Virtual Boy

Overview

• Developer: Nintendo R&D1
• Manufacturer: Nintendo
• Type: Video game console
• Generation: Fifth
• Release Date:
  • Japan: July 21, 1995
  • North America: August 14, 1995
• Discontinued:
  • Japan: December 22, 1995
  • North America: August 1996
• Units Sold: 770,000
• Media: ROM cartridge
• CPU: NEC V810 @ 20 MHz
• Memory: 64 KB work PSRAM, 128 KB graphics DRAM, 128 KB Video RAM
• Display: 384x224
• Best-selling Game: Mario's Tennis
• Related Products: Famicom 3D System, Nintendo 3DS

Features

• 32-bit tabletop portable console
• First system to render stereoscopic 3D graphics
• Red monochrome display with binocular eyepiece
• Games utilized parallax effect to simulate depth

Development and Production

• Development span: 4 years under codename VR32
• Licensed U.S. company Reflection Technology for LED eyepiece technology
• Manufacturing plant built in China
• High production costs, health concerns, and resource diversion to Nintendo 64 impacted its development
• Shigeru Miyamoto's minimal involvement

Market Performance

• Poor commercial performance, discontinued in 1996 after release of only 22 titles
• Criticized for high price, unappealing display, poor ergonomics, lack of portability
• Reported health issues: headaches, dizziness, eye strain
• Stood as Nintendo's lowest-selling standalone console

History

Development

• Technology from Reflection Technology, Inc. (RTI) since 1985
• Prototype called Private Eye demonstrated to various companies
• Nintendo aimed to boost its innovation reputation
• Development included experiments with color LCDs, but settled on red LED for cost and depth perception
• Removal of head tracking due to health concerns

Release

• Officially announced November 14, 1994
• Initial focus on technology, not games
• High price at launch ($179.95)
• Pack-in game: Mario's Tennis
• Targeted older audience with marketing

Hardware

Display

• First console with stereoscopic "3D" graphics
• Used parallax effect for illusion of depth
• Monochrome red display due to cost and technical limitations

Controller

• M-shaped with dual digital D-pads
• Designed for 3D movement and comfort
• Battery powered with optional wall adapter

Connectivity

• EXT port for potential multiplayer, but never officially supported

Games

• Only 22 games released
• Limited third-party support
• Future availability on Virtual Console for 3DS unconfirmed

Reception

• Negative reviews and commercial failure
• Criticized for price, discomfort, poor marketing
• Promised "virtual reality" experience under-delivered
• Notable absence of popular Nintendo franchises

Legacy

• Contributed to Gunpei Yokoi's departure from Nintendo
• Commercial failure did not deter Nintendo's future innovations
• Inspired elements in later consoles like Nintendo 3DS

Miscellaneous

• Modern adaptations for other displays and emulators
• Mentioned in games and media as a historical reference for failed products

See Also

• Famicom 3D System, Sega VR, R-Zone, Augmented Reality concepts

The Virtual Boy remains a significant lesson in the history of gaming technology, both for its ambitious vision and practical failures.