Yesterday, Nintendo pulled back the curtain on the Nintendo Switch 2. From what we’ve seen, it looks like a larger, and hopefully enhanced, version of the original Switch. Yet, other than flaunting the console, Nintendo kept mum about its capabilities. There’s one snippet in their press release, however, that’s been nagging me. It reads: “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2,” and I can’t help but wonder — are we talking about Labo here?
Labo might not have set the industry ablaze, but it stands as one of Nintendo’s quirkiest, most inventive creations. It’s a testament to fun and creativity that I’ll always defend. If you never had the joy of putting together a Labo kit, allow me to paint you a picture.
Every Labo kit included what Nintendo dubbed “Toy-Cons,” crafted from flat cardboard sheets. You’d follow an interactive guide reminiscent of assembling IKEA furniture. Once your masterpiece was complete, you’d slide the Switch Joy-Cons in place. Using various sensors, including the pivotal IR sensor in the right Joy-Con, combined with smart software, these cardboard constructs came to life. They could morph into anything from a piano to a steering wheel or a camera, offering an unexpected thrill. The games were straightforward, but users could even design their own experiences, much like what was possible with Game Builder Garage later on.
Simply put, Labo was a joy.
Back in 2018, I hailed it as “one of the most ‘Nintendo’ projects ever made” on our game of the year list. Now, as I reminisce about Labo’s fleeting brilliance, it’s bittersweet, especially since Nintendo hasn’t acknowledged Labo in years. The absence of the IR sensors in the new Joy-Cons of the Switch 2 is a clear signal that this chapter is closed.
Still, let’s look back fondly for a moment. Particularly at the “Monster Cat,” lovingly named by my then four-year-old son. This charismatic creature resided in the Variety Kit’s Toy-Con House, which required the right Joy-Con in its little chimney, a Switch screen at the front, and a series of adapters to slot in different spots. These adapters created unique on-screen scenarios, charmingly simple yet innovative.
The process of transforming cardboard into engaging playtime was delightful, but the “Monster Cat” was different. He became a staple in our living room, emerging frequently for play. Although the Toy-Con House has suffered wear and tear, now held together by tape, glue, popsicle sticks, and stickers, it’s a lasting testament to the type of play Labo championed. It’s a memory I didn’t get to share with my second son, who arrived in 2018.
When Nintendo started phasing out Labo in 2021, they were tight-lipped about it, quietly pulling the website while still claiming availability. Retailers, keen to offload unsold inventory, cleared large boxes from their storage. By the time I realized what was happening, I scrambled to track down the remaining stock. I snagged an extra VR Kit when what I truly longed for was an additional Variety Kit to house our Monster Cat once more. Although Nintendo generously shared files for fans to recreate components—a nod to preserving this unique venture—my attempts to reproduce them have borne little fruit. (If fellow enthusiasts have any tips, let me know!)
There’s some disappointment surrounding the new Nintendo Switch 2’s seemingly safe approach. The reveal video left many unconvinced otherwise. Of course, we hope it’s as successful as the original. But I can’t help but wish some of that bold, original thinking that led to Labo isn’t left behind. Perhaps the new technologies might inspire a fresh iteration—perhaps a Monster Cat who could play with a digital mouse this time.
(We still adore you, Monster Cat.)
