Nintendo Introduces Nintendo Labo, or Advanced Cardboard Crafting

We’re at that stage with the Switch where Nintendo can afford to be a little bit riskier with what they decide to do with it - you know, the same stage the Wii was at where they decided to throw money out the window and make Wii Music. At the start, the company had to be fairly reserved just to sell people on their hardware craziness, but now that people are in love with the Switch, Nintendo has decided to break out of the asylum it calls a studio and bring us a Switch product unlike anything you’ve seen before: Nintendo Labo.

Notice I didn’t call it a “game,” because while it is one that’s not really the main point. It’s more like a construction project that uses cardboard pieces, as well as the Switch’s hardware and software, to make unique toys that are then used for games or just to mess around.



So yeah. It’s, uh, interesting, right? A perfect little project for kids and families who want something a bit more hands-on with their console. There are two different “packs” right now. The first is the Nintendo Variety Pack, which has the cardboard shells you need to make the mini-piano, fishing rod, and RC cars you saw in the trailer. You'll also be able to create motorcycle handles.

The other kit, the Robot Kit, comes with the backpack and controls for that giant robot game you also saw in the trailer - you know, the one that almost sells the project by itself.

The problem, however, is the cost: the first kit will set you back around 70 dollars, and the giant robot one is a solid 80. That’s a big ask for what looks to be a fairly small collection of mini-games, plus the cardboard parts you need to play them. It’s also debatable how strong and durable the cardboard is: if they’re too cheap to hold together, then you won’t be getting your money’s worth.

Worse still, if something should happen—say, your kid sucks at building the things—will there be a way to replace individual parts?

Right now, we don’t know. But I’d wager we’ll get more details as we edge closer to the April 20 release.