Is there any comfortable way to play a Virtual Boy?

[Urzu402]

Also how easy is to to see the screen if you are using one in person?

[bb_hood]

Its not hard to see the screen. I would assume that it might be hard to see if you dont have the visor (might be forced to use it in the dark), Ive seen a few units missing the visor.
Its not really uncomfortable to use, but you kinda have to be sitting at a table or desk. I had one that had a broken clamp on the stand, so I had to balance it on a pile of books which worked fine.
It does cause some eye strain though, so be aware of that. People say it causes headaches but to me it feels like my eyes are aching a little after 10-15 minutes of play.

[Urzu402]

Its not hard to see the screen. I would assume that it might be hard to see if you dont have the visor (might be forced to use it in the dark), Ive seen a few units missing the visor.
Its not really uncomfortable to use, but you kinda have to be sitting at a table or desk. I had one that had a broken clamp on the stand, so I had to balance it on a pile of books which worked fine.
It does cause some eye strain though, so be aware of that. People say it causes headaches but to me it feels like my eyes are aching a little after 10-15 minutes of play.

What if it doesn't have the stand?

[blue lander]

I used to place it on my bed by the pillow, it worked pretty good as I didn't have a stand at the time.

[goob47]

Has anyone ever heard of a reproduction stand? O_O I've been wanting to get a Virtual Boy for a long time, and it would be awesome if I could just get the unit without the stand on eBay for much cheaper, then get a repro stand... Anybody know anything about this?

[bb_hood]

What if it doesn't have the stand?

Just put it on something else, like a pile of books


Has anyone ever heard of a reproduction stand?

Probably not worth the trouble to make. You can always just duct tape it to your head.

[xelement5x]

Has anyone ever heard of a reproduction stand? O_O I've been wanting to get a Virtual Boy for a long time, and it would be awesome if I could just get the unit without the stand on eBay for much cheaper, then get a repro stand... Anybody know anything about this?

There is a guy on planetvb that sells replacement medallions for the ones that have cracked and broken. That's the closest I can think of.

[Aussie2B]

I play standing up. I have a shelf that I place it on, and at that height, the visor perfectly matches eye level for me. I play for 30-60 minutes at a time tops, as Nintendo recommended, and I don't have any problems with discomfort, not neck cramps, eyestrain, headaches, or any of the other issues people commonly bring up.

The key thing about the Virtual Boy is that you HAVE to take the time to adjust things well. A large percentage of the problems people have are self-created, because they just shove their heads into the thing and start playing. Take care to really find a position that's comfortable for playing. The stand has a knob for adjustment for a reason. Then after you start, follow Nintendo's directions and use the slider and switch on top to adjust the picture. And do take the recommended breaks. There are still some players who will have problems even if they follow all of Nintendo's suggestions, I'm sure, but I'm positive that these steps would alleviate or lessen the issues that many Virtual Boy players (well, more like the haters) have.

[Daria]

I can't even watch an IMAX 3D film without eyestrain and headaches. I'm not even going to attempt playing with a virtual boy.

[InsaneDavid]

Most comfortable set up for me is on a surface lower than my line of sight so that I look down into the visor assembly. I hold the controller behind the VB with my arms resting on the tabletop and acting as support as I hunch down into the visor. I know this is uncomfortable for some but for extended play I find it the best solution for me.

[PreZZ]

Yes. Pc emulation!

[Tanooki]

I wish I still had one, had a few over time. Basically I'm immune to what people whine about with the system which is eye pain and headaches. If the red on black doesn't bother you, once you set the thing for the best clarity for your eyes it's actually quite amazing. The picture quality is fairly high and sharp all things considered for early mono color(red on black) 3D output. It is very easy to see whether you smash your face into the visor or just sit there loosely on it or barely away, but you won't want much light getting in as that'll be an issue.

As far as use it's best just to use the thing at a kitchen table or some surface that puts it comfortably at eye level otherwise your neck or back will end up sore sitting hunched over using it.

[wiggyx]

The key thing about the Virtual Boy is that you HAVE to take the time to adjust things well. A large percentage of the problems people have are self-created, because they just shove their heads into the thing and start playing. Take care to really find a position that's comfortable for playing. The stand has a knob for adjustment for a reason. Then after you start, follow Nintendo's directions and use the slider and switch on top to adjust the picture. And do take the recommended breaks. There are still some players who will have problems even if they follow all of Nintendo's suggestions, I'm sure, but I'm positive that these steps would alleviate or lessen the issues that many Virtual Boy players (well, more like the haters) have.

