Virtual Boy F.A.Q. |
What is the Virtual Boy?
A 1990’s 3D gaming system that was rushed to market. As such, it was not successful and discontinued in less than a year.
Isn’t the Virtual Boy a flop? Why make reproductions for it?
Many people enjoy playing the Virtual Boy! It has a well-organized and dedicated fan base! About 1 million systems sold! And some interesting games for it. So, in a way it’s a successful, unsuccessful system. The VB is an easy system to criticise; as such many people simply overlooking it.
We aim to make cost-effective and good quality reproduction. So, everyone has affordable access to the physical VB gaming content.
We aim to make cost-effective and good quality reproduction. So, everyone has affordable access to the physical VB gaming content.
I like to buy just one of your Eyeshades?
We can help, if looking to purchase just a single eyeshade please get in contact with us. We'll forward you to our main eyeshade re-seller!
Due to very high demand for our eyeshades, we focus on mass-producing, and re-sellers, but we'll let you know where can buy just one; just ask us.
Due to very high demand for our eyeshades, we focus on mass-producing, and re-sellers, but we'll let you know where can buy just one; just ask us.
Will your Virtual Boy reproduction cards (cartridges) work on my Virtual Boy?
Yes, 100% guaranteed to work on all Virtual Boy’s! No mods to your Virtual Boy required!
Do you have save feature for VB games?
Yes, any VB games that need a save feature will be included.
We actually designed two types: the “SRAM” with coin battery in cage & the “NvSRAM flash chip”.
We actually designed two types: the “SRAM” with coin battery in cage & the “NvSRAM flash chip”.
What the deal with "nvSRAM" vs "SRAM"? I don't know much about electronics.
Both fit a standard VB shell and work just fine. So not notice anything.
The nvSRAM type will be more reliable long term. No little coin battery to replace down the road. Also, in cold weather you do not have to worry about weak battery losing save data. nvSRAM have a rated 100-year data protection as well.
The SRAM type is similar to the original OEM VB games. It has little coin battery that keep the save data preserved. Our design uses more reliable voltage control chip and battery cage for coin battery. So super easy to change if need to in 10+ years. An neat advantage of SRAM is if you need to do a hard re-set or wipe of your save data; can simple remove battery.
The nvSRAM type will be more reliable long term. No little coin battery to replace down the road. Also, in cold weather you do not have to worry about weak battery losing save data. nvSRAM have a rated 100-year data protection as well.
The SRAM type is similar to the original OEM VB games. It has little coin battery that keep the save data preserved. Our design uses more reliable voltage control chip and battery cage for coin battery. So super easy to change if need to in 10+ years. An neat advantage of SRAM is if you need to do a hard re-set or wipe of your save data; can simple remove battery.
What your SRAM battery p/n? How long does it last? Is it hard to change?
All new Vintex 64 SRAM cards use a higher quality Energizer or Duracell BR1225 or BR1220 batteries. The BR means this type meant for electronics with lower self-discharge rate such as PC Motherboards. So recommend get BR type if can.
You can also use CR1225 or CR1220 batteries and will work fine.
If possible go for the 1225 as its little bigger than the 1220. Both will fit in cage fine.
All these batteries are cheap on Amazon, eBay, or any electronics store.
We say 5-10 years, but likely go much longer.
Note the official Virtual Boy games don't use this p/n. This p/n only for our SRAM repo VB games or FlashBoy+.
Easy to change, simple open the card, find the battery cage & find a pick to push the coin battery out. May need little push, from rear, but will slide out. Keep in mind you'll loose your save data. If very quick you can keep your save data. Another trick is hock up an alternative 3V while changing the battery.
You can also use CR1225 or CR1220 batteries and will work fine.
If possible go for the 1225 as its little bigger than the 1220. Both will fit in cage fine.
All these batteries are cheap on Amazon, eBay, or any electronics store.
We say 5-10 years, but likely go much longer.
Note the official Virtual Boy games don't use this p/n. This p/n only for our SRAM repo VB games or FlashBoy+.
Easy to change, simple open the card, find the battery cage & find a pick to push the coin battery out. May need little push, from rear, but will slide out. Keep in mind you'll loose your save data. If very quick you can keep your save data. Another trick is hock up an alternative 3V while changing the battery.
