Hot on the heels of Switch, Nintendo has just announced its latest innovation: Nintendo Labo. To cut a long story short, it's a set of cardboard kits that turn your Switch into, well, anything.
In the first pack alone, you can create a set of motorcycle handles, a fishing rod, and even a piano out of cardboard, then feel like you're using a cardboard version of the real thing! That's just a few examples of what's in store.
Now, you've probably got a ton of questions. What's Nintendo Labo? How is Nintendo Labo? WHY is Nintendo Labo? All fair. Fear not though, as we've answered almost everything you could possibly ask below.

What Is Nintendo Labo?

Nintendo Labo is a set of cardboard kits that turn your Switch into a variety of different objects. These are called Toy-Con, and the sky's the limit in terms of potential objects you can turn your Switch into.
Effectively, this is Nintendo's solution to AR and VR. You've got the physical – the motorcycle handles, piano keys, and fishing rod made out of cardboard – and the digital – Switch's screen – combined into a single package.
In practice, the screen will display a road to drive down, the notes you're playing on the piano, and the waters you're fishing in. Literally whatever is required to bring your Toy-Con to life.
You're probably already doing it, but just imagine the endless possibilities.
How Does Nintendo Labo Work?

Once you've purchased and received your Nintendo Labo, you first have to assemble each Toy-Con. Assembly instructions will display on the Switch screen in 3D once you've popped the included software into the console, and you can follow step-by-step interactive instructions to create these devices. Steps can be rewound or fast-forwarded at your leisure.
As soon as it's assembled, you can play a variety of minigames with each Toy-Con by attaching your Joy-Cons and opening the supporting software. The 'Play' section kicks off with basic games, but the 'Discover' portion takes you deeper into these experiences. In short, there's plenty of gameplay on offer after you've made each Toy-Con.
Have Any Toy-Con Been Announced Yet?
Yes! Nintendo has already revealed the following Toy-Con:
Toy-Con RC Car
Slot your Joy-Cons into this cardboard car and you can use the touchscreen to move it around your house. The RC Car uses the HD Rumble feature in each Joy-Con to move.

Toy-Con Fishing Rod
This includes a cardboard Fishing Rod, reel, string, and cradle to reproduce the fishing experience in your home. You'll cast your rod into digital waters to catch a variety of exotic fish, and then actually reel them in.

Toy-Con House
The Toy-Con House is effectively a dolls house made out of cardboard. Slot your Switch into the opening and you can interact with cute creature inside. You also get a bunch of different blocks that you can slot on the side to feed, play games with, and generally interact with your new pet.

Toy-Con Motorbike
The Motorbike includes a set of handles, ignition and throttle so acts exactly like the real thing. You use motion controls to turn and genuinely have to lean if you want to make it around sharp corners.

Toy-Con Piano
The Toy-Con Piano is a cardboard piano complete with 13 keys. Each key is attached to a reflective strip that the IR sensor in the right Joy-Con uses to sense the key you've pressed. This, in turn, creates music on Switch' display. You can also assemble a variety of knobs that create a variety of different sound effects and tones.

Toy-Con Robot
The Toy-Con Robot effectively turns you into Godzilla. It's a wearable robot suit complete with backpack and visor that you play in tandem with a variety of different minigames while Switch is docked to the TV.

Can I Purchase Toy-Con Individually?
Sadly not. All of the Toy-Con announced so far are included in the first pack, which will launch on 20th April in North America and 27th April in Europe.
The only exception is the Toy-Con Robot, which is sold separately.
So Nintendo Labo Is Sold In Packs?
Yes, though Nintendo is referring to them as kits. The Variety Kit includes the RC Car, Fishing Rod, House, Motorbike and Piano, while the Robot Kit includes just the Robot.

