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Virtual Boy Reproduction 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.
If the Virtual Boy a flop? Why make reproductions games for it?
With about 1 million systems if the wild. Some very interesting games. A good fan base & that support it. The Virtual Boy sort of a successful, unsuccessful system. To that end, many people just enjoy playing the Virtual Boy!
The Virtual Boy is an easy system to criticize; as such many people simply overlooking it. While others give it a chance and are surprised afterward.
The Virtual Boy is an easy system to criticize; as such many people simply overlooking it. While others give it a chance and are surprised afterward.
How big are you guys with the Virtual Boy? And what do you guys do exactly?
Vintex 64 make/design cost-effective-good-quality reproductions, accessories, & a reprogrammable Flashcard for the Virtual Boy. Its a system we gone very far with and we're quite proud of our success over the years. Much of this success comes from you; the end user/player/collector & listening to your needs/requests/ideas.
The original and current goal is to make affordable access to the physical Virtual Boy gaming content, accessories and related parts and supplies.
We're the only major reproduction maker in the world for the VB. As we mass produce industry quality connectors, dust-caps, shells, eye-shades & other related items.
The original and current goal is to make affordable access to the physical Virtual Boy gaming content, accessories and related parts and supplies.
We're the only major reproduction maker in the world for the VB. As we mass produce industry quality connectors, dust-caps, shells, eye-shades & other related items.
What the current trend you see for Virtual Boy with physicals items?
We're seeing focused on simple VB needs for players/collectors. For example, simple reproductions games, spare parts like Eye-Shades, co-op play with Link Cable & interest in handy devices like the FlashBoy+.
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!
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.
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Can you make VB game X or Y? I don't see it in your store?
Likely yes, simple inquire for more details.
Do you have save feature for VB Reproduction 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. Why make two types?
Both fit a standard VB shell and work just fine.
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.
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.
How long does SRAM battery last? Is it hard to change? What is it p/n?
Simple look at our VB FB+ FAQ. It uses the same battery and cage. That FAQ will have simple answers and easy pictures to help.
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 a pretty good place. Almost anything you could be looking for is there.
Yet, some information could be adjusted/removed/warped due to strong opinions or market bias to one builder vs another.
Something to keep in mind if you get into some Discord Chat. Like any discuss in life be little careful of biases.
Yet, some information could be adjusted/removed/warped due to strong opinions or market bias to one builder vs another.
Something to keep in mind if you get into some Discord Chat. Like any discuss in life be little careful of biases.
You don't use VB donors for making your VB games?
Correct, we don't use VB donors anymore. VB Donors prices are just getting too high in cost; its now cheaper to enter large volume production. We make our own professional Dust Cap, Connector, & Shells with professional companies that we designed in collaboration with.
How long will you have OEM (official) VB shells available?
Trend you'll see is our color VB injected molded shells be cheaper with gradual cost increase for remaining stock of OEM VB shells over the years. Estimate in 3 years we'll be out of OEM shells; give our take a year.
What is the aesthetic quality of your current Virtual Boy reproduction 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 OEM shells are used, but all are professionally cleaned. Yet, may have some minor marks or scruffs.
- The newly Injection molded shells will look similar, but have some differences in OEM look. Mostly minor.
- We use only our reproduction dust cap. Which as good as original.
- The back screws are original Nintendo security bit type, but are cut shorter from donor N64 screws.
- Maybe slight bumps in card; so may not be as flat as regular OEM carts. Yet, will fit work in VB just fine.
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 you sell your Virtual Boy game card parts to the public?
Yes, we sell all our parts. 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!
Please keep in mind it was bit expensive for us get these in production. A personal investment from the Vintex 64 team; as such prices will be bit on higher side. In time when tool costs are paid off we hope to lower these prices.
Please keep in mind it was bit expensive for us get these in production. A personal investment from the Vintex 64 team; as such prices will be bit on higher side. In time when tool costs are paid off we hope to lower these prices.
You re-use official Rom/Game chip on some VB reproductions?
Yes, we kept our past VB donor game parts & acquired more from trades. So, we designed 2 new higher quality PCB's just for these official OEM Nintendo chip or for repair jobs.
