Nintendo Labo: a DIY hardware kit for Nintendo Switch [Update]

Nintendo promised to announce some intriguing news late yesterday, and we’ve finally got it in the form of Nintendo Labo.

The product category, split into two distinct packages, is essentially a DIY cardboard hardware kit that integrates the Nintendo Switch and/or controllers into final creations.

The first package (or Toy-Con) is the US$70 Variety Kit, allowing you to make up to five different creations from the included cardboard parts. These five creations include RC cars, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike and a piano. And all of these integrate the Switch, Joy-Con controllers and included software in varying ways.

The second kit, dubbed the Robot Kit, is an US$80 creation that delivers a backpack and headset. Your Joy-Cons slot into the backpack and headset as well.

It’s certainly an intriguing concept and it’s clear that Nintendo is trying to get kids interested in the maker space. In fact, if you’re near San Francisco or New York City and have kids between the ages of six and 12, you can sign up for a chance to try these creations.

The Nintendo Labo creations are scheduled for a 20 April release — I thought I’d make a weed joke somewhere but it turns out that YouTube comments beat me to the punch. Anyway, check out the video below.

Update, 11:30am, 18 January 2018: Local distributor Core Group has confirmed a 27 April launch date for South Africa. Pricing has yet to be disclosed.