Yesterday, Nintendo lifted the curtain on the Nintendo Switch 2, unveiling what looks to be a larger and ostensibly improved version of the original. However, they kept details about the Switch 2’s capabilities rather sparse. What got my attention — and not in the best way — was a statement in their press release about compatibility. They mentioned that “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2,” which immediately got me thinking about the beloved but overlooked Labo.
Nintendo Labo didn’t exactly generate a whirlwind of excitement, yet it’s undoubtedly one of the quirkiest and most delightful innovations Nintendo has ever offered. I’ll proudly defend its creativity to the bitter end. For those who missed out on the Labo experience, assembling these kits was quite an adventure.
Each Labo kit comprised “Toy-Cons” made from sheets of flat-packed cardboard, ready to be constructed with the help of a user-friendly, interactive manual—think IKEA, but for games. Once assembled, you’d slot in the Switch Joy-Cons. Suddenly, that cardboard piece would transform into something playful, thanks to a synergy of motion sensors, the crucial IR sensor on the right Joy-Con, and some nifty software magic. These tactile Toy-Cons, which ranged from pianos to cameras, could be used in simple games or even to create custom experiences, akin to Nintendo’s subsequent Game Builder Garage.
To put it succinctly, Labo was truly extraordinary.
Back in 2018, I celebrated it as one of the most quintessentially “Nintendo” endeavours ever. Now, four years after its quiet discontinuation, I can’t help but feel nostalgic about its fleeting existence. Nintendo has pretty much ignored Labo since, and the absence of IR sensors in the Switch 2’s new Joy-Cons is another nail in its coffin.
So, allow me to reminisce for a moment. I owe a little tribute to the “Monster Cat,” as my four-year-old son affectionately named him, who inhabited the Toy-Con House from the Variety Kit. The right Joy-Con slid into the House’s chimney, with the Switch screen up front, while various adapters slotted into the sides, creating different on-screen scenarios. It was simple, charming, and completely unique.
Building these from cardboard was fun, but the Monster Cat was endearing in a different way. My son would bring him out often, the House a constant presence in our living room for years. We’ve repaired the House multiple times, and the adapters have withstood so much playtime, they’re now held together with tape, glue, popsicle sticks, and stickers. It’s a testament to the imaginative play Labo encouraged, something I regret not sharing with my second son, born in 2018.
I didn’t fully grasp Labo’s phase-out in 2021. True to form, Nintendo was tight-lipped about its demise, quietly taking down its website while insisting it was still available. Retailers aren’t exactly thrilled about storing unsellable large boxes, especially when the creators won’t even maintain basic promotional efforts.
By the time I realized what was happening, I was scouring stock trackers and dashing to box stores, only to find most of Labo’s inventory had vanished. I did manage to score another VR Kit, though what I really needed was an extra Variety Kit — our Monster Cat desperately needed a new abode. Nintendo did release the files, so folks could recreate these kits, a commendable step in preserving this unique gaming journey, but my searches haven’t yielded any workable results. (If any fellow enthusiasts can guide me in the right direction, my email is open!)
It’s understandable that some folks are underwhelmed by the Nintendo Switch 2’s seemingly cautious approach. The launch videos haven’t done much to shake that impression. The original Switch was a blockbuster, and we all want the next version to follow suit. Still, I hope some of that innovative, out-of-the-box thinking that birthed Labo isn’t left behind. Who knows, maybe we can stir up something intriguing with an optical mouse sensor. Our next-gen Monster Cat might just fancy a mouse.
(Here’s looking at you, Monster Cat).