What's Actually In Each Kit?
The Variety Kit includes:
- Nintendo Switch game card containing software for use with Variety Kit
- Cardboard sheet x28 (includes an extra sheet for customisation)
- Reflective sheet x3
- Sponge sheet x3
- String (orange) x1
- String (blue) x1
- Eyelet set (grey) x1
- Eyelet set (blue) x4
- Rubber band (large) x2 + spares
- Rubber band (small) x6 + spares
While the Robot Kit includes:
- Nintendo Switch game card containing software for use with Robot Kit
- Cardboard sheet x19 (includes an extra sheet for customisation)
- Cardstock sheet x4
- Reflective sheet x1
- String (orange) x2
- String (blue) x2
- Fabric strap (grey) 1x large, 1x medium, 2x small
- Eyelet set (grey) x10
- Eyelet set (orange) x2

How Much Does Nintendo Labo Cost?
The Variety Kit costs $69.99 / £59.99 while the Robot Kit is $79.99 / £69.99.
Do I Have To Purchase Any Software Separately?
No, all required software is included with the kit.
When Is Nintendo Labo Out?
Nintendo Labo will launch on 20th April in North America and 27th April in Europe.
How Do I Get Nintendo Labo?
You can purchase Nintendo Labo directly from the Nintendo Store online, or at participating retailers. Nintendo hasn't released details yet, but you can pre-order from Amazon today and perhaps in the future toy shops too.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

Will Nintendo Release More Toy-Con?
Almost certainly, though no further Nintendo Labo have been announced at this time. The video (shown at the top of the page) features several Labo which are not included in the two confirmed kits, so we expect a full range to appear soon.
Do I Have To Assemble The Toy-Con?
You do, but Nintendo is making it incredibly easy for you. While assembly time ranges from 15 minutes to a couple of hours, the software included in each pack walks you through creating each Toy-Con step by step. You don't need to provide anything yourself either – so leave the scissors, tape, and glue in the drawer.
Can I Create My Own Toy-Con?
Sure, though unless you're a software developing wizard there won't be much you can do with them. It's possible that Nintendo will open up Labo in the future, though.
Can I Customise My Toy-Con?
Absolutely – and Nintendo is actively encouraging this. Everything required to set up each individual Toy-Con is included in the packs, but you can purchase a Customisation Set that includes a variety of stickers, tape, and stencils to give it a unique look. Of course, you can also provide your own stuff and even paint them. Go crazy.

