Nintendo Labo is an unprecedented idea for the company, yet one that makes perfect sense given how Nintendo has always been one to march to the beat of its own drum. Though two kits were revealed in the initial announcement for Labo, it seems that this is a long term initiative that the company will continue revisiting in the Switch’s future, sort of like amiibo.
Although Labo still doesn’t launch for a few months, TIME was still eager to hear what Nintendo plans on doing with the concept in the future. According to Reggie Fils-Aime, it sounds like there’s much more planned for Labo further on down the road:
Can [the Toy-Cons] be incorporated into other forms of gameplay? Certainly. But right now we think if we effectively communicate the power of the idea with Nintendo Labo [and] really enable players to make their creations, personalize them, and enjoy the [inherent] gameplay experiences . . . We think that’s going to be a great way to start and then progress down the path.
On the subject of third parties, Reggie said that nothing is going on right now, but that a successful launch could lead to something more interesting:
While there’s nothing to announce today, certainly if we’re successful with Labo, it can create future opportunities.
What do you think? How else do you think Labo can be implemented? Which third parties do you think would jump on board with this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source time.com]
Comments 71
Just keep it away from open fires!
At least it's recyclable.
Paper Mario Maker?
Nice to see some kind of Key pad made for like MMOs or a paper deck for fighting games. Guns for shooters of course
If you can make a piano with the IR sensor any control scheme with any number of buttons is possible
Get back in your cardboard box Reggie! Whatever next? Labo N, the opera?
Talk about thinking outside of the box.
Oh, how cute !
Look at that Joy Cons attached on Creatures like rider.
First, we got Puppy Joy Cons, Now this Elephant Joy Cons.
Slowly but surely I‘m starting to warm up to the idea of Labo and its potential. Still kinda worried how this might influence the Switch‘s image on its adult audience, though.
From that camera in the reveal trailer I had a thought. Labo Pokemon Snap! Have an actual camera and take pictures of Pokemon with the Nintendo Switch!
I don't necessarily WANT this to fail... but I don't see this being particularly successful. A couple 3rd parties might sign on, but I don't think it's gonna be much.
Though I have been wrong before.
Here's a little idea, board games!
Dungeons and dragons or Warhammer! Get on that.
@GoldenGamer88
"Still kinda worried how this might influence the Switch‘s image on its adult audience, though."
Don't mind them for being KIDDIE !
We were kids used to be, right ?
If people judging you because being kiddie, they just Jealous for Unable enjoy their Childhood.
Just ignore those peoples.
Don't let them Discourage your spirit in Nintendo.
@Freek
Mario Paper Maker
Third party game devs could now include cardboard for inventive controls for their games that build on the idea of labo... I like that idea
@GoldenGamer88 how will it do that, this is a product for kids, it has nothing to do with adult gamers, unless they want to play with it of course and i personally want to become a robot.
@Anti-Matter It‘s not that I‘m worried about others judging me for playing pretty much whatever. It‘s often the perception that gaming consoles, particularly the ones made by Nintendo, are perceived as toys, as child‘s play and aren‘t that attractive to teens or adults who don‘t console or pc game like we do, who mobile game if at all. And after the toy-looking Wii and WiiU with their family/kids-focused ads, the Switch comes along with its ads showing adults playing what is a very slick and smartphone/tablet-looking piece of tech. That and the Switch‘s mobility are what‘s driving the console itself in my eyes. And then comes Nintendo Labo with its focus on kids. Now mind you, this is not an issue on its own but it might just be a first step towards cooling down what‘s made Switch so popular, towards making the Switch look like a child‘s toy, too, and thus diminishing sales from non-gaming adults.
But then again, I was also very worried about Nintendo putting all their eggs into one basket by combining home console and handheld and look how that turned out. As always I wish Nintendo nothing but the best it could do.
Labo Robot VR. Just a few more pieces of cardboard to strap the Switch screen to your head and we're there, I'm sure it'll happen, if only via a mod.
@Freek Yes please!
Yoshi Switch?
@GoldenGamer88
Who cares if Nintendo is still portrayed as Kiddie or whatever ?
That's Nintendo. Kiddie as ever.
And for whoever thinking trying kiddie stuffs are a cringe, they DON'T KNOW What it called Fun. They just JEALOUS to see other peoples enjoy for Kiddie stuffs.
