The Virtual Boy is one of Nintendo’s boldest experiments — red & black graphics, built‑in 3D, and a library that’s tiny but weirdly charming. If you’re thinking of firing it up (or trying it via emulator or a retro‑stream), here are some of the best Virtual Boy games that are kind of fun — not perfect, but worth your time. I’ll also give you tips for enjoying them despite the quirks.
What Makes a Virtual Boy Game “Kind of Fun
- Novelty over polish: Many VB games aren’t smooth or deep, but some stand out because they tried something different, or the 3D effect is cool.
- Short & sweet: long marathons on VB tend to strain the eyes (thanks to the red/black design), games that are satisfying in small doses often win out.
- Replay value / unique mechanics: Puzzle twists, unusual gameplay, or games that surprise you the second time around earn extra points.
- Accessibility: Some games are rare, expensive, or only in Japanese — still fun, but harder to grab.
Top Virtual Boy Games to Try
| Game | What’s Fun / Memorable | What Holds It Back | Best If You… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Boy Wari Land | Probably the most complete package on VB. Platforming, colorful (at least in style), good level design, and personality. negativeworld.org+3Time Extension+3Nintendo Life+3 | It’s short by modern platformer standards; some limitations in graphics due to hardware. Still, “short and sweet” works in its favor. | Like platformers, exploring, power‑ups. Great intro game. |
| Jack Bros. | A top‑down action/adventure with tight controls, multiple characters, interesting challenge levels. Loved for its variety. Nintendo Life+1 | Not a huge amount of content. Difficulty spikes. May feel repetitive after some time. | Fans of smaller games you can finish in multiple sittings. |
| Red Alarm | One of the best uses of VB’s 3D/wireframe potential. Flying/shooter action. Feels ambitious. Time Extension+1 | Controls take some getting used to. Visuals can strain eyes. Not very long. | If you like flight or space shooters and want something experimental. |
| Mario’s Tennis | Simple, approachable, fun. The court’s 3D effect adds depth. Great with friends (if you have multiplayer). Time Extension+1 | Roster is small; matches are short; not a deep tennis simulation. | Casual multiplayer, pick‑up games, if you want stress‑free fun. |
| Galactic Pinball | Excellent physics, interesting tables, memorable pinball mechanics. Very satisfying in short sessions. Nintendo Life+1 | It’s not super long; novelty might wear off unless you like high‑score chasing. | Perfect for arcade fans or anyone looking to kill time. |
| V‑Tetris | The classic puzzle fun in a nice 3D spin. Familiar, comfortable. Good if you like thinking/puzzle games. Wikipedia+2cooladee.neocities.org+2 | Doesn’t really push boundaries; graphics are simple; may feel slow. | Puzzle lovers, people who want something relaxing. |
| Space Squash | Unique sports hybrid. Uses the 3D effect for ball motion trajectories. Quirky design. Wikipedia+1 | Japan‑only originally; limited release makes it harder to find; might feel gimmicky. | If you like oddball sports games and don’t mind doing a little work to access them. |
| Inns mouth no Yukata | Interesting for its atmosphere—maze exploration, monsters, a bit spooky. Not what you expect from a VB game, so it stands out. Wikipedia | Only released in Japan; translation/access may be a barrier; gameplay can be simple but the charm is in setting. | Fans of horror or Lovecraft style stuff, or people who enjoy retro rarity. |
Tips to Get More Out of These Games
- frequent breaks. The screen’s red/black palette and 3D effect can strain your eyes. It’s better to play short sessions.
- Good lighting helps. Not too bright to wash out, not too dim — just enough so contrast is comfortable.
- Use the original hardware if possible. It gives the best experience of the 3D effect; emulators are getting better, but there’s something about the “real deal.”
- Don’t expect modern polish. Buggy moments, jaggy visuals, and awkward controls are common — but often tolerable if you’re in the right mindset.
- Mix up genres. Try a shooter, puzzle, platformer, sports. Switching styles keeps things fresh.
Honorable Mention
- Golf (1995) — Surprisingly solid physics and control; traditional golfing rules. Wikipedia
- Nester’s Funky Bowling — For those who like casual bowling games; mixed reviews but fun in a relaxed way. Wikipedia
- Mario Clash — Has its quirks (difficulty, lack of some modern features), but still worth checking out.