Nintendo goes VR! The Virtual Boy accessory turns your Switch 2 into a Google Cardboard-style headset

Nintendo just pulled off something absolutely wild that has my brain doing backflips. They’re bringing back the Virtual Boy as a physical accessory for Switch and Switch 2, and honestly, this might be the most fascinating hardware decision they’ve made in years. We’re talking about a company that took one of their biggest commercial failures from 1995 and somehow turned it into a love letter to both retro gaming and the democratization of VR experiences.

The timing here is perfect in the weirdest way possible. Google Cardboard launched a decade ago and completely changed how we think about accessible VR. That simple folded cardboard contraption proved you didn’t need a $500 headset to experience virtual reality, you just needed some creativity and a smartphone. Fast forward to 2024, and Nintendo is essentially applying that same philosophy to retro gaming, but with a twist that only Nintendo could pull off.

Designer: Nintendo

The plastic Virtual Boy accessory they’ve designed is genuinely impressive from an engineering perspective. This isn’t some cheap knockoff or simplified replica, it’s a faithful recreation of the original 1995 hardware’s form factor, complete with the distinctive tabletop setup that made the Virtual Boy so unique. You slot your Switch or Switch 2 right into the front where the original’s display would have been, and the system handles the stereoscopic 3D rendering through its own screen technology. The build quality looks substantial enough to justify that $100 price point, especially when you consider this is essentially a specialized gaming peripheral that doubles as a museum piece.

What makes this so brilliant is how Nintendo has managed to solve the Virtual Boy’s original problems without compromising its essential weirdness. The 1995 version failed partly because it was expensive, uncomfortable, and tied to a single dedicated system with limited software. This new version maintains the physical experience and visual style but leverages modern display technology and the massive install base of the Switch ecosystem. Players get access to 14 Virtual Boy games through Switch Online, which covers most of the system’s tiny library, without needing to hunt down rare cartridges or deal with aging hardware.

The stereoscopic 3D aspect is particularly fascinating because Nintendo isn’t trying to modernize it or make it more palatable. They’re preserving that distinctive red-and-black visual experience that defined Virtual Boy gaming. This suggests they understand that the appeal here isn’t about creating the best possible version of these games, it’s about authentically recreating a specific moment in gaming history. That’s collector-grade attention to detail in a mass-market product.

The regional limitation to US and Canada initially makes sense from a testing perspective, but it also creates an interesting scarcity dynamic. Nintendo has learned from their retro product launches that limited availability can actually increase demand and create more buzz than a global rollout might generate.

Here’s where things get really interesting though: the cardboard version at $25 completely changes the value proposition. This is pure Google Cardboard energy, taking that same democratization principle and applying it to retro gaming nostalgia. The cardboard model provides the same functional experience, the same access to Virtual Boy games, and the same basic form factor, but at a price point that makes it an impulse purchase rather than a serious investment.

The cardboard option also feels like Nintendo acknowledging different types of consumers. Some people want that premium plastic replica as a display piece and conversation starter. Others just want to experience these weird old games without breaking the bank or committing significant shelf space. Both groups get what they want, which is smart product design.

What really gets me excited is how this represents Nintendo’s willingness to embrace their experimental past, even the parts that didn’t work commercially. The Virtual Boy was ahead of its time in some ways and completely wrong-headed in others, but it was undeniably interesting. By reviving it through modern hardware, Nintendo is showing that failure doesn’t mean an idea wasn’t worth exploring.

This whole project feels like the logical evolution of the Google Cardboard philosophy. Take accessible materials, combine them with existing technology, and create experiences that would otherwise require expensive specialized hardware. Nintendo has essentially created a time machine that costs less than most new games, and that’s the kind of creative problem-solving that keeps this industry surprising us after all these years.

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Vervain Concept Speaker System: Modular Audio Meets Earthquake Safety

Speaker systems typically serve one purpose: playing music until you get tired of them and shove them into a closet. They occupy valuable shelf space without offering much beyond decent sound quality, becoming expensive dust collectors that remind you of better purchasing decisions. Most people never think about what happens when the ground starts shaking and those speakers become useless decorations.

Melis Planalı’s Vervain concept flips this relationship by creating a modular speaker system that transforms into a comprehensive earthquake safety device when disaster strikes. Instead of designing another forgettable Bluetooth speaker, Planalı has imagined something that acknowledges the harsh reality of living in earthquake-prone regions while still delivering the audio quality people actually want from their entertainment systems.

