A humorous April Fool's joke
Nintendo and IGN have teamed up to prank gamers with a fake virtual reality headset for the Nintendo Switch. In a satirical move, IGN shared the Virtual Boy Pro in a YouTube video, showcasing a gamer docking their Switch into the headset. The VR accessory boasts high-resolution display, head tracking, hand tracking, a built-in microphone, speakers, and a sleek design.
Fictional item gets a realistic touch
To make the joke more convincing, IGN released a comedic press release for the imaginary gadget. The release humorously talks about the Virtual Boy Pro being the latest addition to Nintendo's lineup of quirky accessories, alongside mentions of Ring Fit and Nintendo Labo. The press release even includes funny quotes from Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto, poking fun at the original Virtual Boy released in 1995.
Social media frenzy
The joke quickly spread across social media platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). While many found it amusing, some expressed disappointment that the Virtual Boy Pro wasn't real. Social media users shared their reactions, with some wishing the product was genuine and others acknowledging the timing of the prank on April Fools' Day.
Remembering the original Virtual Boy
For those unfamiliar, the original Virtual Boy was a 32-bit portable console released by Nintendo in 1995. Marketed as capable of displaying stereoscopic "3D" graphics, players would peer into a red monochrome display for gaming. Despite the innovative concept, Nintendo discontinued the system after releasing only 22 games due to lackluster reception.
