Labo VR for Virtual Boy Games? Nintendo Classics FAQ
▼ Summary
– Nintendo’s Labo VR goggles can be used to play Virtual Boy games on a Switch 1 or OLED Model, but they are not officially supported and are uncomfortable for long sessions.
– The Switch 2 console is too large to fit inside the standard Labo VR goggles without significant modification to the cardboard peripheral.
– Virtual Boy games on the Switch Online service cannot be played on a TV; they are restricted to handheld mode only.
– It is technically possible to play the games without any goggles by looking at the small dual images on the Switch screen, but this is an uncomfortable and suboptimal experience.
– Players can adjust the 3D effect’s interpupillary distance and image size in-game, with a future update promised to allow changing the display color from the default red.
For retro gaming enthusiasts with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the recent addition of Virtual Boy titles presents a unique opportunity to revisit a famously short-lived piece of gaming history. A common question arises for those who own the older Nintendo Labo VR kit: can these cardboard goggles be used to play these new-old games? The answer is a qualified yes, offering a functional, if unofficial, method to experience the intended 3D effect.
Contrary to Nintendo’s official position, the Labo VR goggles are compatible with the Virtual Boy game library on the Switch Online service. There are some important limitations to consider. The goggles were designed for the standard Switch model, now often called the Switch 1, and the Switch OLED. Both of these consoles will fit inside the cardboard housing without issue. The newer Switch 2, however, is physically too large and would require significant modification to the Labo kit to work. Nintendo has not provided official support for this use, likely because the Labo VR is no longer in production and lacks necessary health warnings, but the hardware and software function together as one might hope.
A practical drawback is comfort. Holding the entire Switch console up to your face can become tiring for your arms during longer play sessions. For short bursts of gameplay, it’s manageable. Some players get creative by removing the Joy-Con controllers and propping the console on a cushion for a hands-free experience, though this is an unofficial workaround.
Regarding other play styles, the Virtual Boy games cannot be played on a television while docked. The system will display a message requiring handheld mode, which is understandable given the 3D design but still feels like a missed option. It is technically possible to play without any goggles by simply looking at the dual images on the screen. Yet, even on a Switch 2 where you can enlarge the display to 1.3 times its default size, each image remains very small, roughly the size of a postage stamp, making it a poor substitute for the intended experience.
Attempting to cross your eyes to merge the images, like viewing a “Magic Eye” picture, is also possible but not recommended. The small screen size makes achieving a clear 3D effect difficult and uncomfortable. For the best experience using the Labo goggles, players can fine-tune the visuals. You can adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD), which moves the two images closer together or farther apart to match your eyes. Image size can also be changed, though reducing it below 1.0x on a Switch 1 harms resolution. Only the Switch 2 allows for an increase up to 1.3x. These settings are accessible at any time by holding down the right stick. Nintendo has also announced a future update that will let players change the classic red visuals to different hues.
The initial lineup available as of February 2026 includes seven titles. Among these, Wario Land stands out as the clear highlight and best launch game, offering the most polished and enjoyable experience from this niche catalog. As more players experiment with these vintage games through modern hardware, the community’s creative solutions continue to bridge the gap between Nintendo’s past and present.
(Source: Nintendo Life)
