The Phoenix Rises: Nintendo's Legendary Flop, the Virtual Boy, Makes a Stunning Return to Switch Online!

Prepare for a blast from the past, or perhaps a curious glimpse into Nintendo's most daring experiment! In a move that has both delighted and surprised retro gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo has announced that a game from its infamous Virtual Boy console will be joining the ever-expanding library of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: none other than the classic Mario Tennis.

For those unfamiliar, the Virtual Boy holds a unique, almost legendary, place in Nintendo's history.

Launched in 1995, it was envisioned as a revolutionary, monochromatic 3D gaming system, a bold foray into virtual reality long before the technology was truly ready. However, its clunky red-and-black visuals, ergonomic challenges (requiring players to hunch over a fixed eyepiece), and notorious reputation for inducing eye strain and headaches led to its swift demise.

It remains Nintendo's biggest commercial flop, having sold less than a million units worldwide before being discontinued within a year.

Despite its commercial failure, the Virtual Boy has always fascinated collectors and historians. Its limited library features some surprisingly innovative titles, and Mario Tennis stands out as one of its most well-regarded offerings.

Now, a new generation of players, and seasoned veterans seeking a nostalgic trip without the physical discomfort, can experience this piece of gaming history on the Nintendo Switch.

The Switch Online version of Mario Tennis will offer players a choice: brave the the "virtual 3D" mode that attempts to replicate the original’s distinct visual style, or opt for a more comfortable "flat 2D" experience.

This thoughtful inclusion ensures accessibility while preserving the game's unique heritage. It's a testament to Nintendo's evolving approach to its legacy, finally giving its red-headed stepchild a moment in the modern spotlight.

The Mario Tennis series itself has a storied history, dating back to this very Virtual Boy title before achieving widespread acclaim on the Nintendo 64.

Its arrival on the Expansion Pack enriches an already impressive lineup that spans NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles.

This addition isn't the only exciting news for NSO subscribers. Nintendo has been consistently expanding its retro offerings. Recent additions include the F-Zero Maximum Velocity for Game Boy Advance, the iconic Blast Corps for Nintendo 64, and the fan-favorite Kirby & The Amazing Mirror on Game Boy Advance.

These regular updates ensure there's always something new, or old-but-new-again, to discover on the service.

The inclusion of Virtual Boy's Mario Tennis marks a significant and somewhat humorous milestone for Nintendo Switch Online. It’s a bold acknowledgment of every part of Nintendo's journey, even its most challenging chapters.

So, grab your Switch, maybe a bottle of eye drops just in case, and get ready to serve up some retro tennis action from the infamous red machine!