Nintendo Labo

File:Nintendo Labo fishing rod.jpeg

Nintendo Labo is released as individual Labo Kits, each containing a set of pre-made cardboard cut-outs and other materials, used to make one or more "Toy-Con", and a Nintendo Switch game card, which contains interactive instructions on how to assemble the Toy-Con and software that the Toy-Con can interact with. Once each Toy-Con is constructed, players insert the main Nintendo Switch display and/or one or both of the Joy-Con controllers according to the instructions. Each Toy-Con functions differently in the ways it interacts with either the Joy-Con or the main display. For example, the piano Toy-Con's keystrokes are read by the Right Joy-Con controller's infrared sensor to identify notes being played, while robotic Toy-Con move using HD Rumble from the Joy-Con controllers, which are controlled via the touchscreen. Players may freely decorate the cardboard parts using coloring pens, tape, and other materials, while more experienced users can invent new ways to play with each Toy-Con.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/jan/17/nintendo-labo-cardboard-switch-models-interactive-toys|title='Like cardboard Lego': Nintendo Labo turns homemade models into interactive toys|last=McDonald|first=Keza|date=January 17, 2018|work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117233126/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2018/jan/17/nintendo-labo-cardboard-switch-models-interactive-toys|archive-date=January 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2018}} The game software provides instructions on how the Toy-Con works with the Switch, such as describing the fundamentals of infrared sensing.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/nintendo-labo-hands-on-switch-brilliant-barmy-cardboard-toys/|title=Nintendo Labo - Hands-on with the Switch's brilliant and barmy cardboard toys|last=Hoggins|first=Tom|date=January 17, 2018|work=The Daily Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117223914/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/nintendo-labo-hands-on-switch-brilliant-barmy-cardboard-toys/|archive-date=January 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=January 17, 2018}}

Two Labo Kits, Variety Kit and Robot Kit, were announced for launch in North America, Australia, and Japan on April 20, 2018, and in Europe on April 27, 2018.{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Nintendo reveals Labo, a DIY 'build-and-play experience' for Switch |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/17/16902886/nintendo-switch-labo-cardboard-toy-con-price-release-date-trailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118034148/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/17/16902886/nintendo-switch-labo-cardboard-toy-con-price-release-date-trailer |archive-date=2018-01-18 |access-date=January 17, 2018 |website=Polygon}} An accessory set containing stencils, stickers, and tape are available separately.{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Nintendo Labo: Everything we know |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/17/16902888/nintendo-switch-labo-price-release-date-video-trailer-details-cardboard-toy-con-accessories |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118122619/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/17/16902888/nintendo-switch-labo-price-release-date-video-trailer-details-cardboard-toy-con-accessories |archive-date=2018-01-18 |access-date=January 17, 2018 |website=Polygon}} Replacement packs for individual parts and Toy-Con are available for purchase on Nintendo's online store, while free templates for the cardboard cut-outs are also available for download.{{cite web |last=Dale |first=Laura Kate |date=April 20, 2018 |title=Yes, You Can Download Replacement Labo Templates For Free |url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2018/04/20/yes-you-can-download-replacement-labo-templates-for-free |access-date=April 22, 2018 |website=Kotaku UK |language=en}} While Nintendo did not confirm any additional Toy-Con kits at launch, journalists observed that other Toy-Con configurations were shown in the announce trailer, suggesting that additional kits may be announced at a later date.{{cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=January 18, 2018 |title=Nintendo Labo Trailer Teases Future Toy-Cons |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendo-labo-trailer-teases-future-toy-cons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119060646/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/nintendo-labo-trailer-teases-future-toy-cons |archive-date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2018 |work=US Gamer}}{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=January 18, 2018 |title=Nintendo Labo reveal teased a lot of unannounced Toy-Cons |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/18/16905036/nintendo-labo-trailer-new-kit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118183811/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/18/16905036/nintendo-labo-trailer-new-kit |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2018 |work=Polygon}}

