Hands on with a redo of Nintendo’s quirkiest console – The Virtual Boy – on Switch 2, plus Mario Tennis Fever and more.
It’s hard to remember a time when Nintendo wasn’t the company behind super successful hardware releases, but way back in 1995 the Virtual Boy was an interesting time for the gaming giant. An ambitious early stab into 3D gaming, the console was Nintendo at its quirkiest – a unique design mixed with incredibly distinctive red visuals and a rather limited library. Needless to say, the console was quickly shelved a year later, leading it to develop somewhat of a cult following.
That goes some ways to explaining the release of The Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Required to play through the Virtual Boy Nintendo Classics library, this new hardware comes in two flavours – a faithful plastic replica that reproduces the formfactor of the original system (albeit minus the original controller) and a more affordable cardboard cut-out. It’s worth noting though that neither model has any tech built into the design. Both merely serve as a vehicle to house your existing Switch 2 console which handles most of the heavy lifting. But when it comes to usability, the two offer quite different experiences.
Unboxing the premium model it’s easy to see why the unit will set you back $139. It’s a surprisingly beefy unit that’s sturdy and incredibly pretty to look at. Even when not in use the Virtual Boy is an amazing display piece that would look nice on any collector’s shelf and is shockingly authentic to the real deal. The big difference? This time you if you crack open the Virtual Boy’s top casing you’ll notice the ability to slide your Switch 2 within, but its best to do so carefully because it is a slightly uncomfortable tight squeeze. If you don’t have a screen protector on your system yet, it might be worth investing in one first. Once everything is slotted into place you’ll peer through red-coloured lenses and the overall effect is pretty true to the original unit. Also true to the original is the slightly awkward positioning required to actually use the thing, as you’ll need to slightly bend in order to line your eyes up to the lenses to score the proper effect. It’s fine for short-term bursts but longer sessions do become slightly more difficult.
For those less willing to shell out over $100 for the privilege, Nintendo has released a cheaper cardboard alternative as well – available for $29.95. Similar to the Nintendo Labo VR Kit, the cardboard Virtual Boy employs a boxy form factor that allows you to slide the Switch 2 through the front of the setup.
Full credit to Nintendo here though, because despite the cardboard construction, this design is surprisingly sturdy and I never feared my Switch 2 was going to tumble out. Unlike the premium model, there’s no stand to utilise, meaning to actually enable the 3D effect you’ll need to lift the entire contraption up to your eyes. Naturally that’s going to be a considerable strain on your arms, meaning sessions with the cardboard controller are relatively brief – although some gamers have been trying to workshop an unofficial add-on strap that’ll remove some of the strain.
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When all is said and done the Virtual Boy for Switch 2 is an interesting proposition. As a piece of history, it’s super impressive to use and look at, but there’s no escaping the fundamental flaws that carry across for the original console. It’s uncomfortable to use for long terms and outside of some real highlights like Virtual Boy Wario Land, the limited game library is a bit of a mixed bag.
But as an opportunity to play an incredibly underplayed Nintendo catalogue, both options perform their jobs admirably. Seeing the 3D effects in action is consistently impressive and in short bursts is a real treat to experience. Whether or not the Virtual Boy is for you will vary wildly from gamer to gamer. But if it is, you can rest assured that Nintendo have put in all the love and attention you could have hoped for.
The Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch is out now from the Nintendo Store.
Also out now…
Mario Tennis Fever (Switch 2)
When he’s not saving the Mushroom Kingdom, Nintendo’s beloved plumber is no stranger to outdoor activities, and ever since its N64 debut, the Mario Tennis series has been one of his finest. Now it has made its way to the Nintendo Switch 2 and it serves up quite the interesting proposition.
At its core, Mario Tennis Fever is incredibly fun to play. The gameplay is quick, chaotic and, with the right combination of people, an absolute barrel of laughs. Fever racquets themselves only add to the mix – with modifiers that add all sorts of additional effects like ice, fire or even Bullet Bills. Just build up your Fever meter and you’ll be able to trigger the Fever shots to either save your bacon or try to win a crucial point.
But while the underlying tennis is a treat, Mario Tennis Fever falters with a single-player outing that is ultimately disappointing. The biggest issue is that Adventure mode essentially acts as a large-scale tutorial. It spends a long time covering the basics and rarely introduces anything fun or exciting, instead having you focus on busywork like dull minigames that see you returning volleys or serving on the dotted line. Fans have long desired the return of a proper story-focused RPG-styled outing like some of the Game Boy classics, but it seems like that wait is due to continue.
What does that mean if you’re looking to pick up Mario Tennis Fever? For those looking to hit plenty of balls with friends or check out the online scene, this is an easy recommendation. But for primarily single-player gamers, be prepared to cop a few faults.
Reanimal (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC)
Crafted by the team behind Little Nightmares, it shouldn’t surprise you to discover that Reanimal – the studio’s latest – shares a lot of the same DNA. There are two leads, a nice blend of action and platforming, and all sorts of devilish creatures designed to unnerve you. But Reanimal sees these elements at their best, making it a truly atmospheric adventure.
The story is a little barebones as you work to help a brother and sister escape a dangerous island, but thankfully gameplay more than makes up for it. Whether playing solo or with a friend/partner, you’ll be carefully sneaking your way through dangerous environments one moment, only to be sprinting and hiding from some grotesque foe another. It’s consistently tense but well-paced – never lingering on one task or moment for too long.
When you turn down the lights, boost the dark soundtrack and embrace the mood, Reanimal is a real highlight.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties (PS5, Xbox series X/S, Switch 2, PC)
Yes the Yakuza train keeps on chugging, this time with the likes of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties. The package comes in two parts: a remake of the longstanding series’ third outing as well as a new adventure – dubbed Dark Ties.
The remake itself adds in refreshed visuals, additional cutscenes and updated combat that adds a bit more depth but does make things feel more like a modern action title – for better and for worse. The choice to recast some characters and change some narrative elements though will likely prove divise for purists as some aspects see pretty heavy revisions. That said, if you’re a newcomer you’ll be far less affected and not notice a difference. Theres also English voice acting this time around but it’s admittedly a little awkward in its execution.
Dark Ties meanwhile is a more brief but enjoyable aside. Set before the events of Yakuza 3, it follows fan-favourote antagonist Yoshitaka Mine and focuses on his setup into the main game and his motivations about joining the Yakuza in the first place. Combat feels more brutal and intense, but you’ll likely be invested in the more traditional tale compared to the main title.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties mightn’t be as strong as some of the other Kiwami entries but still a great jumping on point for newer fans to the series.