That's because they've SHAPED by a Norm that Adult should be like adult, not being kiddie or peoples will insulting them.
They've to be LECTURED by Nintendo NORM.
I'm so Lucky to be a Kiddie gamer, regardless what is people thinking about.
Life is very short, so why don't we spend our time in Real Fun by Nintendo Labo ?
Hey, do you guys remember this article?
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/05/random_kid_creates_switch_from_cardboard_father_caves_and_gets_him_the_real_deal
This kid must be a God to Nintendo.
@Anti-Matter The hardware sales figures MIGHT care what the Switch is thought of as. Just look at WiiU and how that did. It looked like toy, was advertised as being played by kids. And then see how Switch with its adult-oriented ads, slick design and games basically smashed WiiU‘s life-time sales. It‘s ALL about how you‘re being perceived in the world of advertising.
@GoldenGamer88
Then, They (the adult peoples who still dislike kiddies) have to learn to EMBRACE the Kiddie images from Nintendo.
They should be LECTURED.
They still know NOTHING about Nintendo.
Reggie was right, this is just the beginning. Nintendo is for all ages, next they will use cardboard to make toys for adult too. With the joy-con, you can easily make a vibrator...
Don't worry everyone. Nintendo will still continue making great games
@link422007 I don't see that happening tbh, despite the resurgence in board games. But I would love it if it did. I always thought the VR stuff in the 3DS would have been amazing for board games if it had been embraced.
Minecraft Labo
Star Wars Labo
Harry Potter Labo
Lego Labo (which is fun to say)
...would all be amazing
Could be very popular with third parties given how quick and cheap it will be to make stuff for it, and especially given how many peripherals there were for Wii.
@Anti-Matter That's not how advertising and business works, and a lecture probably wouldn't help
You come across as someone who seems to be a HUGE Nintendo fan, and that's good. But Nintendo doesn't need to advertise for you because you're going to buy what they sell anyway. What they're trying to focus on is attracting new players to the console, and most will be quite superficial about it, but that's how a lot of people are. For technology at least cool has always done better than cute advertising-wise.
@GoldenGamer88
It will only be an issue if Nintendo solely shift their focus to kids and toys for them. Given the release schedule includes Dark Souls, Bayonetta, Payday 2, Wolfenstein 2, Fire Emblem, Metroid Prime 4 etc. there isn't a problem for the foreseeable future.
Ultimately they have to try and appeal to everyone. Microsoft released Pixar Rush, Disneyland Adventures and Super Lucky's Tale at the end of last year. Sony gave the world Little Big Planet, Knack, Wonderbook, Loco Roco etc.etc. Neither says no to any Lego games.
They all want to sell their systems to everyone, not just the teenage boys and 20something boys who dominate games forums. They might tilt the balance differently between the different demographics but they all want the sales.
I keep saying the same with the Switch-this is Nintendo's only system going forward, they have the resources to chase all sorts of potential customers
@electrolite77 And if Labo does change perception negatively, it'll hopefully spur them to put their time into something else.
If anything, watching Nintendo struggle is entertaining.
@Anti-Matter - You’ve got it so wrong. No one should be LECTURED on or told to embrace a brand if it doesn’t suit them, that’s very ignorant. Your own personal tastes do not represent the general consensus.
Teenagers and young adults, the main target for the Switch, do not want a product that looks like a cheap plastic toy. With iPhones etc. and their sleek designs it’s important for the Switch to look equally as cool. A teenager will always want to look older and do older things and Nintendo has nailed it in that regard. That doesn’t stop games for all ages and tastes from appearing on the console. At least with a great design everyone can enjoy the Switch and it’s accessories and games.
The most important thing is that Nintendo has successful products for all ages, because the more successful they are the more we ALL benefit, regardless of one's tastes.
Other Labo designs will surely come. It's one of those things that create smiles and inspire others to further the concept.
Revive Duck Hunt using Labo!
@electrolite77 I‘m aware of this and I hope this is the route they continue to go with Switch no matter how successful Labo might be. With the Direct Mini only showing off Kirby and now Labo‘s kids focus, I‘m just not convinced of Nintendo‘s 2018 plans in terms of first party content yet. We know of Yoshi as well but that‘s it. All of the rest is third party and ports. Do I expect them to hit as hard as last year? No way. But something bigger like a Smash 4 port, a real systemseller, would‘ve been nice. But that was only a Direct Mini, we‘ll definitely see more in June at E3 and during fall and all my worries will have been for nothing. Maybe it‘s also just that Monster Hunter World is coming and Ni No Kuni II, too, and none of these announcements can’t really get me as excited as these two titles.
