Yesterday, Nintendo gave us our first glimpse into the Nintendo Switch 2. While the console gives off the vibe of being a larger and likely improved version of the original Switch, Nintendo remained tight-lipped about its new capabilities. However, there was one little note in the press release that caught my attention and left me feeling a bit uneasy. Nintendo mentioned, “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” My mind immediately jumped to Nintendo Labo.
Now, Nintendo Labo might not have been a game-changer in the market, but it certainly stands out as one of Nintendo’s most whimsical and inventive ventures. It had that characteristic blend of fun and creativity that I absolutely adored. For those who might have missed out on the joy of constructing a Labo kit, let me paint you a picture.
Each kit was basically a collection of “Toy-Cons” made from flat-packed cardboard. Following interactive instructions that felt reminiscent of an IKEA assembly guide, you’d piece together these creations and slot in the Switch Joy-Cons. With a clever mix of motion sensors, the significant IR sensor in the right Joy-Con, and some smart software, you’d watch your cardboard come alive. The result was delightful and embodied Nintendo’s playful spirit, turning cardboard into everything from a functional piano to a quirky camera.
Honestly, it was something special.
When we compiled our game of the year list back in 2018, I named it “one of the most ‘Nintendo’ projects ever made.” Even though it’s been years since Labo quietly disappeared from the market, reflecting on it now brings a wave of nostalgia. Nintendo has moved on and hasn’t looked back, and with the new Switch 2’s Joy-Cons missing those crucial IR sensors, Labo’s time really seems to have passed.
But indulge me for a moment as I reminisce about those lively days with Labo. I have a special shoutout for “Monster Cat,” as he was fondly named by my then four-year-old. He occupied the Toy-Con House from the Variety Kit, complete with the right Joy-Con nestled in its chimney and a screen on its face. Adapters slotted into different parts of the structure, creating diverse and engaging scenarios. It was ingenious and charming.
Building and playing with these kits brought genuine joy, and Monster Cat became a staple in our living room. Over time, his cardboard house saw a few repairs, held together with tapes and craft sticks due to my son’s enthusiasm. This playful experience is a cherished memory I wish I could have shared with my younger child, who was born as our Labo days were winding down.
Admittedly, I didn’t immediately grasp the implications when Nintendo started phasing Labo out in 2021. In their typical fashion, they quietly erased its online presence before finally acknowledging its discontinuation. Retailers, unsurprisingly, were keen to move the unsold inventory, and by the time I caught on, finding a Variety Kit for our Monster Cat was an impossible task.
Sure, Nintendo has generously provided files for DIY enthusiasts to recreate their own kits—a noble effort in preserving this unique chapter in gaming—but reproducing them hasn’t been straightforward. (Hey there, tech-savvy friends, feel free to email me if you have any tips!)
I know some are feeling disappointed that the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t showcasing any groundbreaking innovations, and the unveiling didn’t do much to contradict that view. The original Switch was a massive success, and it’s only natural to hope the sequel follows suit. But I also yearn for a resurgence of the inventive spirit that gave birth to Labo. Perhaps the new optical mouse sensor could spark some creative gameplay ideas. Maybe, just maybe, a future Monster Cat might fancy chasing a mouse.
(And yes, Monster Cat, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.)