File:Nintendo labo rc car.jpeg

The Variety Kit contains kits for five individual Toy-Con:

• Two remote-controlled cars, where the vibrations from the Joy-Con serve to provide momentum and steering to the car. The game software allows the player to control the car like a normal remote-controlled vehicle using the console itself as the controller. The software also allows for the car to follow targets using the IR motion camera of the right Joy-Con.
• A fishing rod where the Joy-Con sit in the reel and the handle of the rod. The game receives motion input from the Joy-Con to simulate a fishing game.
• A toy piano with a full octave of keys; the console sits atop this to serve as a music stand.
• A motorbike with Joy-Con inserted into the handlebars on either side of the Console for steering. The Toy-Con Motorbike is also compatible as a motion controller in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe{{Cite news |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Now Supports Nintendo Labo |language=en-US |work=Kotaku |url=https://kotaku.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-now-supports-nintendo-labo-1827121784 |access-date=June 26, 2018}} and in Moto Rush GT.{{Cite news |title=Moto Rush GT finally gives you a new reason to use your Labo |language=en-US |url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/2019/02/28/moto-rush-gt-nintendo-labo/2018}}
• A house containing a slot to insert different components that can interact with the game software on the Console's display.

The kit comes with a game cartridge that contains interactive instructions of how to assemble each Toy-Con, and at least one software package to use the Toy-Con. Some Toy-Con have multiple programs; for example, the motorbike handles allow the player to race along a track in stunt bikes, and gives the player the ability to create new track layouts, or to use any object detected through the IR sensor to create a track based on that object. Similar IR sensing abilities allows the player to create new fish to catch in the fishing rod Toy-Con, or to create new waveforms to use on the piano Toy-Con.{{cite web |last=Mackovech |first=Sam |date=February 14, 2018 |title=The games behind the cardboard: We finally know how Nintendo Labo will play |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/02/the-games-behind-the-cardboard-we-finally-know-how-nintendo-labo-will-play/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215062658/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/02/the-games-behind-the-cardboard-we-finally-know-how-nintendo-labo-will-play/ |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=February 15, 2018 |work=Ars Technica}}

File:Nintendo Lab robot kit.jpeg

The Robot Kit includes parts to make a mecha suit that includes a visor which holds the left Joy-Con for motion sensing and a backpack that holds the right Joy-Con to read hand and feet swings. This allows the player to rampage through a virtual world presented on the screen. The software includes multiple game-modes: Robot, VS, Challenge, Robo-Studio, and the Hangar. Robot mode gives the player the ability to control the giant robot as it attacks targets across a cityscape, to control the robot as it flies over a city, and to transform in a tank. The two-player VS mode allows players to fight with their giant robots, though both players need a separate Robot Toy-Con for this mode. In Challenge Mode, the player can complete missions to unlock special abilities that can be used in the game's other modes. The Robo-Studio mode allows the player to insert the Console into the Toy-Con and play sound effects based on the player's movement, while the Hanger allows the player to customize the color and appearance of their virtual robot.{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Christopher |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Nintendo Labo Variety Kit and Robot Kit detailed in new videos |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/15/17016316/nintendo-labo-variety-kit-robot-kit-videos |access-date=April 5, 2018 |website=Polygon}}

Journalists noted similarities between this Kit and Project Giant Robot, a software title for the Wii U that had players use the motion sensing of the Wii U GamePad to control a robot and rampage through a city. Project Giant Robot was teased during E3 2014 and believed to be tied to Star Fox Zero, but was ultimately cancelled by Nintendo.{{cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=January 17, 2018 |title=That Nintendo Labo Robot Game Looks Awfully Familiar |url=https://kotaku.com/that-nintendo-labo-robot-game-looks-awfully-familiar-1822176412 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118013109/https://kotaku.com/that-nintendo-labo-robot-game-looks-awfully-familiar-1822176412 |archive-date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=January 17, 2018 |work=Kotaku}}{{cite web |last=Mackovech |first=Sam |date=January 17, 2018 |title=Nintendo's Labo playset slaps the Switch into build-your-own cardboard toys |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/01/nintendos-labo-playset-slaps-the-switch-into-build-your-own-cardboard-toys/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117223346/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/01/nintendos-labo-playset-slaps-the-switch-into-build-your-own-cardboard-toys/ |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |access-date=January 17, 2018 |work=Ars Technica}} Labo developers stated in an interview that the original prototype was a ground-based tank with interactive floor pedals, but risked being crushed by the user and did not utilize the potential of the Joy-Con's gyro sensor; to solve these issues, the prototype was modified to be worn as a "Carry-Con" on the user's back.

