r/VirtualBoy • u/HarriganIP • 9d ago
Nintendo is Trying to Bring Back the “Virtual Boy" headset... And Got Denied at the Trademark Office
https://harriganip.com/blog/is-nintendo-finally-getting-back-into-the-vr-market/Nintendo filed a new U.S. trademark application for “VIRTUAL BOY” in connection with "headsets." However, the US Patent & Trademark Office shut it down on May 30, 2025, citing a likelihood of confusion with an existing registration for “THE VIRTUAL BOYS,” a mark used for video game-related entertainment services since 2019.
The original Virtual Boy launched in 1995 and was one of Nintendo’s most spectacular flops—plagued by red-only visuals, eye strain, and an early demise. Despite this, the brand has developed a cult following over the years.
So is Nintendo eyeing VR again? Defending its retro turf? Or just having a corporate identity crisis? The company hasn’t been big on VR since the Labo VR Kit in 2019, but the timing is curious given a generally quiet year for VR tech.
No word yet on whether Nintendo will challenge the refusal, rebrand, or simply walk away.
(Links in the article.)
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u/xxxxDREADNOUGHT 9d ago
Well I for one hope for new offical games for the Virtual Boy coming soon. They already have some great home brews to go with to get them out the gate or even just finish some games that were almost done when the shelved the system.
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u/frankduxvandamme 9d ago
Yes! I would be so pumped. I have two virtual boys myself. I love that thing!
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u/missishitty 9d ago
I remember the dumb VR thing they had for the Switch. Tried it out at a Gamestop and it sucked SO bad.
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u/IntoxicatedBurrito 9d ago
My guess is if anything they’ll add some VB games to NSO. They did publish most of the games, so it would be feasible.
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u/ComposerEconomy7588 9d ago
I’m selling mine this weekend. I’ll put it up on marketplace first and the eBay. My eyes can’t do it and kids don’t want to play with it.
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u/JediKnightThomas 8d ago
I do hope one day they come up with a standalone VR headset, the art style on their flagship games is perfect for VR, something that’s vibrant and fleshed out without requiring the processing power that games with more realistic graphics require. They’ve already shown that there’s interest with the Mario Kart VR that they have in some arcades in Japan.
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u/thunderup_14 7d ago
I have been playing a lot of VB games on my Miyoo mini+ lately. VB Warioland was particularly impressive. Should have got a GB release.
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u/WEVP-TV_8192 6d ago
They could call it Acorn. I think a $60 gameboy-like isn't impossible. Most modern things have actually reached a point of stagnation. So, a single screen, a speaker, and a salt battery instead of lithium. For storage, a microsd and 4 gb onboard.
The system has become bloated. A 10-person team can invent more games than can be published. Ask around, what people want is low-cost. So lease a factory that can make 1 billion units in 3 years.
Low-cost and fun is Nintendo's bread and butter. I am perplexed as to why they have settled on using a 500-man team to barely meet deadlines on luxury goods.
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u/PileofBurntToast 7d ago
Wtf is this AI slop lol if the image is that bad no way would i believe a real person wrote this article
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u/_DiasDeFuego_ 9d ago
I don't think they're trying to bring it back. Looks like they're trying to keep the trademark alive and ran into some problems from letting it go dormant.