This things going to fail like a cardboard boat. Might sell a bit to a certain crowed, but then it’s going to sink hard and fast.
@LUIGITORNADO
Okay, mister Luigi.
Let's see if your claim will gone Wrong.
I would love to see a Labo NES zapper bundled with all of the 1st party zapper games.
@Tasuki This made my day XD
Yay! A Crappy tech demo with crap from Nintendo's recycling bin! Much better than the new Kirby game or Mario Aces!
@MFD
Yeah they're far more interesting when they're up against it. Previously they've got complacent and arrogant when it's going well (like everyone in the industry), hopefully not this time.
Hard pass. Kids I'm sure will get a kick out of this though.
@LUIGITORNADO
It's a toy. With a few exceptions, toys have a limited lifespan, the evergreens are few and far between. A short-lived success can be hugely profitable.
@electrolite77 Question is: What prevents history from repeating itself? They were wisely cautious, but with how the Switch is going right now, they can just as easily throw caution to the wind once more.
What heavy hitters do we have for 2018 that aren't multiplatform/Yoshi/Kirby? It's high-time for a direct, especially after Labo.
Really though, nothing's to stop third parties from releasing crazy cardboard gadgets for Switch, just like all the off-brand accessory packs for Wii that were flooding the market.
But it's of course down to Nintendo whether they will allow apps on the Switch that don't function properly without these accessories.
I still have a problem leaving a $399.00 system to rattle around in a cardboard box with a child. Not for me. Will be interesting to see what becomes of this.
@MFD
To answer your question, I would say Fire Emblem, for starters. And likely Pokemon as well. That's no guarantee, but in the event Pokemon does not make 2018, you can be sure they'll replace it with some other big game.
This isn't Nintendo's first rodeo, and if they're good at anything, it's pumping out games. More so now that Switch is 90% of their focus.
But more importantly, it means little to question what major releases they have when we're only 2 weeks into the year. We have yet to see what they reveal in the spring Direct, or e3, or even the fall announcements. Come December, you can be sure 2018 will have had plenty of games, both bigger and smaller.
@JaxonH What guarantees us any of those games? Pokemon, I feel, NEEDS more time in the oven. This needs to be good, a real step up for the franchise, not something cranked out "because". If it takes multiple years, then so be it.
Fire Emblem is a possibility? But we've seen nothing of it yet, and may also take more time. These titles you speak of are not the kind to be forcefully cranked out to have something. They need their time, ESPECIALLY since these devs go from 3DS to Switch, which is a massive leap.
That mini-direct was mostly multi-platform games and stuff that's more family-oriented. That said, there's some things that indicate a direct coming, Ubisoft's teasing of something in the coming days, Monolith being silent on account of XC2 New Game+ are good examples of this.
Though the above can equally just be separate instances to occur later, but we know how much Nintendo loves being mysterious.
@MFD
Fire Emblem is confirmed 2018. That's not speculation.
And Pokemon will be backed with a ton of manpower to get it out. But regardless of whether it makes 2018 or not, Nintendo isn't going to just throw their hands in the air and say well, too bad, guess we just won't have a big November title this year. If it's not Pokemon it'll be Smash. If it's not Smash it'll be Animal Crossing. If it's not Animal Crossing it'll be a new IP.
Point being, it doesn't matter what it ends up being, and it doesn't matter if we know about it at this current juncture in time, 2 weeks into the year. They always, always, always have both big and small titles for any supported system. Ergo> worrying is unfounded.
Just because we don't know their full lineup doesn't mean they're done releasing games. That is what their business revolves around, after all. They know what sells. It'll be Fire Emblem and Pokemon, or Fire Emblem and Smash, or Metroid Prime 4 and Fire Emblem, or all the above and then some.
But whatever happens, you can be sure that by the time this year is over there will be much more than just "Kirby and Yoshi".
ideas for Labo? Sure! Crypt of the Necrodancer with that robot setup for DDR-like movement.
Plus, with both feet and hand controls, you could use feet for movement/attack, and hands for consuming items and spells and such.