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Why make two saves types for your VB reproductions? Isn't nvSRAM much better way to go?
Your right, but the nvSRAM chips are getting more expensive and harder to get. So, we provide a cost-effective alternative. SRAM technology also quite good and improved over the years. In addition, we have many existing SRAM chips from past VB Donors that we re-use.
Can I mix official Japan/American games and systems?
Yes, all Japanese and North America Virtual Boys and games are full interchangeable. In other words, you can mix systems, games, and accessories from all over the world and they will fit and play fine.
Where can I find more information on Virtual Boy, its games and the community? Or I need a level passwords, cheatcode or walkthrough?
Planet Virtual Boy, www.virtual-boy.com, become the main go-to-place. If they don’t have it likely does not exist. Anything you could be looking for is there.
Can you make VB game X or Y? I don't see it in your store?
Please inquire with us for more details. depending what game/rom it is we maybe able make it for you. Simply ask.
Your don't use VB Donors in making your VB games?
Will you sell these parts to be public?
We don't use VB Donors! VB Donors prices are just getting too high; its now cheaper to enter large volume production with professional companies.
Our reproductions parts keep very similar OEM look. Given how we engineered these parts ourselves, we specifically aimed for the official look, feel, & character of the Card.
The Dust Cap & Connector are done. We'll use official VB shells for a year, but soon have our own VB shells. The mold is done & we are now testing newly molded sample shells and plastic types.
Yes, we plan to sell these parts to the public. So if your a hardware builder, a VB developer that wants to sell his own CIB repos, a regular player who wants some parts, or a collector looking for parts - our store is open for you! We just require anyone buying our connectors not become a raw material re-seller.
We do hope our reproduction VB parts become well received and appreciated by the Virtual Boy community! We just ask for fair treatment in return. The VB belong to everyone.
Our reproductions parts keep very similar OEM look. Given how we engineered these parts ourselves, we specifically aimed for the official look, feel, & character of the Card.
The Dust Cap & Connector are done. We'll use official VB shells for a year, but soon have our own VB shells. The mold is done & we are now testing newly molded sample shells and plastic types.
Yes, we plan to sell these parts to the public. So if your a hardware builder, a VB developer that wants to sell his own CIB repos, a regular player who wants some parts, or a collector looking for parts - our store is open for you! We just require anyone buying our connectors not become a raw material re-seller.
We do hope our reproduction VB parts become well received and appreciated by the Virtual Boy community! We just ask for fair treatment in return. The VB belong to everyone.
What do you mean about re-using the official Rom/Game chip on some VB reproductions?
We kept all our past VB donor game parts (from past years) & we acquired more from trades. Rather then let these parts to the silicon graveyard, and to make the most of our reproduction dust caps, connectors, & shells. Also, to help lower prices for end customers and save on chip inventory. We designed 2 new PCB's just for this official official OEM Nintendo chip. This chip will likely run better/longer on our boards than original OEM boards.
The left image below is our SRAM board with official Rom/Game chip in center for games like Wario Land.
The right image below is our regular board with official Rom/Game chip in center for games like Regular OEM Mario Tennis.
We consider and label all these types of products reproduction, but in truth they are not really a full reproductions.
The left image below is our SRAM board with official Rom/Game chip in center for games like Wario Land.
The right image below is our regular board with official Rom/Game chip in center for games like Regular OEM Mario Tennis.
We consider and label all these types of products reproduction, but in truth they are not really a full reproductions.
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Given the above boards you make can you repair my non-working official Water World?
Can you use the official PCB or must I use/buy your PCB above?
Can you use the official PCB or must I use/buy your PCB above?
Yes, we can repair your non-working Water World or any other official VB game/title. We'll do basic trouble shooting and if required simple remove your Rom/Game from the defective OEM PCB. These chips are very strong and well built.
Sadly, we have to move the chip to one of our new made boards. We don't use OEM VB PCB's. We find them too hard to work with and not of highest quality. As such, you final VB repair not be 100% official anymore, because its not using an official PCB anymore.