Designer:
Melis Planali

The design centers around a tall main tower with four detachable orange and white disk modules that snap together like oversized building blocks. Each disk works independently as a standalone speaker, letting family members spread them throughout different rooms for personalized listening experiences. The modular approach means you’re never stuck with a single configuration that stops making sense when your living situation changes.

What makes Vervain genuinely clever is how it handles emergencies. Advanced seismic sensors and smart algorithms built into each disk can tell the difference between a passing truck and a dangerous earthquake, eliminating false alarms while ensuring rapid response when lives hang in the balance. The system uses Bluetooth Mesh networking to create synchronized alerts that reach every corner of your home simultaneously.

The emergency features go well beyond simple alarms. GPS location tracking helps rescue teams locate people trapped under debris, while the disks transform into walkie-talkies for hands-free communication with family members or emergency responders. Each module includes powerful flashlights for power outages, with solar charging, keeping everything operational when traditional power sources fail completely.

Planalı incorporates plant-based bioplastics made from corn starch and sugarcane, addressing environmental concerns while providing the durability needed for emergency situations. This material choice reduces electronic waste by combining multiple functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate gadgets cluttering up your living space. The orange and white color scheme feels approachable rather than intimidating or clinical.

The concept targets extended families and student households who need flexible audio solutions but also face the reality of earthquake risks. During peaceful times, Vervain facilitates social bonding through shared music experiences and independent listening. When disaster strikes, those same friendly-looking modules become essential communication tools that could determine whether everyone makes it through safely.

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DIY Mini Projector made from smartphone, power bank parts is more than just gimmicky

One long-time question has been, can a smartphone be a projector? If you have toiled with some experiments in the domain, you’d know, there have been some phone projectors we have seen and some iterations where magnifying glasses are attached to supersize the phone display (but it lacks enough light). Now proving that these are not the only options, a DIYer has taken an old Samsung phone with OTG support apart and has converted it into a DIY Mini Projector in a box, a video of which is doing rounds on the internet.

When I landed on this video, my first journey through its length was only to wait for the DIYer to speak. Nope, none, throughout the video, there isn’t a word. The entire video is mute. Only action, no words. That got me running through the video the second time. This time I was more engrossed in knowing what was happening and how deftly things were being taken apart and soldered together to achieve the outcome.

Designer: Huy Vector

The video starts with the DIYer ripping an old smartphone with an LCD-TFT display, OLED screens won’t work, to be used as the projector source. So, use an old device with USB OTG support. OTG is essential to connect a mouse and keyboard with can extension cable. The small, timely captions are helpful to understand what is happening in the video, or what things are being used. Though they are not even mentioned in the list of items in the video description.

The phone screen parts are removed to separate the backlight and reflector layers. The process is to be done most deft to cause any damage, since the screen is very fragile. Once the parts are securely available, the DIY set out to create the projector box using a piece of 5mm foam board. The case is packed in with a panel to mount a 4.2V 50W LED. A cooling fan is attached to keep the interior from overheating during hours of projection. The LED light and the cooling fan are both controlled by a push button installed on the outside, right above the digital display to show battery percentage.

The battery and charging circuit here are taken from an old power bank, which offers the projector a longer battery life and fast charging support. The same power source is used to charge the LED, the cooling fan, and the smartphone (doing the projection duties). Lastly, a focus lens from a magnifying glass is used to enhance the image five times the original on the phone.

The foam box is nicely wrapped in gray fabric, giving the projector a refined appearance. Making a DIY Mini Projector may have seemed very difficult before this video, but having been through the step-by-step process here, I can say, if you are someone with little patience, understanding of soldering wires, and have the dexterity to deal with fragile parts, this project should not be difficult at all. Let us know if you do give it a try.

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XYTE One is a helmet-free bike that edges ahead of the BMW Vision CE

Is a helmet-free future for two-wheelers on the horizon? Judging by recent developments, it appears increasingly likely. A few weeks ago, BMW Motorrad unveiled the Vision CE prototype, hinting at a future where riders can navigate urban streets without the need for helmets. Now, XYTE Mobility GmbH is adding momentum to this idea with its innovative XYTE One trike, reinforcing the possibility that helmet-free personal mobility could become a mainstream trend.