In the words of that psychic horse from Bravest Warriors, I am SUPER JUICED!
Wooo!!
@JaxonH They're going to have a hit, sure, but that doesn't have to be Pokemon. Can be FE or any of the others you've mentioned, if you're right that it's confirmed (still doesn't say much, since delays happen, isn't that right, Breath of the Wild?)
Your faith in them is truly astonishing, but I do not share it. Along the road, everything and anything can change. Nothing is ever truly set in stone, after all.
So then, if we're to go by 1 big title a month, what's January's?
@MFD
Sure it could be delayed, but that's a risk associated with any game, not just Fire Emblem and not even just Nintendo games.
And yes, I do have faith. I've been playing games a long time. And I can't recall a single year in which I was dissatisfied with the 1st party software output of a currently supported Nintendo console.
So that faith is not blind. It's rooted in long term experience. Every year I hear people like you say the same things. And every year they release games and people are like oh, ok then. It's a cycle. I've been around long enough.
I don't know much in life, but I do know this: Nintendo always delivers. They always deliver. In the past they were juggling 2 systems and even then, they always delivered. How much more so now then, when all their focus is on one system?
But if you want to worry, by all means, proceed. But come December, when we're looking back at all the great games released, I'll give a wink. And then prepare for the same comments in January 2019
@JaxonH You didn't answer my part about the big January game
We'll see what happens. Nintendo has done a good job delivering, but, as I've said before, nothing is set in stone, and in the case of Pokemon and Fire Emblem, these are big leaps, not small steps. The teams that worked on those titles don't have experience in HD development, and it's a large leap from A to B.
That, and they need thirds to deliver equally.
@MFD
Nobody believed all those 1st party titles would make it in 2017 either, yet not a single one missed its target date.
But even if they both got delayed, they'd just release 2 different games. Nintendo stockpiles games to strategically release a steady stream. It's (likely) why we still haven't seen Pikmin 4. Guarantee you they've got backup plans on top of backup plans on top of backup plans. Which goes. back to my original post. It doesn't matter if it's Pokemon and Fire Emblem. Because one way or another, come hell or high water Nintendo WILL have big games to release.
@JaxonH Then let me pose you the arguably scary question, since Nintendo's IP is great, but it's also finite, what happens when they've exhausted their immediate big hitters? Pure speculation, don't see this as anything else.
@MFD
Well it's never been an issue for the last 30 years, don't see it suddenly being an issue now.
There's only so many games considered "super big" releases and when they're all released, they're all released. But typically Nintendo will release a sequel if necessary, so a 2nd big 3D Mario, a 2nd big Zelda, etc. But do not discount the other IP. Xenoblade and Fire Emblem and Metroid are fast becoming top tier IP. And Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Kirby have incredible appeal. And more than ever, we're gonna see new IP from Nintendo.
This isn't something I would buy, but it's 100 times better than having boxes full of plastic dongles.
@JaxonH It's especially those other IP I'd like to see. Nintendo did a great job with both Zelda and Mario, but there is a too much.
Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Kirby. I can see the appeal, but they do all fall into largely the same category, that being platformers.
@MFD
They do, but that's basically all the 2D platformers they have. And honestly, accounts for pretty much the only worthwhile AAA 2D platformers worth playing in the entire industry imo. So I treasure that trio very much, particularly DKC Tropical Freeze which is my all time fave 2D platformer and one of the top 20 video games I've played in my entire life.
In the past, they had 2 platforms and split releases across both. A Mario Kart for Wii U, a Mario Kart for 3DS. They can't just pool those releases or they'd be giving us twice as much of each. I believe that will be true for some games, but for the other half I think it'll be diverted to new IP or reviving dormant IP.
I don’t understand the people saying that Nintendo Labo will hurt the Switch amongst core adult gamers. Why would it? People not interested in it can just ignore it and keep playing their Dooms and Dark Souls and whatever “adult” games that will be released.
What’s wrong with Nintendo targeting the Switch to kids and creative adults “in addition” to the more core adult gamers?
You guys want to see everything in black or white when there’s millions of colors in between.
I’m a web designer and talking to the community of designers I know, every single one is praising the concept of Nintendo Labo. I guess you just need to be a kid or a creative to really appreciate what Nintendo is trying to do here.
