

The
Nintendo Virtual Boy, a console designed by legendary Gunpei Yokoi, was
Nintendo's first and apparently only attempt at a
Virtual Reality console, that completely and utterly flopped. The console, released in 1995 in Japan and the US, didn't even make it to Europe, despite being a pretty quirky and interesting little gadget.
Here's what Nintendo had to say on its VR gaming machine:
"The Virtual Boy, our RISC-based, 32-bit system, produces a 3-D experience not possible on conventional television or LCD screens. The system has two high-resolution, mirror-scanning LED (light emitting diode) displays. Its unique design eliminates all external stimuli, totally immersing players into their own private universe with high-resolution red images against a deep black background. The 3-D experience is enhanced through stereo sound and a new specially-designed, double-grip controller that accommodates multidirectional spatial movement. Virtual Boy is a stand-alone, table-top unit that doesn't connect to a television screen. It is powered by six AA batteries."
Good news is Europeans can now get their hands on a
Virtual Boy and 4 games (
Wario Land, Mario Tennis, Galactic Pinball and Red Alarm) for relatively cheap. Provided its price stays below 50£, as usually VBs sell for over 70£.
Virtual Boy and games @ ebay.co.ukSeller is based in the UK, but ships to Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.