Nintendo Switch Virtual Boy Wireless Controller PCB
Note: This is a preorder for the V2 hardware with Switch enabled firmware. Preorders will run about 2 weeks. A minimum amount of preorders is needed to trigger this batch. The intent is to have this shipping to people around the time the NSO VB ships.
This is my Nintendo Switch compatible version of my wireless controller PCB upgrade for the Virtual Boy controller. The firmware was written to work for the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 for the upcoming NSO Virtual Boy accessory. The PCB is intended to replace the stock VB controller PCB. You can order just the PCB for a DIY solution, or a fully upgraded VB controller. I will offer the full controller option for a short time and while used controller parts are available. Controllers are original VB controllers so expect a few dings here and there but nothing major.
For the DIY PCB route, you'll need to reuse everything else in your controller except for PCBs. Even new trigger PCBs are included. Some soldering will be required. You will also need a separate battery pack to complete your controller setup for Switch. You can use an original VB battery pack, a RetroOnyx battery pack, or even a LaserBear battery pack.
This upgrade has also been tested on Windows 10 PC and my RetroOnyx BlueRetro receiver. A BlueRetro receiver is needed if you want to use the wireless controller with an OEM Virtual Boy or modified VB console. Meta Quest HMD should also work and testing is underway. All modes use Bluetooth so a BlueRetro receiver is NOT needed for PC and Meta Quest HMD, only for VB.
This Switch version of the VB wireless controller also supports haptics. Actual NSO VB support of haptics will depend on Nintendo and is unknown right now. However, the wireless controller PCB can support dual haptic modules just like the Switch Pro controller. I have tested it already and it works. Work is still underway to design the mechanical mount for haptics to be installed in the VB controller. More information to come later.
NOTE: This wireless controller is NOT compatible with my RetroOnyx ESP-Now receivers. That was V1 of the wireless controller PCB. Please do not confuse these. A BlueRetro receiver is needed for VB use. Reach out with any questions prior to ordering.
Feature overview:
- Firmware specifically designed and tested for the Nintendo Switch 1 & 2
- Multiple controller boot up options for N64, SNES, NES, and PC controller modes
- Haptic feedback where supported with future haptic modules
- Classic Bluetooth connection for Switch, PC, and HMD applications
- PCB only option or full controller (when available)
- Includes new trigger button PCBs
- Includes 3D printed carbon fiber trigger standoffs
- Includes a 3D printed carbon fiber cable plug with improved LED light pipe design
Additional information on controller modes, how to select modes at power up, and LED status information is given below. My original version of the Virtual Boy wireless controller can be seen here with more pictures of the real hardware. There will be updates to the V2 hardware.
Controller Modes
Boot Input Selected Mode Target Host No buttons pressed N64 Mode N64-compatible mapping / default Right D-Pad Left Switch Pro Controller Nintendo Switch, BlueRetro (Switch) Right D-Pad Up SNES Mode SNES-compatible mapping Right D-Pad Right NES Mode NES-compatible mapping Right D-Pad Down PC Mode (DInput) Windows / Steam / emulators / generic HID hosts Mode Selection
Boot Input (held at power-on) Selected Mode Target Host No buttons pressed N64 Mode N64-compatible mapping / default Right D-Pad Left Switch Pro Controller Nintendo Switch, BlueRetro (Switch) Right D-Pad Up SNES Mode SNES-compatible mapping Right D-Pad Down PC Mode (DInput) Windows / Steam / emulators / generic HID hosts LED Status
Logical State Physical LED (RGB) Pattern Meaning Idle Blue only Solid Powered on, Bluetooth stack up, no active connection Pairing / Reconnecting Red + Green (Amber) Blinking Discoverable or attempting auto-reconnect Connected Green only Solid HID connected, controller operational Player Assignment (Switch) Green only Brief flashes Switch Set Player command received Error Red only Solid Bluetooth or HID failure







