Nintendo is thinking with the box in their announcement of Nintendo Labo, interactive DIY kits that will allow kids and families to transform sheets of cardboard into interactive creations called Toy-Con that will provide a new way to play with your Switch.
Playing on the name of their Joy-Con controllers, Nintendo says their cardboard DIY “Toy-Con kits provide the tools and technology to “Make, Play and Discover” how the magic of Nintendo Switch technology shapes ideas into reality.”
Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and imagination in people of all ages, the first two Nintendo Labo kits include the Variety Kit and Robot Kit. The Variety Kit provides the ability to build a car, fishing rod, motorbike, piano, and a house and each will have their own interactive game.
Also coming in April is the Robot Kit. Using the Robot Kit, Switch users will create a robot suit to wear while battling an in-game robot.
As a mom whose tween and teen love creating with cardboard, I love that Nintendo is using this common material to inspire kids to become makers and build new Switch accessories that incorporate physical play with a gaming system they love. While older kids will probably have no trouble following the on-screen directions to put together Labo accessories, Labo serves as a way for younger kids and parents to connect around gaming.
Kids can get creative using materials around the house to customize their Nintendo Labo accessories or with the affordably priced Customization Set that includes two stencil sheets, two sticker sheets, and two rolls of tape.
Nintendo Labo Variety Kit ($69.99), Robot Kit ($79.99), and Customization Kit ($9.99) will be available on April 20 and is currently available for pre-sale only via Amazon. Nintendo Switch is sold separately.
If you’re near San Francisco or New York City and have kids ages 6-12, you’re invited to enter to attend a 3 hour Nintendo Labo Studio hands-on event to try Labo before it is available in stores. Space is limited and you must submit a response before Sunday, January 21.
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