Whether you try the Variety Kit or the Robot Kit, Nintendo’s Labo looks like a ton of fun for kids of all ages.
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Nintendo has sold a lot of Switches in the last year thanks to the console’s unique ability to play games on a TV and on the go, but also thanks to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Though they came from 30+ year-old franchises, both games helped millions fall in love with them all over again.
In 2018, Nintendo is setting its sights in a direction it hasn’t aimed at before: the do-it yourself crowd. Nintendo Labo are a series of experiences for Switch that let you (or your kids) build cardboard objects and play games with them. Robots, fishing poles, pianos… there’s a lot to build and try here. Unlike other Switch games, the fun is in the cardboard, so if you want one when they hit shelves April 20, consider pre-ordering. Thanks to our friends at TechBargains, we have handy pre-order links for both Labo bundles Nintendo is selling, and what you’ll get for your money.
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit — $70
Pre-Order on Amazon or GameStop
From the looks of it, you should start with the Variety Kit. It has cardboard cutouts that let you build five different ‘Toy-Cons’, which is Nintendo’s new word for cardboard toys that use either the Switch touchscreen or Joy-Con controllers. You’ll be able to build two RC Cars, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike, and a piano.
To make them, you’ll get 28 sheets of cardboard with instructions and some other necessary components like string, rubber bands, and eyelets. Each creation has a software that will go along with it, which is also included. Nintendo says you’ll be able to create your own Toy-Cons as well.
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Nintendo Labo Robot Kit — $80
Pre-Order on Amazon or GameStop
The Robot Kit includes just one, far more complex, cardboard Toy-Con. It looks like it’ll take a while to put together, and has parts for a backpack, two foot switches, two hand actuators, and a visor. The feet and hand holds are connected to the backpack with string, allowing you to wear the mechanism like you’re a mech pilot and take control of a virtual robot in the included game. Prepare to punch and kick enemies and boulders like nobody’s business.
To build it, you’ll get 19 sheets of cardboard, four sheets of card stock, some eyelets, and gray straps to hold the backpack on you.
More to Come
Nintendo plans to offer replacement cardboard kits if something rips (it is cardboard, after all), and is already showing off an accessory pack of stickers, stencils, and tape. It also promises players will be able to create new DIY Labo toys with cardboard and “invent new ways to play” with the included software. To see some of it in action, watch Nintendo’s First Look Video.
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