Keeping the Virtual Boy Alive: An Interview with Retro Gaming Engineer Kevin Mellott
It’s no secret that Nintendo’s Virtual Boy was a commercial failure, but that hasn’t stopped a dedicated community of engineers and developers from keeping the system alive. Retro gaming hardware maker RetroOnyx, led by engineer Kevin Mellott, has been at the forefront of this movement, producing high-quality after-market hardware and supporting the development of new games for the ill-fated console. In a recent interview with Nintendo Life, Mellott shared his passion for the Virtual Boy, his motivations for creating after-market hardware, and his favorite games for the system.
Reviving the Virtual Boy: RetroOnyx and the Virtual Boy Community
Mellott’s journey with the Virtual Boy started when he was a young teenager, mesmerized by the console’s unique 3D experience. Years later, he joined the online community dedicated to the Virtual Boy and decided to contribute his engineering skills to create after-market gear. This led to the formation of RetroOnyx, which offers a range of Virtual Boy accessories, including power adapters, reprogrammable printed circuit boards, and boutique flashcarts. Collaborating with developers Christian Radke and Jorge Andres Eremiev, Mellott also funded the development of Virtual WarZone, a tank combat game that showcases the Virtual Boy’s distinctive hardware features.
The Passion for the Maligned Virtual Boy
Despite its reputation as Nintendo’s most notorious hardware failure, the Virtual Boy has always held a special place in Mellott’s heart. The first time he encountered the console, its 3D representation blew his mind, and he was captivated by the unique gaming experience it offered. That initial fascination stayed with him throughout the years, drawing him back to the Virtual Boy time and time again.
RetroOnyx’s Iconic Flashcarts
RetroOnyx gained recognition in the Virtual Boy community for its creation of Virtual Boy-compatible flashcarts. Mellott’s motivation for developing these flashcarts was to provide gamers with an affordable way to access rare and expensive games. The HyperFlash32, RetroOnyx’s first flashcart, featured an eInk screen and capacitive touch buttons, while the later HyperBoy version offered a more streamlined and cost-effective option. These flashcarts allow Virtual Boy enthusiasts to expand their gaming library and experience both official releases and newer homebrew titles.
Revisiting the Virtual Boy’s Hidden Gems
With only 22 officially released games for the Virtual Boy, Mellott highlighted a few titles that he believes are worth revisiting. His personal favorites include Red Alarm, Wario Land, Teleroboxer, and Bound High. He also expressed a soft spot for Space Invaders, citing a nostalgic connection from his childhood.
Nurturing the Virtual Boy Homebrew Scene
A thriving homebrew scene has emerged around the Virtual Boy, thanks in part to RetroOnyx’s support and the development of the VUEngine. RetroOnyx-funded titles like Virtual WarZone, a wireframe tank combat game, have showcased the console’s potential and attracted attention from Virtual Boy enthusiasts. Mellott collaborated with VUEngine creators Jorge Andres Eremiev and Christian Radke to bring the game to life, with additional contributions from members of the Virtual Boy community.
Through RetroOnyx and his involvement in the Virtual Boy community, Kevin Mellott continues to keep the memory of Nintendo’s unconventional console alive. With his passion and dedication, the Virtual Boy remains a beloved piece of gaming history, cherished by enthusiasts and builders alike.