Nintendo announced its first post-release Labo Kit in July 2018, which was released worldwide on September 14, 2018. The Vehicle Kit includes the cardboard parts to make three steering consoles, one for a car, one for a plane, and one for a submarine, each with a slot for a "key" that is built around a Toy-Con. The associated game allows players to control cars, planes, and submarines in game, switching between these modes by moving their Toy-Con key between units, and supports cooperative play with a second person using another Toy-Con.{{cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=July 26, 2018 |title=New Nintendo Labo kit is all about vehicles |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/7/26/17620442/nintendo-labo-vehicle-kit-release-date-switch |access-date=July 26, 2018 |work=Polygon}} The kit also includes cutouts for a pedal Toy-Con to power each of the vehicles, two key Toy-Con, a spray can Toy-Con, and a stand for the console to sit atop the car Toy-Con. Included with the spray can Toy-Con are several "extra parts" made to aid in the Paint Studio, the mode made for it.

Released on April 12, 2019, the VR Kit centers around a cardboard pair of virtual reality goggles that allows players to view stereoscopic 3D images using the Switch console, similar to Google Cardboard. The main kit comes with parts to make five items, each of which can be attached to the VR Goggles: a Blaster, a camera, a bird, an elephant head, and a pinwheel. The parts to build a Wind Pedal that blows wind when pressed is also included with the main kit. A starter kit containing only the VR Goggles, pinwheel, and Blaster attachment is also available, with the other attachments to be purchased separately.{{cite web |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=March 6, 2019 |title=Nintendo brings VR to Switch with new Labo kit |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/6/18254014/nintendo-switch-vr-labo-kit-release-date |access-date=March 6, 2019 |work=Polygon}} It is unique in being the only Nintendo Switch game to be wholly incompatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 via backwards compatibility, as the console is too big to fit into the googles.{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Switch Game Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 - Nintendo US |url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/transfer-guide/compatible-games/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=www.nintendo.com |language=en-US}}

The Nintendo Labo software comes with a feature called "Toy-Con Garage", which allows users to create and program their own Toy-Con using simple programming commands, either starting with the available Labo kits, or with their own materials.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/1/16960622/nintendo-labo-toy-con-garage-custom-feature | title = Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Garage lets you make your own custom playthings | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = February 1, 2018 | access-date = February 1, 2018 | work = Polygon | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012815/https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/1/16960622/nintendo-labo-toy-con-garage-custom-feature | archive-date = February 2, 2018 }} Toy-Con Garage is based upon creating simple commands by connecting input and output nodes. When an input is performed, it will trigger the connected output event. Additional middle nodes can be added to modify the input. For example, an input node can be a specific button press or a controller movement, while the middle node can set a required number of presses in order for the output to occur. Output nodes range from vibrating the Joy-Con to lighting up the Console's display. Toy-Con Garage provides multiple options for customizing each node, such as adjusting the sensitivity and direction of the control stick as an input node. Multiple input-output commands can be used in combination to create more complex creations.{{cite web | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/new-nintendo-labo-vid-details-toy-con-garage-programming-w517889 | title = New 'Nintendo Labo' Vid Details Toy-Con Garage Programming | first = Brian | last = Crecente | date = March 15, 2018 | access-date = March 15, 2018 | work = Glixel | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180315140537/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/new-nintendo-labo-vid-details-toy-con-garage-programming-w517889 | archive-date = March 15, 2018 }} In 2021, Nintendo released Game Builder Garage for the Nintendo Switch, which is largely based on Toy-Con Garage.