Unlike BMW’s Vision CE, which adopts a self-balancing, two-wheeled design, the XYTE One takes a different approach with a three-wheeled layout. This configuration places it firmly in the trike category, offering enhanced stability and safer dynamics for city commuting. While the Vision CE remains a concept, the XYTE One feels production-ready, designed with everyday practicality in mind.

Designer: XYTE Mobility GmbH

Conceptualized by Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart, a respected figure in automotive innovation for clean and quiet personal mobility, the XYTE One aims to blend the accessibility of a scooter with the safety features of a car. Its safety cell structure offers superior protection compared to BMW Motorrad’s balancing system, which could be prone to tipping if lightly contacted by other vehicles. The XYTE One holds a European Class B license, allowing it to be driven without a helmet—a key selling point. Its electric powertrain delivers 25 horsepower with a peak output of 19 kW, supported by 40 lb-ft (55 Nm) of torque, providing smooth acceleration even on inclines. The vehicle achieves a top speed of 61 mph and a range of up to 70 miles, powered by a 7.6-kWh battery. Compatibility with fast-charging stations further enhances its urban usability.

Designed for maximum convenience, the XYTE One includes a reverse gear, an invaluable feature in tight city environments. Its 72-liter trunk offers ample space for groceries or small cargo, making it a practical choice for daily errands. The 24.8-inch low seat height ensures comfort for riders of varying statures. Weighing 454 pounds, the trike employs a 3-channel ABS and 240-mm disc brakes on all three wheels, paired with double wishbone suspension, ensuring stable and controlled handling, even in adverse weather conditions. A 10-inch touchscreen display and LTE connectivity round out the modern feature set, catering to the connected commuter.

XYTE plans to initially target the European market, with availability in cities such as Munich, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Milan, and Madrid. The XYTE One debuted at the IAA Mobility Show and is now open for pre-orders, priced at €13,008 (approximately $15,200). With no confirmed release date for BMW’s Vision CE, the XYTE One currently stands as the most viable option for those seeking a helmet-free, compact urban commuter. Its thoughtful design, practical features, and market readiness position it as a strong contender in the evolving landscape of personal electric mobility.

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KARRI Generation 2 Messenger is a screen-free device for safe kids’ communication

The KARRI messenger is a smart, screen‑free communication tool designed for children aged five to thirteen. Unlike a smartphone, the device relies solely on voice messages that travel between a parent’s phone app and the child’s handheld unit, or between multiple KARRI units. It carries its own data SIM and works on all mobile networks, offering roughly 99 % population coverage and GPS tracking for peace of mind .

Pentagram’s industrial design team was brought in after the success of the first‑generation device to create a mass‑market version. The process was rooted in research: families and kids were interviewed to uncover what mattered most to them. The key insight was the need for an ultra‑simple interface that lets children record, listen, send or delete a message without any confusion. The result is the “slide to talk” button which is a single tactile control that mimics a walkie‑talkie and handles all four actions with a slide up or down motion .

Designer: Jon Marshall (Pentagram)

Beyond voice chat, the Generation 2 messenger includes thoughtful extras. Parents can set up geo‑fences that trigger alerts when a child leaves a safe zone, and they can check battery level, network status and location from the companion app . A built‑in flashlight adds a practical touch for bedtime or outdoor adventures, while a silicone bumper case and lanyard give the device a playful, retro feel that appeals to both kids and style‑conscious parents .

The design language is deliberately minimal. The device foregoes screens, apps and algorithms, focusing instead on pure, voice‑only interaction. This approach aligns with the growing digital‑wellness trend that encourages screen‑free communication tools for younger children . By removing the endless scroll of a typical phone, KARRI helps kids develop independence and confidence in a controlled environment. Colors range from classic pastel shades to brighter tones, letting families pick a look that matches a child’s personality.

KARRI, a London‑ and Berlin‑based tech company founded in 2023, believes that technology should teach children to be independent before they enter the broader digital world . The messenger’s launch is slated for early 2026, with a presale already open on the company’s website . Early feedback from test families highlights the device’s ease of use. Children quickly master the slide‑to‑talk gesture, and parents appreciate the instant reassurance of location alerts and battery notifications.

The KARRI Generation 2 messenger offers a purposeful, child‑centric alternative. Its blend of simple voice communication, robust safety features and a design that feels both nostalgic and modern makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking to balance connectivity with a screen‑free childhood.

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