Yesterday, Nintendo pulled back the curtain on their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, but while we got a glimpse of this shiny new console—which looks like a larger and presumably souped-up version of its predecessor—they left us with more questions than answers. They were tight-lipped about the specifics of the Switch 2’s capabilities. Yet, one line in their press release did catch my eye, though not in a good way. It reads, “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” Sounds a bit worrying, doesn’t it? I can’t help but wonder if they’re referring to Labo with this.
The Nintendo Labo may not have been a runaway hit, but I’m ready to argue it’s one of Nintendo’s most inventive projects to date. It’s quirky, it’s creative, and above all, it’s fun—and I’ll champion that opinion any day. If you never had the joy of piecing together a Labo set, let me paint a picture for you.
Each kit from Labo was packed with what they dubbed as “Toy-Cons,” made from flat-pack cardboard. You’d follow an interactive guide, similar to an IKEA manual, to build these whimsical contraptions. Once assembled, you’d slot the Switch Joy-Cons into your cardboard masterpiece. Thanks to the motion detectors and that all-important IR sensor on the right Joy-Con, combined with some clever software magic, those cardboard pieces would transform into something mischievously fun. These Toy-Cons, ranging from a little piano to a steering wheel or even a camera, could be part of simple yet charming games. There was even room for players to invent their own experiences, reminiscent of Nintendo’s Game Builder Garage that followed.
In essence, it was nothing short of brilliant.
Back in 2018, when we put together our game of the year list, Labo was dubbed one of the most quintessentially “Nintendo” projects ever. Now, four years after it quietly faded from the shelves, thinking about Labo gives me a touch of nostalgia. Nintendo seems to have turned away from this chapter, and the absence of the IR sensors in the Switch 2’s new Joy-Cons further emphasizes that the Labo era is well and truly behind us.
But let’s reminisce for a minute, shall we? I want to express my gratitude to “Monster Cat,” the beloved character my four-year-old son discovered in the Toy-Con House from the Variety Kit. This little house, where the right Joy-Con fit snugly into the chimney, served as an enchanting play area, bursting with interactive scenarios created by inserting various adapters into the House. It was simple, entertaining, and utterly original.
Our time with the Labo was filled with these joyful moments, especially with Monster Cat, who stayed a constant fixture in our living room for years. The little house underwent numerous repairs, and the adapters bore the brunt of our enthusiastic play, held together with tape, glue, and popsicle sticks—a wonderful testament to the kind of fun Labo fostered. Sadly, I didn’t get to share this magic with my second son, who joined our family in 2018.
I was somewhat oblivious when Nintendo discreetly decided to pull the plug on Labo in 2021. True to form, they didn’t make a fuss, going so far as to quietly erase its website while half-heartedly claiming it was still available. Retailers, unsurprisingly, aren’t fond of storing large, unsold boxes from a manufacturer no longer selling or marketing the product.
Once I caught on to what was happening, I hurried to snag what remained, managing to secure an extra VR Kit. What I truly needed, however, was a new Variety Kit to give Monster Cat a fresh abode. Thankfully, Nintendo has at least shared the digital files to recreate these kits, a commendable preservation effort. That said, finding something that seems easy to reproduce has been a challenge. If any fellow tech enthusiasts out there have advice, my inbox is open!
A lot of folks are feeling a bit let down that the Nintendo Switch 2 appears to be playing it safe. The reveal didn’t do much to shift that perception. The Switch has been a massive success, and we all hope the Switch 2 follows suit. Nonetheless, I wish they wouldn’t completely abandon the innovative spirit that gave birth to Labo. Maybe, just maybe, that fancy new optical mouse sensor will pave the way for unexpected adventures. A next-gen Monster Cat might appreciate having a mouse to chase after.
(Monster Cat, you’re unforgettable!).