Following the release of Nintendo Labo, select software titles have received free updates giving them compatibility with certain Toy-Con. A free update to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in June 2018 allowed players to use the motorbike Toy-Con from the Variety Kit, to control their racer in the game.{{cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=June 25, 2018 |title=Nintendo Labo Now Compatible With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/26/nintendo-labo-now-compatible-with-mario-kart-8-deluxe |access-date=June 25, 2018 |work=IGN}} In August 2018, Nintendo announced that the car steering wheel Toy-Con from the upcoming Vehicle Kit will also be compatible with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=August 24, 2018 |title=The Nintendo Labo Vehicle Kit Will Work With Mario Kart 8 Deluxe On Switch |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/the_nintendo_labo_vehicle_kit_will_work_with_mario_kart_8_deluxe_on_switch |access-date=August 31, 2018 |website=Nintendo Life}} Nintendo updated The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey in April 2019 to support VR game modes through the VR Kit; the former allows for the entire game to be played with the headset, while the latter includes an exclusive mode for VR gameplay.{{cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Nintendo's Labo VR kit will work with Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/4/18296200/zelda-mario-vr-nintendo-labo-switch |access-date=April 4, 2019 |work=The Verge}}{{cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=April 26, 2019 |title=Breath of the Wild in VR is an ugly, uncomfortable experience |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/26/18517865/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-labo-vr |access-date=April 28, 2019 |work=The Verge}} A limited VR mode for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate where players can view battles via the headset was released the following month.{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=May 30, 2019 |title=Super Smash Bros. UItimate Now Has Virtual Reality Support |url=https://kotaku.com/super-smash-bros-uitimate-now-has-virtual-reality-supp-1835137993 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |work=Kotaku}} The Nintendo Switch version of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker received an update on July 30, 2019, that added a VR mode allowing the user to play four levels and get a 360° view of the course selection screen while using the Toy-Con VR Goggles.{{cite web |author=Nintendo of America |date=2019-07-30 |title=Get up close and personal with the #CaptainToad: Treasure Tracker game's new #NintendoLabo: VR Kit software update! With the Toy-Con VR Goggles you'll now be able to experience 4 of the game's levels from a fresh perspective! |url=https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/1156210339110723584?lang=en |access-date=2019-08-10 |website=@nintendoamerica |language=en}}

