The Virtual Boy was universally panned by critics and goes down in history as Nintendo’s worst system of all-time. Despite this, the 32-bit table-top console with a red monochrome head-mounted display has still managed to develop a cult following over the years.
Surprisingly, there’s even a supportive homebrew community sustaining the system – helping make up for the lack of games on the device. Now, an individual by the name of Benj Edwards has created what is “possibly the world’s first” Virtual Boy fighting stick. The BX-240 is designed for use with the unofficial Virtual Boy port of Street Fighter II, known as Hyper Fighting.
The arcade-style unit started out as a BX-250 – a “less traditional” arcade stick for general purpose use that resembles a similar layout to the original Virtual Boy controller. Take a look below:
For the fighting version of the stick, Edwards mashed together the design of an existing Super Nintendo joystick he had created (the BX-110) and his BX-250. The BX-240 caters primarily to fans of this genre with a comfortable six-button arcade-style layout, allowing on-screen moves to be flawlessly executed. As for the buttons and stick, Edwards sourced the best parts from Japanese manufacturer Sanwa Denshi – the same company providing parts for modern arcade units.
The downside to all of this is the fact you'll need to own a Virtual Boy and somehow obtain a copy of Hyper Fighting to be able to enjoy this device. Even then, Edwards has no plans to mass produce these particular arcade sticks, as he did with the Super Nintendo one he created, but is currently taking a small batch of orders via Twitter.
Is a Virtual Boy arcade stick something you’ve always wanted? Tell us below.
[source kotaku.com, via twitter.com]
Comments 13
"your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."
I wanted the 3DS, being a 3D system, to host a collection of these old 3D titles. Because 3D. Nintendo did not agree
Never realised the Virtual Boy was a 32 bit
@sleepinglion Because Nintendo.
@gaga64 Agreed. When it came time to debut their 3D Classics, they turned to fan favorite... Urban Champion! When their first 3D title was actually Rad Racer, came with glasses and everything, and would have made a far more exciting 3D release
@CharlieSmile You've hit the nail on the head. Technically impressive but functionally moot. A solution in search of a problem if you will. Perhaps we'll see a Arcade cab for the Poke Mini next.
But where is my 6 button turbo controller for Atari 2600? And what about my HDMI adapter for Magnavox Odyessy?!
Surely I'm not the only one who sees something... suggestive... In the button layout of that BX-250
Had a feeling this was Benj's work before I clicked the link. I just love it that this thing exists.
I really wish I had kept my launch VB and complete collection. :/
But... why?
Was there even any fighting games on the system?
I can confirm that someone does indeed make copies of Hyper Fighting. Good luck coming across them though, you'll need it.
Well, looks like I need to add Hyper Fighting to my VB game collection, I had no idea it existed.
Tap here to load 13 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...