The entertainment software self-control (USK) from Berlin made the preliminary sample of Nintendo's latest idea "Labo" probably the funniest tweet in the history of the USK. The company tweeted: "Ninteno Labo was almost disposed of by the cleaning staff as waste paper." Brilliant. But if you the "innovative" toy from Nintendo you quickly understand that this almost happened not only in Berlin.
Already in spring
For the US, the eye-popping cardboard Labo set has been announced for April 20th. In Germany it will be published a week later, on April 27th. In the presentation by Nintendo itself, the idea was briefly introduced:
With the help of the Nintendo Switch cardboard components to small robots, motorbikes or even a piano being transformed. The resulting so-called "Toy-Cons" then work through the "Joy-Cons", i.e. the two controller halves of the switch, like a transmission device. For example, if you build the motorcycle steering wheel from the perforated cardboard, the right one takes care of it Toy-Con with its inclination sensors for the necessary technology. The corresponding race can then be driven on the screen. A small piano can also be built and the Toy-Con's infrared sensor then scans the keystrokes.
So far, the Japanese company has presented two kits for the new laboratory: the Multi set will cost $70 and the robot set will cost $80. There has not yet been a price recommendation for the European market. We wonder how flexible each set will be. In the trailer from Nintendo, the piano was mostly advertised. But also an extendable fishing rod, the motorcycle handlebars, a small robot or a kind of jetpack backpack should be there.
Really progress?
But in times when the EyeToy camera from Sony back in 2003 revolutionized the interactive games market, the question arises as to whether Nintendo Labo really still appeals to a large fan base. Of course, the first assembly of the “devices” will be interesting, but the fun will soon be over due to the rigid selection of possible components. Can the associated software also captivate is the really important question. How does it feel when you roam through imaginary forests with a cardboard backpack on your back? In March has Nintendo workshops for families announced, in which the handling of Labo is to be taught and families are allowed to test the first games.
Then at the latest it will be shown how Nintendo can land with the idea. Even though the trailer looks promising, there are still many questions: How many sets will there be? How is the material and did the fun disappear after setting it up? We are excited and will stay tuned for you! Can cardboard still work in a world of 4K gaming and VR? Well, VR is supposed to come with the robot set. That looks impressive. If the implementation corresponds to the representations, this offers a reason for joy for every VR fan.
Oh yes: the results of the USK are already available. The multi-set gets the white one "from 0 years" and the robot version the yellow one "from 6 years". So obviously there is no risk of injury. It's just cardboard.
