Virtual Boy

Background

Following the success of the Game Boy worldwide, Nintendo announced the Virtual Boy console (first known as the VR-32) in 1994 and released it the following year in August 1995 in America. Designed by Gunpei Yokoi, the designer of the Game Boy, the Virtual Boy used early stereoscopic 3D technology, albeit limited to red and black to save costs. The console was a commercial failure, selling about 770,000 units and lasting only until March of 1996. Most complaints were toward the 3D effects and limited colors, which caused eye strain and sickness for most users. As a result, only 22 games were release in the NTSC territory -- 14 were sold in North America and 19 were sold in Japan. Due to its failure, there was no release in the PAL territory (Europe and Australia).

Logo (July 21, 1995-March 2, 1996)

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Visuals: On a black background, there are a square made of dotted red lines in the center, and the words "VIRTUAL BOY" inside a black rectangle with a red border.

Technique: A sprite-based graphic.

Audio: None.

Availability: It is seen when you turn on a Virtual Boy console. The console's short lifespan and low sales have made it difficult to find.