Subscribers didn’t see it coming. On February 18, 2026, Nintendo added seven classic games to its Nintendo Switch Online service in one fell swoop, breaking with its usual gradual rollout strategy. This time, the Japanese firm is highlighting a console that is as legendary as it is controversial: the Virtual Boy, launched in 1995 and quickly became a commercial failure.
Since this week, these seven titles are immediately available to subscribers. Nintendo has also confirmed that other Virtual Boy games will join the catalog throughout 2026. At the same time, attention is turning to February 27, the date of Pokémon Day, which could mark the highly anticipated arrival of Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on the platform.
Nintendo Switch Online finally welcomes Virtual Boy games
Nintendo has a habit of adding a handful of retro games at a time. This week, the pace changes. Seven titles from Virtual Boy are arriving simultaneously on Switch Online.
Released in 1995, the Virtual Boy offered a stereoscopic red display which did not convince the general public. The console quickly disappeared from the market. However, several of his games have acquired a special aura among collectors.
- Teleroboxer
- Galactic Pinball
- Red alert
- Golf
- Virtual Wario Land
- Tetris 3D
- Innsmouth Manor
This integration marks an important first: it is the first time that the Virtual Boy catalog has benefited from such visibility on a modern console.
An unusual strategy from Nintendo in February 2026
This massive deployment is intriguing. Nintendo has confirmed that other Virtual Boy games will arrive throughout 2026, suggesting a desire to sustainably enrich Switch Online’s retro offering. Another element attracts attention: the absence, for the moment, of a new GameCube game in February. Since the introduction of this enhanced subscription plan, Nintendo has added a GameCube title each month.
“The possibility of Pokémon Colosseum and/or Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness arriving next week is even more plausible considering that we still haven’t received a new GameCube game for Switch Online in February.” “Since the introduction of this tier, Nintendo has added a new GameCube title each month to its subscription platform.”
Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD could arrive on February 27
Nintendo has already announced the upcoming arrival of Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on Switch Online, without specifying the exact date. The calendar fuels speculation. Pokémon Day will take place on February 27, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the franchise. A release on that day would be a strong symbol for fans. “So there’s a near-certain guarantee that we’ll get another Switch Online game for the GameCube catalog soon, but what it will ultimately be remains a mystery for now.”
A decisive start to the year 2026 for Nintendo Switch Online
By integrating seven Virtual Boy games at once and preparing the arrival of iconic GameCube titles, Nintendo is strengthening the attractiveness of its subscription. The strategy combines 90s nostalgia and celebration of a major license. The next announcements around February 27 could confirm whether this month of February 2026 marks an important turning point for Nintendo Switch Online.