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Virtual Boy Image Troubleshooting

  • Blank Screen When Using Batteries

    1. Open the Battery Box and insert six NEW Batteries, even if the Virtual Boy has been working on the current set of batteries recently.

      Note: When the battery's power drops below a safe level, the Battery Low icon will appear on the screen. If this occurs, the batteries should be changed promptly.

    2. Slide the Battery Box on to the Controller, it should click into place.
    3. Plug the Controller into the bottom of the Virtual Boy.
    4. Make sure the Game Pak Cover is not on the game. If it is, it may become stuck in the Virtual Boy. How to get it out
    5. Make sure the Game Pak is fully inserted into the Virtual Boy.
    6. Turn the Power on (by Sliding the Power Switch to the Right) wait 5 seconds.

    If the above fails try the Virtual Boy AC Adapter, if available. If the system works with the AC Adapter it would mean the batteries are old or the Battery Box may be defective/damaged.

    If the problem continues your system may need to be replaced. Click here for information on what to do.

  • Blank Screen When Using an AC Adapter

    1. Shut off the Power. Unplug the AC Adapter.
    2. Unplug the Controller.
    3. Slide the Battery Box (or TAP) off the Controller.
    4. Remove the Game Pak from the Virtual Boy.
    5. Open the TAP and ensure the AC Adapter plug is fully inserted, Close the TAP.
    6. Slide the TAP on to the Controller, it should Click into place.
    7. Plug the Controller into the bottom of the Virtual Boy. The plug only fits one way.
    8. Plug the AC Adapter into a Wall Outlet.
    9. Make sure the Game Pak Cover is not on the game. If it is, it may become stuck in the Virtual Boy. How to get it out
    10. Make sure the Game Pak is fully inserted into the Virtual Boy.
    11. Turn the Power on (by Sliding the Power Switch to the Right) wait 5 seconds.

    If the above steps don't work, try a new set of Batteries in the Battery Box. If the Virtual Boy works with batteries, the AC Adapter/TAP may be defective.

    If the problem continues your system may need to be replaced. Click here for information on what to do.

  • Blurry or Out of Focus (Setting the IPD and Focus)

    If the image appears blurry our out of focus, you will need to adjust the IPD (Inter-Pupillary Distance) and Focus. To adjust these:

    1. Go to the initial startup screen with Virtual Boy written in the middle and the squares in each corner like this:

      Note: If you are playing a game, press START to pause the game (you will not lose your place in the game), then press SELECT to get to this screen.

    2. Rotate the IPD dial until you see the four squares in the corners.
    3. Slide the "Focus" bar until Virtual Boy graphic in the center of the screen as clear as possible.

  • Image is Out of Alignment

    1. Place a game pak in the Virtual Boy and turn the system on.
    2. Make sure the Virtual Boy is flat on the table, then look into the Virtual Boy as if you were playing the game.
    3. Press the A Button until you reach the game title screen and wait for the music to start. If the image appears blurry, you may need to adjust the IPD and Focus before beginning (see the above topic for information).

    4. Use the Control Pad on the right hand side of the controller and enter the following code: Left, B, Down, A, Up.

      As with any code, it may take a few tries to get it to work the first time.

    5. Once the screen with the horizontal and vertical lines is displayed, look away from the Virtual Boy for a few moments. Look into the screen again and press your face into the eye shade.

      Note: It is important to look away for a few moments to allow your eyes to readjust so you can get a more accurate reading of the alignment screen.

      The Virtual Boy is aligned normally if the vertical and horizontal lines cross each other. If the vertical and horizontal lines do not cross or if the horizontal line barely touches the vertical lines, the the Virtual Boy may be out of alignment.

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What to do if Troubleshooting doesn't help

Due to the age of the system, we no longer offer factory repairs directly from Nintendo. Please click here to find out what options are available for repair or replacement of your product.

If you need a replacement part or accessory, please note that Nintendo no longer carries any parts or accessories for the Virtual Boy (such as AC Adapters, Controllers, etc.). For tips on locating these older products, please click here.