Cardboard Origami and a Switch? Introducing Nintendo Labo

Nintendo is a company that is known for surprising its fan base. From the Nintendo Power Glove to DK Bongos to the Wii motion controller the Japanese company seems to always have something completely unique up its sleeve. The introduction of Nintendo Labo might be the company’s most surprising venture to date. Nintendo Labo is a series of cardboard sheets with pre-cut shapes. The shapes can be folded into everything from a piano to a robot. Here is where things get crazy. You then put your Switch, or Switch controllers, into your creation to bring the interactive experience to life.

The announcement video actually has to be seen to be believed. The cardboard origami creations come in all shapes and sizes. From robots to fishing rods to remote control cars there are plenty of hybrid type toys that integrate Nintendo’s most powerful console and basic cardboard. It almost seems like a marriage between 21st-century tech and 19th-century utilitarian materials.

Nintendo Labo will initially release with two different kits. The Variety Kit will retail for $69.99. It will feature five different Toy-Con projects. This will include 2 RC cars, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike and a piano. The Robot Kit will retail for $79.99. It will feature a nutty robot suit that will let gamers literally be part of the experience as they will wear their cardboard creation. The kits also come with their own software which will have to be installed on your Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Labo releases April 20, 2018. Customization options will also be available for $9.99. This will include stencils, stickers, and tape that can be used to make your cardboard creations one of a kind. It almost goes without saying but you will also need to own a Nintendo Switch to fully appreciate the interactive experience. Otherwise, you are simply buying some cool cardboard origami.