The Nintendo Virtual Boy was a table-top video game console.  It was Nintendo's only failed console.  It was released in Japan on July 21, 1995 and in North America on August 14, 1995.  It was never released outside of Japan or North America.

     Nintendo dropped the prices but it still didn't sell.  Nintendo discontinued it the following year.

     The console was developed by Gunpei Yokoi, the developer of the Game Boy.  Nintendo chose the red LEDs because they were the cheapest to install.  The Virtual Boy sold for $180.

     In North America, Mario Tennis was shipped with the Virtual Boy.  Only 22 games were ever released for the system.  Of those 22, 19 were released in Japan and only 14 in the United States.

     The system required 6 AA batteries or an AC adapter.  The system was going to feature multiplayer but was never developed for the system.

     Nintendo became desperate to increase sells.  Nintendo partnered with Blockbuster and NBC.  Gamers could rent the Virtual Boy at a Blockbuster for $10.  When they returned it, they would receive a $10 coupon to purchase one.  The campaign was deemed a failure as it didn't increase sells.

     By the end of 1995, Nintendo had only shipped 350,000 consoles.  This was under the projected sell forecast of 1.5 million units.  Nintendo blamed Yokoi and this is why he left Nintendo.

     Nintendo only sold 770,000 units.  The Virtual Boy is now considered a valuable collector's item.