Nintendo is at it again. Today, the consolemaker unveiled Nintendo Labo, a series of kid-friendly software packages that also double as creative construction kits powered by the portability of the Nintendo Switch.
Each Labo kit will come packed with several sheets of modular cardboard that can be molded into objects like a piano, or an RC car, or a (child-sized) wearable robot suit. Inserting a Joy-Con or the Switch console into these contraptions (which are known as Toy-Cons) will bring them to life, and allow players to play a song, race down the road, or do battle with invading aliens.
Nintendo will launch the Variety Kit (which includes the aforementioned piano and RC car, as well as a few other options) and the aptly-named Robot Kit on April 20. More information about the Toy-Con options available in both kits can be found right here:
Nintendo Labo: Variety Kit ($69.99)
- Toy-Con RC Car: Insert the Left and Right Joy-Con into your newly built RC Car and control its movement using touch screen controls on the Nintendo Switch console. The HD Rumble feature in the Joy-Con controllers will cause vibrations that move the car in the direction you choose. Materials to construct two RC Cars are included.
- Toy-Con Fishing Rod: Construct the Fishing Rod with an active, rotating reel that is attached by string to a cradle holding the Nintendo Switch console. Catch one of many exotic fish shown swimming on the Nintendo Switch screen by casting your Fishing Rod and unwinding the reel to lower the hook. Once you feel a vibration from the Joy-Con inserted in the reel, you must tug the Fishing Rod upward and crank the reel quickly to try and complete the catch!
- Toy-Con House: By inserting various assembled blocks into openings in the sides and bottom of the House, you can interact with, play games with and feed a cute creature on the front-facing Nintendo Switch screen. Each differently shaped block is detected by the IR Motion Camera on the Right Joy-Con inserted on top of the House.
- Toy-Con Motorbike: Insert each Joy-Con into an assembled set of handlebars to drive a motorbike on the Nintendo Switch screen. Pressing the ignition button starts the engine, while twisting the right handle activates the throttle. Leaning your body or turning the handlebars left and right controls the motorbike.
- Toy-Con Piano: After assembling a beautifully crafted 13-key piano and inserting the Nintendo Switch console and Joy-Con, you can experiment with your own musical creations by pressing different keys. You can even insert different assembled knobs to create new sound effects and tones!
Nintendo Labo: Robot Kit ($79.99)
- Toy-Con Robot: Create a wearable Robot suit, and insert the Left and Right Joy-Con into the designated slots on the backpack and visor to assume control of the robot, which is shown on the TV when the Nintendo Switch console is docked. Enjoy a variety of fun game-play experiences, including Robot mode, in which you can destroy in-game buildings and UFOs.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the Labo’s debut trailer, which has been embedded above. It should tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Nintendo’s new idea.
