Gamers Unite! Virtual Boy Controller Gets the Wireless Upgrade Nintendo FORGOT!

Remember the Virtual Boy? Nintendo’s infamous red-and-black console that gave us headaches but also some quirky games? Well, if you’ve been enjoying the Virtual Boy collection on Nintendo Switch Online, you might have wondered why Nintendo never bothered to release an official wireless controller for it. It feels like a missed opportunity, right?

Thankfully, the incredible retro gaming community has once again stepped up to fix what the big N overlooked! There’s now an ingenious mod kit that can transform your original, wired Virtual Boy controller into a fully wireless gamepad, ready to connect with your Switch, PC, and even VR headsets!

This fantastic project was brilliantly showcased by James Channel, a well-known and much-loved retro console tinkerer. He demonstrates how this mod replaces the old, original guts of the Virtual Boy controller with brand-new RetroOnxy Bluetooth internals. The result? A truly authentic gamepad experience for those Virtual Boy games on your Switch Online subscription, but with the added freedom of wireless connectivity.

And it’s not just for the Switch! This upgraded controller will happily pair with your PC, Meta Quest headsets, and can even be used with the original Virtual Boy goggles themselves, thanks to a Blueretro adapter. What’s even better is that James makes the conversion look remarkably straightforward. The core of the mod involves swapping out the old circuit board for the new Bluetooth version, which comes with its own button contacts designed to perfectly align with the original membranes and plastic.

One of the coolest features is how cleverly it ditches the old cable. The original through-hole where the wire used to connect is now repurposed as an indicator light. This little light pipe flashes sequentially to show you connectivity status and player number, making the whole package feel surprisingly polished – almost like it came straight from Nintendo!

Powering this retro-modern marvel is also flexible. You’ll still use the original battery holder at the back, but you have options. Stick with AA batteries if you like, or upgrade to a DC power adapter, or even modern lithium battery packs that recharge conveniently via USB-C. No more ’90s power woes if you don’t want them!

Seeing this modded controller in action truly makes you scratch your head about Nintendo’s decision not to make their own. James put the pad through its paces with games like Mario Tennis, Jack Bros, and Vertical Force. The shooter, in particular, highlighted the gamepad’s impressive low latency, proving it’s perfectly capable for fast-paced action. He even showed it working with Super Mario Bros., demonstrating its compatibility beyond the Virtual Boy app, despite its unique dual d-pad layout.

Even though the original controller lacks modern buttons like “Home,” the mod includes handy shortcuts. You can use specific button combinations to navigate your Switch and access the Virtual Boy app’s settings. This attention to detail really makes the accessory feel incredibly integrated, almost official, and only adds to our collective frustration that Nintendo didn’t deliver this themselves.

Of course, such a neat piece of modding magic comes with a price tag. You’re looking at around $99 (approx. Rs 27,520) for just the PCB kit if you already have an original Virtual Boy controller and are keen on a DIY project. If you don’t have an original pad or prefer not to tinker, a complete, pre-modded controller will set you back around $249 (approx. Rs 69,220). That price makes sense, though, considering original Virtual Boy hardware is pretty rare and often comes bundled with the more expensive console itself. This mod is definitely a treat for dedicated Virtual Boy enthusiasts, though casual players might find their Joy-Cons or Pro Controller sufficient. (Though, a shout-out to the 8BitDo N64 controller which works surprisingly well for VB games thanks to its d-pad and C-buttons mimicking the layout!)

It’s a fantastic example of the gaming community filling in the gaps and making our retro gaming dreams come true!

Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 278.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.