Sadly, we have to move the chip to one of our new made boards. We don't use OEM VB PCB's. We find them too hard to work with and not of highest quality. As such, you final VB repair not be 100% official anymore, because its not using an official PCB anymore.
People on eBay are selling VB reproductions or FlashBoy+ for $200 to $1,000?
Official VB games are pushing $120+?
How can your prices be so low?
VB repo cards do have a history of selling high. We cannot comment on other sellers, but there is complexity in making them and the very limited group of people who do it. In our option anything over $200 is way too high.
Regarding our prices, we worked hard to create cost-effective reproductions. Our prices only reflect our time, labour, raw materials, and other business expenses. No markup for ourselves and we don’t profit from the gaming content on any repro carts we sell. We do this for the player, the collector, and for the Virtual Boy.
We make all our own VB parts, or acquired used parts years ago; when prices where cheaper. We're also lucky for those who generously trade raw parts with us. All this helps keep our prices low for you!
Regarding our prices, we worked hard to create cost-effective reproductions. Our prices only reflect our time, labour, raw materials, and other business expenses. No markup for ourselves and we don’t profit from the gaming content on any repro carts we sell. We do this for the player, the collector, and for the Virtual Boy.
We make all our own VB parts, or acquired used parts years ago; when prices where cheaper. We're also lucky for those who generously trade raw parts with us. All this helps keep our prices low for you!
What is the aesthetic quality of your current Virtual Boy game cards?
The front label is professional die cut from high quality paper with heat/water protective laminate that will never unpeel.
There are some minor imperfections:
There are some minor imperfections:
- The label has larger fillets at each edge; purposed to tighter fillets on official label.
- Some label artwork may have slight fogging or minor artwork imperfections.
- Label maybe installed with slight angle or uneven space between shell seams.
- The shells are used, but all are professionally cleaned. Yet, may have some minor marks or scruffs.
- We use only our reproduction dust cap. Which as good as original.
- See image below. The dust cover on front side has a small bump. All our cards will fit with ease in your VB. Just may require little extra push. See image below. This only for reproductions and not official games we well.
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This process helps keeps your price low. And meets the quality standard of majority of players and collectors. If looking for perfect boxed copies with every detail mirroring official games to 100% we may not be best service for you.
Do Flashcarts or EverDrive exist for Virtual Boy?
No Everdrive exists for the VB, but FlashCarts do. One of them we make and sell!
There are three:
There are three:
- FlashBoy+ a Mini-USB Flash Cart for the VB. Flashboy has no game save feature. Flashboy + has the game save feature. Your in luck where making them see our FB+ listing & FB+ FAQ.
- HyperFlash32, which is sold at RetroOnyz is an very elaborate SD card flashcard. With many features, but product is at end of life.
- HyperBoy, which is also sold at RetroOnyz is a simpler Flashcard at around $160 being made in 2022-2023.
What best way to buy Virtual Boy?
eBay a good source but they don’t come cheap. As with any eBay purchase review the seller information carefully. Try get an idea of how-well-used it is. Well used VB could have “missing lines” or possibly “out of calibration”. Also, check if come with A/C adapter or battery pack adapter. The A/C wall adapter is same as Super Nintendo, but still need back controller box.
Japanese imported VB can also be a good deal. Some never been used and are in the original store box. They will need to ship from Japan and normally come with battery power pack.
It may (or may-not) be cost effective to by a Virtual Boy in separate pieces; head unit, stand, eye shade, controller, etc. In addition, maybe cheaper to buy a third party high quality pelican case, purposed to Block Buster official pelican case which foam does fray over years.
Also, ask the seller to add extra packing protection to the head unit. Shipping can be rough on your VB head unit.
Japanese imported VB can also be a good deal. Some never been used and are in the original store box. They will need to ship from Japan and normally come with battery power pack.
It may (or may-not) be cost effective to by a Virtual Boy in separate pieces; head unit, stand, eye shade, controller, etc. In addition, maybe cheaper to buy a third party high quality pelican case, purposed to Block Buster official pelican case which foam does fray over years.
Also, ask the seller to add extra packing protection to the head unit. Shipping can be rough on your VB head unit.
Got some tips for taking care of my Virtual Boy?
