The Vision Pro has recently introduced the VirtualFriend app, the first Virtual Boy emulator, providing nostalgic gamers with the opportunity to relive the immersive 3D experience of Nintendo’s short-lived console. As a tech journalist with a deep passion for retro gaming, I couldn’t resist the chance to try out this app and play some of my favorite childhood games once again.
After downloading VirtualFriend, I dove into some classic Virtual Boy titles like Red Alarm, Wario Land, and Mario’s Tennis. To my delight, the games ran smoothly, with only minor audio glitches in Red Alarm. The overall gameplay experience was just as I remembered it, evoking a sense of nostalgia that brought back fond memories of hours spent playing these games as a kid.
VirtualFriend offers support for Bluetooth controllers and keyboard control on the Vision Pro, as well as touchscreen buttons on iOS and iPadOS devices. The app allows for customization of the console’s color palette and features an eye adjustment slider for optimal viewing. However, it lacks important features like controller mapping and the ability to save games at any point using save states. Developer Adam Gastineau has acknowledged this issue on the project’s GitHub page, leaving room for future improvements.
Despite its shortcomings, VirtualFriend is a valuable tool for anyone interested in playing Virtual Boy games or revisiting their love for this iconic console. The app is free to download, with the option to support the developer through tips and without any intrusive ads or data collection. For those seeking a taste of retro gaming nostalgia and a trip back to the mid-90s era of virtual reality, VirtualFriend is a fun and worthwhile experience.
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