Edited: Just read this to find out what I and many people think about Nintendo Labo: http://www.yankodesign.com/2018/01/18/a-thank-you-note-to-nintendo/
@JaxonH Dormant IP would be a good one. Revive those people have been clamouring for, like F-Zero. Or use some great elements from older games for newer ones (Double Dash comes to mind)
@maruse As people have said, it's all about whether things like this take resources from other projects. For example, (just an example) Let's say Nintendo Labo takes away from Pokemon/Fire Emblem's on-going development. In that case, I can certainly see people's problem with it.
If it's 100% a side-project to flesh it out for kids, and NOTHING else, then I don't see a problem with it.
@GoldenGamer88 I agree. I think it comes down to how they handle marketing. After being the "kiddie console" the gaming world didn't take seriously since the N64 in '96, the Switch marketing FINALLY reasserted them as a serious adult console in the West and has been making great strides. And this has serious risk of "kiddifying" it and shattering that momentum full stop as an "exit" from serious gaming and a return to their kiddy-console status. Especially if this is very successful and demographic surveys show "50% of switch players are 10 and under" sort of demos. Ubi, EA, Capcom, etc would look at the numbers and plan their releases accordingly (and would be right to do so.) That impression has to be managed, almost more to developers and industry than to consumers.
The thing is it doesn't have to go that way. I think Labo will be a huge toy world success. Kids will want it. It will be a Christmas 2018 hot toy. And Switch along with it. The demographics for switch will pick up a huge kid market for better or worse. However, Nintendo has needed the kid market desperately....they hooked us by hooking the kid market....they need to wrest modern kids from mobile. This might do it securing the 25-45yo audience 15-35 years from now will be like us, and Labo Classic Mini Remix Pack will sell out of preorders in 20 minutes.
And Sony and Microsoft have desperately tried to get the kid market (and failed miserably.)
So it comes down to PR and image management at Nintendo. Which should be totally possible to manage the existing Switch image and a separate business of toys if somewhat isolated. The part that worries me is Nintendo sucks at PR and image management. They have a habit of throwing their new ideas into all aspects of their brand with a narrow focus of seeing how much they can grow the new thing, without stepping back to see how it affects their overall image in their primary industry.
EDIT TL;DR: It's not that I think Labo's existence or success might harm the Switch's current success in the actual gaming market, it's that I think it's handling by Nitnendo's proven disastrous track record of image management and PR could do so as they often lose sight of their core and run with the new fad as hard as they can.
I want my Labo racing game, complete with a Toy-Con steering wheel for my Pro Controller and Toy-Con pedals for my Joy-Cons. That's should take care of the analog trigger issue
I think the third party Labo question is kind of dumb, or maybe I'm dumb.
Couldn't Ubi or Capcom or another developer just make a similar game with their own cardboard creations and call it something besides Labo. The question is asked like Labo is a peripheral devise like the Wii Fit Balance Board.
@MFD
I agree a direct with more info on 201i releases would be great but I think the early year release schedule is fine. The vast majority of people didn't by a Wii U so as far as they're concerned the Switch is soon getting a Bayonetta game, Donkey Kong Country game and Zelda spin-off that are new to them.
My guess is that at minimum this will be a moderate success.... with some serious upside when coupled with other IPs. What if they made some Mario, DK, Pokemon, even Zelda themed versions? Plus, this is also something that distinguishes them from their competition.
@electrolite77 Hah, feels like I'm getting punished for buying a Wii-U sometimes.
@GoldenGamer88 Influence the Switch's image on it's adult audience? This thing is squarely aimed at kids. Nintendo even said it before the presentation.
@jsty3105 Labo is aimed at children, this has always been clear to me. But as any product should, Switch aims to appeal to the broadest audience possible, including teens and adults. Coming off from two consoles that were mostly seen as toys and child‘s play, having a product this strictly appeal to young children may put a few scratches into Switch‘s perception as a cool and slick piece of tech, especially if Labo‘s success leads to a stronger focus on it.
@Nincompoop Nintendo: Okay guys, we need a new idea for the switch...
Employee: Hey guys, check out this article I saw on the internet!
Nintendo: GENIUS!!
On another note, I'm not really sure why adults are whining when Nintendo explicitly noted that it was aimed at children.
I’ve slept on this now and I’m just not sure.
I hope this leads to House of the Dead 3 with a cardboard shotgun.
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