Teased as “a new way to play” with Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has introduced an unexpected new line of products called Nintendo Labo in a trailer posted on their YouTube channel. A marriage of DIY cardboard crafts and interactive Nintendo Switch software, Nintendo Labo is an inspiring approach to bringing gaming experiences into a physical space. According to the Nintendo UK Twitter account, these build-and-play experiences are “designed to inspire creative minds and playful hearts alike!” These buildable creations, called Toy-Con, will utilize the Nintendo Switch console and Joy-Con controllers, bringing life to various experiments.
Currently, two Toy-Con kits are planned for release on April 20, 2018, with more teased through today’s announcement trailer.
Toy-Con 01 Variety Kit is a collection of five very different projects ranging from a fully functional 13-key piano to an interactive motorbike complete with interactive handlebars. Player’s can also go fishing with the Joy-Con’s motion sensors, or drive a remote control car powered by the Joy-Con’s HD Rumble.
Toy-Con 02 Robot Kit is quite different and features all of the parts needed to create a wearable robot suit which can interact with provided Nintendo Switch software to take down UFOs and in-game buildings. Check out the full reveal trailer below for more details.
Nintendo Labo is an interactive experience unlike anything else out there. Not only are Toy-Con projects fun to build and play with, but they’re also educational to varying degrees. Utilizing built-in tech like the Right Joy-Con’s IR Camera, and the Switch’s signature HD Rumble, projects come to life at players’ fingertips — players will interact with their Nintendo Switch like never before.
These projects are also highly customizable with household items like markers, paint, stickers, stencils, or decorative tape, which means that you can make each Toy-Con creation uniquely yours. For those in need of customization materials, a special Customization Kit will also be made available alongside the other two kits in April.
For parents interested in introducing Nintendo Labo to their kids, or getting some hands-on time with the products, Nintendo is offering limited entry to special workshops in February and March. Sign-ups are open now in North America, Europe, and Japan with schedules posted on each region’s official Nintendo Labo website respectively. Other fans looking to find out more about Nintendo Labo can check out the official website, or the newly launched Nintendo Labo UK YouTube channel.
Are you interested in making, playing, and discovering with Nintendo Labo? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on this new approach to interactive experiences!
