Yesterday, Nintendo finally lifted the curtain on the Nintendo Switch 2. What we saw was essentially a larger and, we assume, more advanced version of the Switch. However, Nintendo didn’t dive deeply into what makes the Switch 2 unique. What did catch my attention, though, was a line from their press release that dampened my excitement a bit. It read, “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” Immediately, my thoughts turned to Labo.
Now, Nintendo Labo may not have become a global phenomenon, but it certainly stands out as one of the most eccentric, inventive, and delightful projects Nintendo has ever embarked on. Trust me, I’ll proudly defend its quirkiness to the end. For those who missed the chance to play with a Labo kit, let me give you a quick rundown of what the experience was all about.
Each kit contained “Toy-Cons,” basically flat-packed cardboard that you folded into various shapes using an interactive manual not unlike one from an IKEA flat-pack. Once built, you would slot in the Switch Joy-Cons, and magically—the magic was really just some clever tech and the Switch’s IR sensor—these ordinary cardboard creations transformed into something utterly delightful and interactive. From a piano to a steering wheel to a camera, they each served as tools for simple games, or you could even make your own game, reminiscent of what Nintendo’s Game Builder Garage would later offer.
In short, Labo was spectacular.
Back in 2018, I even dubbed it “one of the most quintessentially Nintendo projects ever” in our game of the year roundup. Looking back now, a handful of years after Nintendo quietly discontinued it, I find myself nostalgic about its brief but impactful existence. It’s especially poignant now that the new Switch 2 Joy-Cons will no longer feature the IR sensor, marking another nail in Labo’s coffin.
But let’s stroll down memory lane for a bit. I fondly remember a little character my young son affectionately named “Monster Cat,” who lived inside the Toy-Con House from the Variety Kit. This kit accepted the Joy-Con into its chimney, framed by the Switch screen as its face, and a series of adapters tucked neatly into slots. These adapters transformed gameplay scenarios, providing endless amusement. It was charming, witty, and genuinely innovative.
Monster Cat was a constant in our household, his house becoming a staple in our living room over the years. Many repairs later, with tape and popsicle sticks holding everything together, it stands as a testament to the joyful play Labo inspired—a joy I wish I could’ve shared with my youngest, who was born when Labo was already on its way out.
I didn’t quite grasp the full extent of Labo’s demise when it was pulled in 2021. Nintendo’s characteristic secrecy didn’t help—they took down its website but hesitated to openly confirm the end. Retailers aren’t fond of storing bulky, slow-selling products, especially when officially supported only in whispers.
Once I realized the reality, I scrambled through inventory trackers and box stores, hunting for kits. I managed to grab a VR Kit, when what I truly needed was another Variety Kit. Our beloved Monster Cat required a fresh abode. Nintendo, commendably, released the templates online for fans to recreate these gadgets—an admirable nod to preserving Labo’s legacy. However, after scouring around, I’ve hit a wall in making them myself. (Fellow enthusiasts, if you know where to point me, drop me an email!)
Many people think Nintendo is playing it safe with the Switch 2, a sentiment the reveal video didn’t exactly dispel. The original Switch was a massive hit, and we all want the sequel to succeed too. Yet, I hold out hope that a spark of that “out-of-the-box” creativity that gave us Labo isn’t entirely snuffed out. Perhaps that new optical mouse sensor will inspire some playful innovation. A future iteration of our Monster Cat might appreciate a mouse to chase.
(Cheers to you, Monster Cat.)