Numerous games from third-party developers utilize the Toy-Cons' functions. After unveiling a tech demo in April 2018,{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=April 26, 2018 |title=Video: Rayark Shows Off Deemo Tech Demo With Nintendo Labo Piano Support |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/video_rayark_shows_off_deemo_tech_demo_with_nintendo_labo_piano_support |access-date=August 31, 2018 |website=Nintendo Life}} in August 2018, Rayark announced that it would add a mode to its piano-based rhythm game Deemo in October 2018 to support the piano Toy-Con on selected songs, as the first third-party title to offer integration with one.{{cite web |last=Wong |first=Alistair |date=August 26, 2018 |title=Deemo To Receive Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Piano Support In October |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/08/26/deemo-to-receive-nintendo-labo-toy-con-piano-support-in-october/ |access-date=August 26, 2018 |work=Siliconera}}{{cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=August 25, 2018 |title=Third Party Dev Behind Deemo Jumps On Nintendo Labo Cardboard Wagon |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/08/third_party_dev_behind_deemo_jumps_on_nintendo_labo_cardboard_wagon |access-date=August 31, 2018 |website=Nintendo Life}} In January 2019, it was announced that Gree's Fishing Star: World Tour would support the Toy-Con Fishing Rod in an issue of the Famitsu magazine.{{cite web |title=『釣りスタ ワールドツアー』人気アプリが本格派釣りアクションゲームになってNintendo Switchで登場！【先出し週刊ファミ通】 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201901/15170520.html |access-date=2019-07-18 |website=ファミ通.com |language=ja}}{{cite web |date=15 January 2019 |title=Fishing Star: World Tour Brings Its Fishing Action To Switch eShop In Japan On January 31 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/01/15/fishing-star-world-tour-brings-its-fishing-action-to-switch-eshop-in-japan-on-january-31/ |access-date=2019-07-18}} Baltoro Games' Moto Rush GT was released on April 19, 2019 with support for the Toy Con Motorbike.{{cite web |title=Moto Rush GT |url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/moto-rush-gt-switch/ |website=Nintendo.com}} Puchikon 4 SmileBASIC released on May 23, 2019, in Japan with support for the Toy-Con Piano, House, Fishing Rod, Motorbike, and Robot kits that could be used in games made in the program.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-17 |title=Japanese Nintendo |url=https://japanesenintendo.com/2019/05/17/puchikon-4-smilebasic-next-week/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930080807/https://japanesenintendo.com/2019/05/17/puchikon-4-smilebasic-next-week/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=2019-09-30 |website=Japanese Nintendo |language=en}} On May 27, 2019, Spice and Wolf VR was announced to utilize Toy-Con virtual reality due to the game's nature; it was released on September 5, 2019.{{Cite web |title=VRアニメーション『狼と香辛料VR』米国時間6月3日リリース・Nintendo Switch版の追加リリース決定！BitSummitに出展！ |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000015845.html |access-date=2019-08-29 |website=プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES|date=27 May 2019 }} Norain Games and Jandusoft's Neonwall was updated with Toy-Con virtual reality support in January 2020, amongst the first Western developers to utilize the feature.{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Gavin |date=2020-01-17 |title=Neonwall Becomes The Third Third-Party Switch Game To Support Labo VR |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/neonwall_becomes_the_third_third-party_switch_game_to_support_labo_vr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218213931/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/neonwall_becomes_the_third_third-party_switch_game_to_support_labo_vr |archive-date=2025-02-18 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} Codemasters and Feral Interactive's Grid Autosport added support for the Vehicle Kit in a July 30, 2020 update.{{Cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=2020-07-23 |title=Free GRID Autosport Updates Will Add Multiplayer And Labo Support On Switch |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/free_grid_autosport_updates_will_add_multiplayer_and_labo_support_on_switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108100444/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/07/free_grid_autosport_updates_will_add_multiplayer_and_labo_support_on_switch |archive-date=2025-01-08 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}} Two Laid-Back Camp Virtual games released in 2021 included Labo VR support.{{cite web |title='Laid-Back Camp Virtual' Is a New Adventure Game Based on the Laid-Back Camp Series Coming to iOS, Android, Switch, and More |url=https://toucharcade.com/2020/12/01/laid-back-camp-virtual-ios-android-yuru-camp-game-nintendo-switch-ps4-steam-vr-gemdrops/ |website=toucharcade.com}}

Labo was announced on January 17, 2018. The director is Tsubasa Sakaguchi and the producer is Kouichi Kawamoto. According to Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé, "Labo is unlike anything we've done before", and was developed to extend the age-audience for the Switch.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/17/16900496/nintendo-switch-labo-cardboard-diy-accessories-announced-price-release-date | title = Nintendo is making a bunch of weird DIY cardboard toys for the Switch and they're awesome | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = January 17, 2018 | access-date = January 17, 2018 | work = The Verge | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180117220704/https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/17/16900496/nintendo-switch-labo-cardboard-diy-accessories-announced-price-release-date | archive-date = January 17, 2018 }} Nintendo said the product was "specifically crafted for kids and those who are kids at heart."{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/17/16900626/nintendo-switch-tease-new-interactive-experience-kids-at-heart|title=What is Nintendo teasing for the Switch? (update)|first=Ben|last=Kuchera|date=January 17, 2018|website=Polygon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011946/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/17/16900626/nintendo-switch-tease-new-interactive-experience-kids-at-heart|archive-date=January 18, 2018}} The tagline for Labo is "Make, Play, Discover"; "Discover" refers to how the user of the Toy-Con can understand the fundamentals of physics, engineering, and programming that make the Toy-Con work through the act of making and playing with them. The product was not originally intended to be educational, though one of its goals was to "explain how the technology behind the Toy-Con creations works".{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/developer-interview/its-fun/|title=Developer Interview: It's fun to "Make, Play, and Discover" - Nintendo Labo Official Site|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}}

