the ability to swap out the harsh red visuals for something less intense, such as white or green, and Nintendo has a solid reputation for build quality when it comes to accessory remakes. Still, I’d recommend considering the three main points mentioned before making a purchase, especially if you were hoping for a fully realized recreation.

Looking for more Nintendo add-ons? Check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and best Nintendo Switch 2 cases to enhance your gaming setup.