What If I Break My Toy-Con?
We're not sure at this moment in time. Because it's cardboard, each Toy-Con should be relatively easy to fix using tape or glue. Nintendo will hopefully sell parts separately or announce a replacement service. We'll keep you posted.
How Can I Find Out More About Nintendo Labo?
Nintendo has set up a helpful new section on the official site that includes a bunch more information, videos, and screenshots of this exciting new product. There's even a new official YouTube channel dedicated to it.
Comments 86
Nice summary! Although I think it is nothing for me, it is a genius idea from Nintendo to attract young people. This formula will be a hit!
The Switch target audience will be bigger with this.
Thanks for the summary. Hopefully some people will read it and quit with the now very tiresome and reductive "X amount for cardboard?" nonsense.
At first i thought, ah god what is this? The more i see of it, the more i'm coming around to be fair.
Nintendo did say that the templates would be free, so if someone steps on it or breaks it, you could just make some more.
I'm sure someone will take these templates and 3d print them and sell them on Etsy at some point.
@Bunkerneath
Me too. The more you learn about it the more you realise how great it is, or rather how great it can be.
Still I rather learn more about something (or someone) before coming to a conclusion rather than fanboy blindness or opposing fanboy hate leading me to a decision, but to each their own way.
At last all those features and tech built into the joy cons are being utilised in a way most of us NEVER saw coming.
It really is quite impressive when you think about it.
You guys went all out with the Labo articles XD Good job! This cleared out lots of doubt I had about this. Still not sold on the Robot kit. I'm definitely getting the Variety kit though, I need that Piano.
Totally not my thing but I have no real issue with it. Wish they'd just tell us about a new system update to be honest. And some new games would be sweet.
'Con' would seem to be the operative word.
Wait until there is a $5 cardboard clone on DealExtreme and AliExpress that you can use with your phone.
2018 looking bright
At first I thought the price was pretty high, but it's not bad at all when you realise it actually comes with a game cartridge that contains a bunch of mini-games and tutorials and stuff. Nintendo probably should have made that a bit clearer because a think a few people who are complaining about the price aren't fully aware of this.
@AlexOlney re. 1:53 of the guide video - after conducting extensive laboratory tests, I have concluded that it is physically impossible to pick up and hold a joy-con for more than 2 seconds without accidentally turning it on. Thanks for promoting my research.
Nice vid.
I'm actually really excited about this. I'm hoping that some of the toy-cons will be implemented into other third-party games as alternative control options and ways to interact with the games too.
It’s like an SNL skit of a poor kids VR. I’m sure young kids will like it though. I can’t see the cardboard surviving a few days, and the games are very gimmicky. Who wants cardboard junk laying around their house?
I hope it makes good toys and doesn't have the usual cons.
I let myself out
This would be ideal if they made a Creator's Pack that included software development tools and whatnot to create your own. On second thought, Etsy will fill up with plans for cardboard girlfriends.
At first, I thought this Labo thing was a total joke. I practically ignored it until I read this nice guide. Sounds like a good idea for the kids to enjoy, until some kid breaks the cardboard toy and goes "Mommy (or Daddy), I broke my cardboard toy! What do I do?"
Imagine if Nintendo made Labo in partnership with Tomy. They could call it Labotomy. I'll see myself out.
Wow...!
The LABO Set 01 contains 28 cardbox papers.
Now i understand why it cost $ 70.
Day One !
@Franklin That would imply that they are being dishonest about what you are actually getting.
Which is utter swallocks.
@BensonUii I’m not sure what you want. Are you aware that the games are different for each kit and that the games are specifically tailored to only work with the Toy-Con you make from each kit?
@RickD Then add a $5 bluetooth vibrating motion controller.
@Folkloner Here’s hoping. People have to read it, though, and not dismiss it, like they did the first time, when all the basic information was in front of them in the video. So... here’s hoping.
@WOLF1313
Me !
I want that LABO.
And LABO cardboxes are not Junks !
They are Art & Craft, you know.
@BigKing Mmhmm. And you’ll need a IR sensor/camera with IR light illumination in there, too. And the controller will need motion sensors (accelerometer and gyroscopic) and the more expensive kind of rumble motor. This is $5 now? With Bluetooth? Plus you need two of them (only one with IR) and the contraptions will have to work with all sorts of different phone/device sizes to get a broad enough base and the software performance will have to be lowest common denominator.
It’s not impossible, but will take a long time to come to market in any comparable way and I’m very skeptical that the software would be anywhere near as polished and complete as Nintendo’s but the verdict is still out on that.
LEGO has built the capability in its teams over a decade or so to finally bring it all together in their BOOST set, very well. But that’s quite different and $160.
No doubt there will be smartphone copycats but few companies can pull this off well.
I have a few more:
@Ogbert I know when I see my kids play that robot game I’m going to want to try it, but I doubt it will be large enough for many adults. I don’t mind looking nutty for a little fun every once in a while.
Oh, and pretty sure Labo rhymes with Nintendo.
The slogan should be: Nintendo Lamo, from our recycling box, to yours