Avoiding drops and impacts! Avoid over-using the top adjustments. Store at room temperature. Purchase a well-padded Laptop/Camera bag or better yet a pelican case. A reminder the VB is reasonably robust, but not indestructible.
Do not leave the VB on its official stand for long periods of time. It will puts extra tension on the stand centre-plastic-cap and will crack/break over time.
If your VB unfortunately stops working. Seek out, or donate, it to people who do reliable VB repair.
Do not leave the VB on its official stand for long periods of time. It will puts extra tension on the stand centre-plastic-cap and will crack/break over time.
If your VB unfortunately stops working. Seek out, or donate, it to people who do reliable VB repair.
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My VB has glitch display or missing horizontal lines. What now?
During production Nintendo used glue to connect the internal ribbon cable(s) to PCB(s). This issue happens when the glue starts to weaken. Solid red lines or lines missing are caused by the ribbing cable not fully contacting the PCB. This problem can be easily fixed by soldering or re-heat method.
The re-heat glue method can involve: oven, hot gun, or cooking pan, then pressing the ribbing down back on PCB. We recommend the solder fix as glue re-heat maybe a temporary fix. Suggest, checking the latest Planet VB forms for repair services. People come and go for this service, but normally someone around and they even make new ribbing cables or adapter PCB's.
In addition, if you open and removed the ribbon cable from VB yourself, make sure the other end of your ribbon cable is clean and free of dust.
The re-heat glue method can involve: oven, hot gun, or cooking pan, then pressing the ribbing down back on PCB. We recommend the solder fix as glue re-heat maybe a temporary fix. Suggest, checking the latest Planet VB forms for repair services. People come and go for this service, but normally someone around and they even make new ribbing cables or adapter PCB's.
In addition, if you open and removed the ribbon cable from VB yourself, make sure the other end of your ribbon cable is clean and free of dust.
Is the Virtual Boy bad for your eye?
No. Back in the 90's the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Boston did a full study of the VB and concluded that it’s actually pretty good for your eyes; helps improve eye-sight. The only issue they concluded was that children under age of 7 could develop lazy eye if the two screen are not aligned properly.
In addition, the team that created “Bound High” was looking at making VB software to help correct eyesight by using the VB stereoscopic capability to train eye-muscles. It’s known that eye-muscle training is effective for some shortsightedness.
In addition, the team that created “Bound High” was looking at making VB software to help correct eyesight by using the VB stereoscopic capability to train eye-muscles. It’s known that eye-muscle training is effective for some shortsightedness.
Will the VB give me headaches or eyestrain?
Most VB players don’t get headaches or eyestrain. And it’s important that your VB is aligned properly for the depth perception; via the 2 top adjusters.
It’s also possible you may have some minor eye issues that you’re not aware of. If that is the case, any 3D device, or optical 2 eyes device, that display separate image/video on each eye will give you the same undesired effect.This includes the newer PlayStation VR.
A possible solution is giving it time; play in small session and slowly migrate to larger sessions. You mind is a optical computer and it can adapt.
Yet, in some rarer cases an abused VB maybe out of internal calibration. It maybe possible to repair by adjusting the two internal calibration screws. The Virtual Boy manual has this advance alignment settings option, but it’s a delicate and fibbing task; not recommend for most users.
It’s also possible you may have some minor eye issues that you’re not aware of. If that is the case, any 3D device, or optical 2 eyes device, that display separate image/video on each eye will give you the same undesired effect.This includes the newer PlayStation VR.
A possible solution is giving it time; play in small session and slowly migrate to larger sessions. You mind is a optical computer and it can adapt.
Yet, in some rarer cases an abused VB maybe out of internal calibration. It maybe possible to repair by adjusting the two internal calibration screws. The Virtual Boy manual has this advance alignment settings option, but it’s a delicate and fibbing task; not recommend for most users.
Do you have Dragon Hopper repo for sale?
Sadly, we don’t. This very promising title was planned to be a Virtual Boy re-release launch title; instead the system and game was cancelled.
Prototype known to exist, shown at gaming shows of the time, and game believed 100% completed, but non-found or known to the VB community.
Prototype known to exist, shown at gaming shows of the time, and game believed 100% completed, but non-found or known to the VB community.
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