The Innovative Genius of Nintendo Labo
Originally Written April 2018
Nintendo, originally a toy company, has never really strayed far from it’s origins. From the accessories released after the established success of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) like R.O.B. and the Power Glove to amiibo, their near-field communication (NFC) enabled figurines, Nintendo has always tried to integrate physical toys with their newfound success in the video game industry. Nintendo Labo continues their toy legacy by integrating surprisingly sturdy cardboard creations that you put together yourself that work with the Nintendo Switch controllers, the Joy-Cons, into mini-games that come packaged with the cardboard sets. Sure, you can play the mini-games that use the accessories that come in the box, but you can even go on to make your own accessories if you have some extra cardboard, tape, and scissors lying around, and even make your own mini-games using the built-in programming functionality that Nintendo calls the “Toy-Con Garage.”
Toy-Con Garage is a mode within the game you receive when you buy a Labo Kit that, like the first successful programming platform for children, LEGO Mindstorms, includes node-based, kid-friendly kits with a multitude of uses. But there are a few things that put Nintendo’s cardboard one step up over LEGO’s plastic: unlike the $350 set only for programming LEGO robots, the immensely successful Nintendo Switch platform also plays Nintendo licensed games, as well as several hundred third party games. Not only does the Switch do more, but it does better: Nintendo Labo utilizes functionality of the hardware that comes with the device, which for other programming platforms on devices like the iPad and LEGO Mindstorms, is extremely limited. Since all you need for Toy-Con Garage is a Nintendo Switch, you can create your own accessories that are guaranteed compatible with whatever kind of program you’re trying to make; no need to purchase Bluetooth-enabled accessories or extra sensors. For $70, assuming you are one of the other 18 million people that own a Nintendo Switch, a set of cardboard sheets and extremely easy-to-use software with built-in mini-games is a steal compared to other products that attempt to offer the same functionality.
It’s this unbeatable price and integration with hardware that the quality and intuitive design of Nintendo Labo has struck a harmonious chord with consumers, as the Variety Kit and Robot Kit sold over 100,000 units within the first five days in Japan alone. Buyers who’ve had the time to experiment with the software have made creations using Toy-Con Garage ranging from paper recreations of classic Game & Watch games to fully functional cardboard musical instruments, which is only scratching the surface of what is possible with this limitless program.
Nintendo Labo explores the boundaries of your imagination with little to no limitations, so what is there to lose by trying it out?