@aaronsullivan It's about creativity and using some sensors and cardboard to create something new, not about duplicating every feature the Nintendo Labo. Those cheap motion controllers go for a few bucks on those Chinese wholesaler webshops. The only thing they might not easily recreate is that keyboard thing. Besides, the $70 price point doesn't include any joycons either.
@Anti-Matter well you need the 28 cardboard boxes you can't do it with 27. I don't understand
@aaronsullivan what's more probable is for someone to do a Kickstarter project, that will include a special controller, software, cardboard and sell it for a hundred or a hundred twenty dollars. Sure if will be more expensive than Nintendo Labo, but I'd they could generate the buzz, it can sell. They could even utilize the Google VR (with smartphone) for their display. Hey, I could start one, only I am not a software genius.
At first I wasn't super into it, but after I keep reading more and more its growing on me, might have to pick up the variety pack.
The bird is gonna be used on something like Yooka-Leelay game (got that right?). The chicken will fly you around, while avoiding obstacles.
I definitely want the camera as well as the piano and dollhouse for my daughter.
@Franklin this is EXACTLY what i have been saying, this is a huge con and so many Nintendo sheeple on this site are lapping it up like it's a cure for cancer.
@WOLF1313 not to mention that cardboard will get damaged in the hands of any children who would be young enough to enjoy this, replacements will cost premium too, because this is Nintendo we're talking about, they charge 70 pounds for new joy-cons.
I still think it is insane that you can do all that movement for the robot with just two joycon. Nintendo is flippin awesome. Bring on April 20th.
My only gripe is that I wish there was a SINGLE Labo software purchase, choice of starter kit, and additional starter kits were sold separately.
Imagine if Skylanders/Disney Infinity worked by buying a different game disc / cartridge for each pack of toys?
I could imagine buying a starter kit and then buying each expansion... but buying a $60 kit, a $70 kit, then future $60 kits ... that's where this is too expensive.
I'm mildly intrigued by Nintendo Labo from a tech standpoint, but realistically I don't have the space or desire to store a bunch of large, fragile peripherals that will undoubtedly wear out over time, even with light use, and need replacements.
I do have a seemingly endless supply of cardboard boxes from receiving mail shipments, though. Depending on how practical it is to recycle cardboard already in the home to match the official templates, might still give it a try.
@Razer lol. True but think of it this way. Your a business and your selling software on your new proprietary 1gb catridge with cardboard boxes. Wouldn't you be laughing all the way to the bank. Truth is that it's another option to have. I'm a parent of four kids and none of them is really much interested but there will be some
Didn't Nintendo confirm they wouldn't sell extra parts?
@TrixieSparkle that's the plan. I have the cardboard boxes. I might try and buy the software used in the future for 10 pounds
Question: What is Labo?
Answer: Nintendo Labo, cardboard collected by Hobo™
What many people don't realise is that the "software" is going to be incredibly lame and boring. There will be many disappointed kids out there
3rd party with more durable materials maybe? I have already pre ordered but probably will only use the software and save the cardboard for collection.
@Anti-Matter Are you for real? Lol!
It cost that for the game, $20 on cardboard on expensive. We will see. I have both pre-order but I think I'll cancel the Variety One since the Robot one looks to be the one thats actually a complete game.
Is there any toy con that uses more than 2 joy cons?
The YouTube related LABO videos should be entertaining. Also, I expect people will come up with very creative music compositions on the LABO piano
@JJ286
I like the LABO 01 since it has so many blue prints inside.
I still curious about Piano, House and Remote Control.
Looks Interesting.
@sinalefa the Robot one looks like it uses 4.
Personally I think this looks fantastic. Nintendo are as mad as a box of frogs but that’s why we love them surely! It’s not for everyone but neither is Doom, Zelda, Skyrim or any other game. I am sure that me and my 9 year will love building these together. The more I think about it the more I think that the price point is about right. It costs more for the 4 of use to go to the movies! A game alone is between £40 and £50 never mind ‘delux’ versions etc.
Can't wait for Nintendo to team up with Pfizer for the Nintendo Labido
I’ll think I’ll wait for the second variety kit. Hopefully it contains the camera, the gun, and the aviation game. But I definitely want to see what those games look like first.
@Anti-Matter 28 cardboard blue prints to make each accessory. You can't make 2 pianos with the cardboard prints provided
Anyone with cats or dogs shouldn't buy Labo, they will tear it to pieces and pee on it.
@1UP_MARIO
See the Box 01 above.
The cover said itself.
There are Piano, Remote control, House, etc in one box.
When I think of my young* self I would LOVE this. I would have such fun assembling it all and interacting with it. But I would also be crushed and depressed when it was inevitably damaged just as I was having the most fun with it. Or if I accidentally folded a piece while assembling it.
On one hand the idea of making everything out of cardboard is part of the charm, and on the other hand, I can see endless tears resulting from the choice.....I'm sad for my imaginary childhood self receiving this and accidentally damaging any part of it. Yet I'd have fond memories of it today. But also probably have bitter memories of that "tab I bent" or worse.
