The History of Nintendo’s Virtual Boy By: Jeffery Royce

What is the Virtual Boy? Part 1 Basic information: Manufactured by Nintendo and released on August 14, 1995 for 180 US $, 32 bit, first “portable” video game console displaying 3-D graphics (and by portable, it means it came with a carrying case and battery pak). The idea of this stereoscopic technology came from Reflection Technology who first pitched there ideas to toy companies then the gaming industry. First, they pitched to Sega. After no bite, their technology interested Nintendo. Designed by genius at Nintendo, Gunpei Yokoi, who was in charge of designing the Game and Watch and the original Gameboy.

What is the Virtual Boy? Part 2 Spent over 25 million US $ in advertisements alone (watch one of the creepy commercials here) *9 million $ commercial Wasn’t ready to be released, but had a set date to push out the system Reason for such a release was because Nintendo wanted to keep the focus on themselves as they prepared for the release of the N64 just a few years later. Known to be a “commercial failure”, sold only 770,000 units, Worst selling game console to be sold by a major corporation, later pulled off the shelves on March 2, 1996 (only 6 months) No competition from any other company and technology wasn’t release to 3 rd party corporations. All of this was a HUGE contribution to the systems downfall. Another downfall was the unsocial nature it brought to the consumer (explained later on) Gunpei Yokoi left Nintendo just one year after the Virtual was taken off the shelves.

How it works: The Console Itself Part 1 System: Volume IPD dial Focus Cartridge game slot Power output w/ cord Head mount and table top stand (First Design was to look like the Occulus Rift) EXT. port (connect virtual boys to each other but never got to that point in development in the 6 month span that it was on the shelf for (go back to unsocial point))

How it works: The Console Itself Part 2 Controller: One controller port and controller Personally, one of the best controllers in gaming history Beautiful Ergonomic Design Start, Select, A, B, the on and off switch for the actual console and two Button type triggers for Right and Left. Also a battery pack to run the console wirelessly.

How it Works: Inside the Console Part 1 Technology: Red and Black images only, (reason) Lens x2 32 bit processor, but was actually pulling double duty because of both lens Easily adjust focus and IDP based on your personal sight

How it Works: Inside the Console Part 2 Failure: Red and Black graphics were very unappealing and boring. The console would cause major headaches just after minutes of gameplay. Children under 7 were not allowed to play because it might interfere with eye development Just one of many reviews to ruin the Virtual Boy’s reputation: “Either Nintendo has gone completely mad, or it deems the future of video gaming to be crude, red and likely to induce headaches.” -“Next Generation Magazine” March 1995 (Nintendo somewhat predicted the future with the headache inducing Occulus rift)

How it Works: Games Or lack of: 22 games have been released in total Cartridge based EXT port would’ve brought co-op games to the console Examples of great games on the console:

Conclusion and Final Thoughts Even though, at the time, the virtual boy was considered a failure, it is still a part of video game history. At the time, the idea of virtual reality was completely un heard of, but mind blowing at the same time. I think it would’ve been a different story for Nintendo if they developed and studied the system just a little bit longer. Actually, without the early release of the virtual boy, I don’t think we would’ve seen virtual reality in with the Oculus rift, the 3ds or any other similar consoles. I think we would’ve seen it in later years. It paved the way for it in fact. As a retro game collector, these pieces of history are somewhat sought after, as well as the games. You might find a working one complete in box with everything with it close to what it sold for back in Also, the Wario Land game I have it the most sought out after game that goes for around $. Personally, the console and story behind it is amazing to me and I think people are starting to appreciate it more and more as virtual reality is becoming more relevant in gaming culture. There is no need for Nintendo to keep trying to cover up this past, but time to embrace it.

CHALLENGER APPROACHING Watch out for the Virtual Boy ROB skin in the new Super Smash Brothers Wii U and 3DS SPOILER ALERT