Since spring, emulators have started to invade the App Store, offering a multitude of options to play classic games thanks to a Apple’s rules are being relaxed. Since the (forced) opening of the platform in Europe, the company American company has given some gifts to customers around the world, including emulators.
After seeing high quality emulators like Delta for Nintendo games or RetroArch for consoles like the PS1, here is VirtualFriend, an emulator for Nintendo’s Virtual Boy.
The first Virtual Boy emulator
Here’s how the developer presents his VirtualFriend app on the App Store:
Relive the unique red and black universe of Nintendo’s most ambitious console of the ’90s. Whether you’re discovering these classics for the first time or reminiscing about fond memories, VirtualFriend brings you the definitive Virtual Boy experience on Apple Vision Pro and iOS devices.
For those who don’t know, the Virtual Boy was Nintendo’s very bold attempt at creating a gaming experience that was close to virtual reality. But it wasn’t 2020, 2010, or 2000, it was 1995!
Although it wasn’t a true VR headset, it worked pretty well: instead of wearing it on your head, you had to lean forward and place your face against the device in order to “immerse” yourself in the games.
Nintendo used red and black graphics to simulate a 3D gaming experience. To our delight, VirtualFriend offers the option to revert to the classic red and black style or adjust the color palette to your liking.
The Virtual Boy was not a huge commercial success, selling only 800,000 units worldwide and being discontinued after a year, but it made an impression on 90s kids with its innovative approach.
Lastly, VirtualFriend allows you to play using various controls: touch screen, controller or keyboard.
Better still, unlike the emulators currently available on iOS, VirtualFriend already contains all the games built-in.
Download Virtual Friend for free
VirtualFriend is also compatible with iPhone and iPad, but to fully relive the Virtual Boy experience, the application is particularly optimized for the Vision Pro.
Download the free game VirtualFriend