(*young is a relative expression. "Young" may or may not imply all of this is currently true. )
@gcunit But do you turn it on because you accidentally hit a button, or do you turn it on because it invariably feels like a fidget spinner and you have no choice but to push buttons involuntarily?
@coleman83 Love Tester, Love Motel.....you're late to the party....
@Anti-Matter yes but you get to make only one accessory each so with the 28 cardboard boxes you can make a piano, rc house etc
@NEStalgia They do turn on when you pick them up. I have the clear purple shell on my mine, and I get to see the cool little green lights flashing on through the shell whenever I pick up my Switch.
@Flipbot They only turn on if you hit a button or trigger (but not the stick.) BUT if you have it laying down, the trigger is propping it up so when picking it up it might tap the trigger ever so slightly. They don't react to the gyro (they'd have to be on for the gyro to be running.)
will it be possible to purchase (or download) the Nintendo Switch game card containing software for the toy-cons separately from the toy-con sets?
@NEStalgia Oh yeah, I just tested it to confirm. I think the r2 button gets triggered when I pull it out of the zipper case that I keep it in. I don’t touch it, but the button is slightly on the back of the system and gets triggered by moving in the case.
@aaronsullivan I hope you're right on the robot size!
With the name I'm sure the 'bo' part rhymes with Nintendo and amiibo, but is it 'lah-bo' or 'lay-bo'? Probably the least important question but it's the one me and my friends keep going back too.
Biggest question will be are the games any good if they are just small mini-games it could be disappointing for those that get this. I won't be picking it up, but definitely could see the potential for younger kids.
@WOLF1313 People buy walmart furniture...
@BensonUii It's two separate game cards. One for variety (one card, multiple cardboard project), and one for Robot (one card, one big cardboard project) as far as I know and they don't overlap.
@Ogbert Lah-bo as in lab/LABOratory (US pronunciation). This is basically a collection of arts-and-craft lab projects.
yall better hope nintendo makes a cardboard mother 3 because thats the only way yer gonna play it.
yall better hope nintendo makes a cardboard mother 3 because thats the only way yer gonna play it.
@JJ286
Guess I will need another set, although for now I only ordered the variety Labo.
Multiple sets in one box better justifies the price IMO. I really like the motorbike, and now that I know other games like the piano and fishing rod are involved makes it an easier sell.
For people concerned about durability, they could buy a set, use it as pattern and uses Amazon boxes to make spares. It won't be as neat, but it will suffice if your five-year-old will destroy it in five minutes, then this not for him/her.
As for $70 dollar being too expensive , many craft materials cost more. It might be cardboard (and software), but Lego is just plastic... And how far will $70 go for Lego? Lego is more durable, but might just as long in the hands of a 5-years old (the pieces got lost)...
One interesting question no one seems to have asked so far:
What are these 2 little things that seem to belong to the motorcyle set?
You can see them here:
https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Nintendo-Labo/Nintendo-Labo-1328637.html
One looks like a little motorcycle and the other one looks like a gun on a stand, both have a Joycon inside. Could the gun-like thing be some kind of speed camera?
Kids will love it!
*Price Whiners: no one is forcing you to buy this. If you want it, buy it. If you don't, don't buy it. Nintendo is not going to be hurting on sales. (You are paying 10 more than the cartridge usually costs. I would not want to cut my own cardboard for 10)
Sounds awesome. I really want the variety pack. But I wonder how expensive it's going to be here in Mexico.
BTW. Where is Karen from the switch reveal? I think she would like building these with her nephews.
As for durability: Yes, its cardboard. But keep in mind that Nintendo always makes sturdy stuff!
@Biff_ARMStrong - I think it's quite clever, and the construction side of it is good for kids. But your comment was still amusing.
@Prizm I say save all that money and take the kids to the arts and crafts store. Lot of fun things to build with your kids there for a fraction of the price
@Rafke
Interesting.
My girlfriend is more interested in this Labo stuff then i am. Now i'll at least be able to charge 20€ if she drives too fast in our living room.
So what we're actually saying is toy-con car and camera and bird and drum etc are not in these packs!
@ogo79 😂
We just relocated to new city last year, and we threw away tons of carboard boxes.... that’s A LOT of money thrown away considered how much Labo costs... goddamit...
So we've basically got a remote control car that can't do any tricks and has terrible build quality, the return of Wii fishing mini-games with the added inclusion of one of the least liked aspects of the real activity, a glorified virtual pet, and a simple costume that makes you look ridiculous.
Sorry, but the only ones that actually look interesting and innovative are the motorbike and piano ones. The robot mini-games may also be fun, but I would never wear or even build that hideous costume in order to play them.
@sinalefa my bad, all the Toy-con uses two Joy-con.
@faint
Even after reading all of this, I still think this is a ridiculous concept, but I can see it flying well with kids. Heck, that motorbike one almost looks fun. This would have been fun to me when I was a kid and I was still into the whole virtual reality thing.
Nothing changes the fact it's cardboard, though.
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