This alone is enough to remind of how much I don't want to play one ever again.

[Aussie2B]

I probably made it sound like more of a pain than it really is by explaining the steps in such detail. It's actually very quick and easy to set up a Virtual Boy properly. The main problem is that these days gamers are buying Virtual Boys without the stands, visors, manual, etc., so they don't have the proper equipment nor knowledge to set things up properly. And among those that do, some are still too impatient to follow Nintendo's suggestions and then blame the system for problems they encounter when they very well may have be able to easily avoid those problems.

[God-Zilla]

was laying down on a bed, on my back, with the vb on my face. i think I used something to help me play this way but i can't remember. I never had any problems, headaches or anything and never needed breaks. I think it depends on how well you handle 3d displays in general. Heck, I loved the old 80s 3d movies, the vectrex 3d imager, etc.

[Tupin]

I'm probably just weird, but I found that laying down on my stomach and looking into it was best. I honestly didn't know there was any other way. So much for being portable.

[A Black Falcon]

I'm probably just weird, but I found that laying down on my stomach and looking into it was best. I honestly didn't know there was any other way. So much for being portable.
I do the same thing. Lie down on a bed (or something), look down into it.

[Ponyone]

I made one into a stand up arcade. Its adjustable and its very comfortable standing up. I even made a commercial for it. Spared no expense. Production values through the roof

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYZjNpRBkMM

[geneshifter]

Yes, using an emulator and the Oculus Rift. At least, that's what I've heard, that it's pretty spectacular. I'll be able to tell you for sure soon as my Oculus is on its way in the next week or two.

[Rickstilwell1]

I never had eye problems with mine either. The key thing you need to do is remember to blink and you won't get eyestrain. That's what my grade school computer teacher taught us - is that when we're staring at screens we forget to blink so you have to kind of do it on purpose as you play games or watch videos until you are used to it.

[The Adventurer]

I made one into a stand up arcade. Its adjustable and its very comfortable standing up. I even made a commercial for it. Spared no expense. Production values through the roof

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYZjNpRBkMM

That's actually a brilliant set up.

Does the Virtual Boy have a hole for the Tripod screw already?

[PreZZ]

I made one into a stand up arcade. Its adjustable and its very comfortable standing up. I even made a commercial for it. Spared no expense. Production values through the roof

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYZjNpRBkMM

Great set-up, but I wouldnt call putting a virtual boy on a loudspeaker stand a "stand-up arcade". When i read this I was expecting a cool looking Arcade cabinet with artwork since you said you spared no expense!

[Ponyone]

Great set-up, but I wouldnt call putting a virtual boy on a loudspeaker stand a "stand-up arcade". When i read this I was expecting a cool looking Arcade cabinet with artwork since you said you spared no expense!

I meant the commercial. it's a camera tripod. and to the other gentleman, I want to say there is a screw hole but I did this so long ago I can't remember.

[Tanooki]

Hell I wish I had thought of rigging up a tripod when I had one before. I just happened to have a table that was just the right height I wouldn't get crampy using the thing as intended. I hate they go over $100 now as I'd like to get one back sometime.

[Sothy]

Laying down with the visor on my face worked fine back in the day. Never really played for more than 20 minutes but it's not like there are any epic RPG's or anything...

[supaevil]

Its so easy fellas, if you have the tripod and visor. Lay on your back on your bed and let the tripod stand sit on your chest its seamless. As if your about to go to bed but have a hug 80 inch tv in front of you playing awesome galactic pinball. Good times.

[Gameguy]

What if it doesn't have the stand?

Not a problem.



http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/1791/virtualboy.jpg

[kupomogli]

http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/265868_300.png

That might be a bit much. Just modify it to add some sort of band that goes around your head and keeps the system in place. Like someone said above, you could always tape it around your head. If you have hair, the tape thing won't work so well, but if you're bald it would work fine.

[Prince]

haha funny my supervisor mentioned today the best way to play was to lay on his back with it kinda sitting on his face. i promplty replied with 'that what she said'.