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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People on eBay are sometimes selling VB reproductions or FlashBoy+ for $200 to $1,000?
Official VB games are pushing $150+?
How can your prices be so low?
We cannot comment on other sellers, but price are normally high on anything VB in the wild.
Regarding our prices, we worked hard to create cost-effective reproductions & accessories. Our prices only reflect our time, labor, raw materials, tooling costs, 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. So in a way we are non-profit organization.
Regarding our prices, we worked hard to create cost-effective reproductions & accessories. Our prices only reflect our time, labor, raw materials, tooling costs, 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. So in a way we are non-profit organization.
Do Flashcards or EverDrive exist for Virtual Boy?
No Everdrive exists for the VB and likely never will, but FlashCarts do. One of them we make and sell!
There are 3:
There are 3:
- FlashBoy+ (FB+) 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. It's also re-sold at Stone-Age-Gamer.
- HyperFlash32, which is sold at RetroOnyz and is an very elaborate SD card flashcard, but product maybe at end of life.
- HyperBoy, which is also sold at RetroOnyz & Stone-Age-Gamer. Its a simpler Flashcard than HyperFlash32. Yet more expensive than our FB+.
How popular are these VB Flashcards? Where feel the future will go?
FlashBoy+, we'll keep gong forever. It plays 99% of library.
HyperFlash32, sometimes is re-enters production, and very neat, but can be very expensive.
HyperBoy, going well, but we cannot confirm its long term lifespan as not our technology.
VB Flashcards are reasonably popular and doing okay but, surprising, many people still preferer reproduction cards for VB. This maybe because of the small VB library, players aiming to own top titles, ease of play, & cost/hassle of Flashcards.
At end of the day, its you, the Virtual Boy owners, players, & collectors who will decide the market trends.
The Vintex 64 team will simply adapt to your decisions as the years progress.
HyperFlash32, sometimes is re-enters production, and very neat, but can be very expensive.
HyperBoy, going well, but we cannot confirm its long term lifespan as not our technology.
VB Flashcards are reasonably popular and doing okay but, surprising, many people still preferer reproduction cards for VB. This maybe because of the small VB library, players aiming to own top titles, ease of play, & cost/hassle of Flashcards.
At end of the day, its you, the Virtual Boy owners, players, & collectors who will decide the market trends.
The Vintex 64 team will simply adapt to your decisions as the years progress.
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. You can also open an eBay case file if seller not fully honest & eBay will help you out.
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.
Image to left is North-American box kit for VB. Image to right is Japan box kit for VB.
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.
Image to left is North-American box kit for VB. Image to right is Japan box kit for VB.
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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.
Is the Virtual Boy bad for your eye?
No. Back in the 90's the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Boston (Harvard medial School Affiliate) did a full study of the Virtual Boy and concluded 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.
Say What?!
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* * Define Irony: the Virtual Boy, which was invented/marketed for gamers, actually has medial eye clinical uses/potential to help people's eyes. * *
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 & other modern VR sets. Some studies estimate that 20% of population may have their eye not full sync naturally and this cause the unwelcomed effects with any VR set; this maybe the reason VR has never really become a mainstream success.
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. Another solution is modified VB that hocks up to a regular TV or monitor. This also known a consoled versions of Virtual Boy.
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 & other modern VR sets. Some studies estimate that 20% of population may have their eye not full sync naturally and this cause the unwelcomed effects with any VR set; this maybe the reason VR has never really become a mainstream success.
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. Another solution is modified VB that hocks up to a regular TV or monitor. This also known a consoled versions of Virtual Boy.
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.
My Virtual Boy has glitch display or missing horizontal lines. What now?
During production of the VB Nintendo used glue to connect the internal ribbon cable, see grey-flexy-thing & green PCB in image below. This issue happens when the glue starts to weaken. Solid red lines, or lines missing, or strange blurry images are caused by the ribbing cable not fully contacting to the PCB.
This is a very well known problem with Virtual Boys & eventually all Virtual Boy in the wild will need ribbon repair. Depending on if your VB was kept at room temperature, what factory did at the time, your may come up sooner, or much later and to each eye window individually at its own time-frame.
