This listing is for a original Nintendo Virtual Boy controller converted into a wireless Bluetooth controller for Nintendo Switch 1 & 2. This RetroOnyx PCB upgrade replaces the original VB controller PCB and lets you use the real Virtual Boy controller hardware with Nintendo Switch Online Virtual Boy. It also supports PC, BlueRetro adapters, and Meta Quest through VBGo mode.

The full controller option will be available for a limited time while used controller parts are available. Full controllers use original VB hardware, so expect minor cosmetic wear but nothing major.

You can use an original VB battery pack, a RetroOnyx battery pack, or even a LaserBear battery pack. No battery pack included. 

This upgrade has also been tested on Switch 1 & 2, PC, Mednafen, and Meta Quest. The RetroOnyx BlueRetro receiver can also enable original VB compatibility. All modes use Bluetooth, so a BlueRetro receiver is NOT required for PC or Meta Quest HMD use—only for original Virtual Boy hardware.

This Switch version of the VB wireless controller.

NOTE: This wireless controller is NOT compatible with the RetroOnyx ESP-Now receivers. That was V1 of the wireless controller PCB. Please do not confuse the two versions. A BlueRetro receiver is needed for VB use with this V2 firmware. Reach out with any questions prior to ordering.

Feature overview:

Nintendo Switch Online Virtual Boy compatibility via Switch Pro controller emulation

Experimental SNES and N64 boot profiles

BlueRetro for OEM VB via BlueRetro Receiver

PC support for Mednafen

Compatible with Meta Quest using VBGo

Classic Bluetooth connection for Switch, PC, and HMD applications

We added haptic Feedback compatibility but experimental and only works on VB home brews that were made to use this feature please do your research. 

Boot Modes:

Switch Pro mode as the default

BlueRetro / generic PC DInput mode

VBGo-optimized DInput mode

Experimental SNES profile in Switch Pro Mode

Experimental N64 profile in Switch Pro Mode

Additional information on controller modes, how to select modes at power up, and LED status information is given below. The original version of the Virtual Boy wireless controller can be seen here with more pictures of the real hardware. There will be updates to the V2 hardware.

Controller Modes

Boot Input (Hold While Powering ON) Selected Mode Target Host

No buttons pressed Switch Pro Controller Mode Nintendo Switch, Switch Online Virtual Boy

Right D-Pad Left PC / BlueRetro Mode (DInput) BlueRetro, PC

Right D-Pad Up VBGo Mode (DInput) Meta Quest (VBGo)

Right D-Pad Right SNES Profile SNES profile for Switch 1 & 2

Right D-Pad Down N64 Mode N64 profile for Switch 1 & 2

If you have any questions please reach out before purchasing.

Thanks,

VWG