Nintendo Labo for Switch Taps Into the DIY Spirit for New Types of Play

After a brief tease this morning, Nintendo announced Labo, an entirely unique way to utilize the Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Cons. What is Labo? It's a framework, allowing owners to use the Joy-Con technology with printed, customizable cardboard shells. Basically, you fold the cardboard cut-outs—called Toy-Cons—included with each kit into its designated shape, slide in the Switch and the Joy-Cons, and enjoy a new experience each time.

"With Nintendo Labo, building is just as much fun as playing. Have fun discovering how it all works-you might even invent new ways to play with each Toy-Con creation," says the official site.

The highlighted Toy-Cons in the trailer include a piano, fishing rod, a set of motorbike handles, a robot backpack, and a tiny figure controlled via Joy-Con vibrations. A number of these frames come in Toy-Con 01, the Variety Pack, which will retail for $69.99. The backpack comes with Toy-Con 02, the Robot Kit, which has an additional premium at $79.99. Then there's the Customization Set, offering stencil sheets, stickers, and tape for $9.99. All three sets will launch on April 20, 2018.

Families who want to know more about Labo can try it out at the Nintendo Labo Studio. The event will happen on February 2-3, 2018 in New York City and March 2-4, 2018 in San Francisco. Interested folks can sign up for either event on the official site until January 21, 2018 at 11:59 pm PT, or until all spots are filled. There is no cost to attend.