This is a very well known problem with Virtual Boys & eventually all Virtual Boy in the wild will need ribbon repair. Depending on if your VB was kept at room temperature, what factory did at the time, your may come up sooner, or much later and to each eye window individually at its own time-frame.
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This can fixed by 3 methods below:
- The Re-Heat Glue method which can involve: oven, hot gun, or cooking pan, then pressing the ribbing down back on PCB. Pro: this easy to do even for yourself. Con: have to be careful not to overheat, can take a few tried, it may not work or be temporary fix. Also, some people buy/add a special custom 3D printed bracket onto after to help maintain compression.
- The Solder Method, this a very tricky soldering approach where you melt some of ribbing cable to get to copper inter and solder it to PCB. Pro: much longer term and direct solution, not need buy anything, this method been around for decades. Con: this hard to do, unless very experienced, you can scrap your ribbon cable or PCB then your stuck a defective VB.
- The Custom Kit, is popular & found online, where you install a elaborate mini PCB assembly designed for this repair. The most popular one from SegaSonicFan. See Stone-Age-Gamer to purchase this service or kit.
Regular look or re-heat glue repair
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Solder Method
(Requires expert skills & practice) |
Custom Kit - SegaSonicFan example
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I get the above, but I really want to know what you guys do? What do you think? And can you do mine?
We purchased some SegaSonicFan Virtual Ribbon kits with aim to install for ourselves, but after review Vintex end up prefer the regular old-school "Solder Method". The SegaSonicFan kit are pretty neat, but Vintex find it more elaborate/labor than needed, but it will works fine & is a good investment. You may get away with Re-Heat Glue method, but where not fan of it.
Vintex did the "Solder Method" without microscope or complicated tools, by his own tricks & it worked very well. His thinking is if the "Solder Method" needs to be replaced in the future its easy to de-solder and remove the ribbing later. Also, its nice have shorter ribbon from Point A to Point B.
We sadly only do our own Virtual Boy for the business; we don't' have this service for the public; as we need to keep focus on the current products.
Yet, Vintex may deliver/make an easy-to-install kit solution for others in the future with tricks he does internally.
Vintex did the "Solder Method" without microscope or complicated tools, by his own tricks & it worked very well. His thinking is if the "Solder Method" needs to be replaced in the future its easy to de-solder and remove the ribbing later. Also, its nice have shorter ribbon from Point A to Point B.
We sadly only do our own Virtual Boy for the business; we don't' have this service for the public; as we need to keep focus on the current products.
Yet, Vintex may deliver/make an easy-to-install kit solution for others in the future with tricks he does internally.
What expect for new new prototypes or unreleased content for the Virtual Boy in the future?
They turn up from time-to-time over the years; so something may all-of-a-sudden show up.
To-that-end, and to our surprise, we have a lead for Dragon Hopper (left image), Zero Racers (middle image), Mario Land VB (left image). We may get lucky, but will take some time to fully confirm. For more information click on the Vintex 64 title/link in prior sentence or image below.
To-that-end, and to our surprise, we have a lead for Dragon Hopper (left image), Zero Racers (middle image), Mario Land VB (left image). We may get lucky, but will take some time to fully confirm. For more information click on the Vintex 64 title/link in prior sentence or image below.
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What expect for new Homebrew content for the Virtual Boy in the future?
We cannot speak for homebrew developers, but they normally have projects ongoing. Sadly, we have not seen many major projects released in recent years. We could be hitting a time where the best content maybe behind us. Yet, lets hope for the best.
The Vintex 64 team got some ideas/plans to help this situation; we'll see how the future goes.
If you have any ideas/suggestions please feel free to share! Can just be a simple high-level one sentence idea.
The images below are just public fan/art (not real games) of what the Virtual Boy gaming future could look like.
The Vintex 64 team got some ideas/plans to help this situation; we'll see how the future goes.
If you have any ideas/suggestions please feel free to share! Can just be a simple high-level one sentence idea.
The images below are just public fan/art (not real games) of what the Virtual Boy gaming future could look like.
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