Nintendo Releases Cancelled Virtual Boy Games Zero Racers and D-Hopper

Nintendo released two previously unreleased Virtual Boy titles, Zero Racers and D-Hopper, on August 4, 2026, via the Switch Online + Expansion Pack ‘Nintendo Classics’ service. The update also introduces screen color customization and accompanies the upcoming August 13 arrival of Super Mario Sunshine for the Nintendo Switch 2.

For gaming historians and long-time fans, the August 4 update represents more than just a library expansion. It is the first time these specific titles have seen the light of day, effectively rescuing them from the commercial failure of the original Virtual Boy hardware.

Zero Racers and D-Hopper: Recovering Lost Hardware

The two additions are fundamentally different in genre. Zero Racers (1996) is a racing title set in a future where the 30th century is approaching in about 10 years, and humanity, having declined from its former glory and now living underground, and having lost many emotions, holds a “RACE”. Players compete for position by driving a floating machine around a course made up of connected square ducts for 5 laps, needing to stay within a specific range each lap; if they finish in the top 3, they can advance to the next course. The game features “Rapid,” which can be obtained by passing through rapid marks on the course, allowing players to fly at high speed for a limited time.

Nintendo Virtual Boy Classics- (Nintendo Switch 1 & 2) – All Games Tested – 4K

D-Hopper (1996), conversely, is an action game following Prince Dorin of the Sky Kingdom. After being pursued by the rebellious minister Rexxar and falling deep underground, Dorin is rescued by fairies and must search for four spirits who have disappeared from the fairy kingdom to return to the Sky Kingdom. The gameplay involves jumping and flapping to move across floating platforms in the air to defeat enemies. When Dorin finds the spirits, he can transform into a dragon that can use special abilities.

The history of Zero Racers is particularly notable. According to a former Nintendo staff member cited by Video Games Chronicle, the game—originally titled G-Zero—was “completed” but ultimately never released due to the Virtual Boy’s poor market performance. Nintendo had previously announced earlier in the year that it was reviving the Intelligent Systems game and the title based on F-Zero.

Super Mario Sunshine and the Switch 2 Requirement

While the Virtual Boy updates arrived today, the bigger draw for most users is the arrival of Super Mario Sunshine on August 13. This GameCube classic, which features Mario and his pals on vacation to Delphino Island until Bowser Jr. and his magical paintbrush spoil the fun, has been difficult to access legally since the discontinuation of the 3D All-Stars collection in 2020. In the game, Mario uses the FLUDD powerhose backpack to hover, jet around, and clean up the town.

The game is a long-awaited follow-up to Super Mario 64 and is notable for the debut of characters and enemies such as Bowser Jr., Petey Piranha, Piantas, Cataquacks, and Peach’s elderly butler Toadsworth. However, there is a significant hardware gate for this specific title. Unlike the Virtual Boy games, Super Mario Sunshine requires a Nintendo Switch 2—which is listed at $449.99—and the “beefier” Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to play.

Virtual Boy App Updates and Music Integration

Beyond new games, the Version 1.3.0 service update modifies the user experience. A new feature allows players to change the color of the screen by pressing and holding the right control stick while using the L and R buttons to select a color.

Nintendo Releases Cancelled Virtual Boy Games Zero Racers and D-Hopper — Photo: IGN

Nintendo is also leaning into the multimedia aspect of these revivals. The company released a new commercial highlighting a selection of games in the ‘Nintendo Classic’ Virtual Boy library, including a brief look at Zero Racers and D-Hopper. Additionally, Nintendo added five Virtual Boy soundtracks to the Nintendo Music app.

The Remaining Virtual Boy Library Gaps

With the addition of Zero Racers and D-Hopper, the majority of the Virtual Boy library is now available on Switch Online, a service that launched earlier this year and requires a physical accessory to play. However, a small group of titles remains unconfirmed for the service. Because many of these involve licensed intellectual properties, they are unlikely to appear in the future.