File:Nintendo Labo construction.jpeg

The concept of Labo came from Nintendo when they asked their employees to come up with ways that the Switch's Joy-Con could be used; out of many potential ideas, the idea of building cardboard toys around the controllers held promise. According to Shinya Takahashi, the use of cardboard as part of playthings is common among Japanese children, and as they started prototyping ideas, they found the "trial and error" process of putting together the cardboard toys was "extremely fun".{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/pictures/nintendo-talks-labo-origins-and-switch-proliferation-w516556|title=Nintendo Talks Labo Origins and Wanting "Every Single Person" To Own A Switch|last=Hester|first=Blake|date=February 9, 2018|work=Glixel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210003107/https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/pictures/nintendo-talks-labo-origins-and-switch-proliferation-w516556|archive-date=February 10, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=February 9, 2018}} As the Labo concept was developed, they found it fit well within Nintendo's overall philosophy on innovating new ways to have fun, and had potential to introduce the Switch to more than just game enthusiasts.

Nintendo Labo developers Kawamoto, Sakaguchi, and Ogasawara stated in an interview that their goal was to use the unique features of the Nintendo Switch in such a way that no other system could emulate. The Joy-Con were treated as a "bundle of sensors" that could be used in a multitude of ways by attaching them to different hardware pieces, focusing on the gyro motion-sensor, IR motion camera, and HD Rumble features.{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/developer-interview/|title=Developer Interview - Nintendo Labo Official Site|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}} The team was tasked with exploring Joy-Con attachment and game prototypes during three weeks of brainstorming sessions, called "prototype parties."{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/developer-interview-part-2/|title=Developer Interview Part 2 - Nintendo Labo Official Site|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/developer-interview-part-2/a-crossteam-collaboration/|title=Developer Interview: A cross-team collaboration - Nintendo Labo Official Site|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}} When asked about the choice of building material, the developers responded by saying that cardboard was chosen over plastic because the 3D printer they were using for prototyping was unable to keep up with their pace of testing; cardboard would also allow for the player to create, repair, and customize the project themselves.{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/developer-interview-part-2/why-we-decided-to-use-cardboard/|title=Developer Interview: Why we decided to use cardboard - Nintendo Labo Official Site|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}} The initial construction designs were first thought as being simple to construct, but later proved to be complex and challenging when it was decided that no cutting or gluing would be required to assemble the kits. Improvements were made to the prototypes based on feedback from consumer and developer testing; this prompted the creation of the interactive instruction software, as well as favoring simplicity over appearance. During development testing—prior to the cardboard designs being finalized—photographs were taken and compiled into booklets to be used as temporary instruction manuals; these booklets ranged from 1,000 pages for simpler models to 3,000 pages for complex ones.{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/developer-interview/consumer-test/|title=Developer Interview: An eye-opening consumer test - Nintendo Labo Official Site|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}} While the cardboard Toy-Con are sturdy, Nintendo recognized that the cardboard can suffer wear and tear with time, and sells replacement sheets for individual Toy-Con through its online store.{{Cite news|url=https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendos-online-store-now-has-replacement-parts-for-nintendo-labo/|title=Nintendo's online store now has replacement parts for Nintendo Labo - Nintendo Everything|date=April 19, 2018|work=Nintendo Everything|access-date=April 20, 2018|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://labo.nintendo.com/faq/|title=Nintendo Labo™ for the Nintendo Switch™ home gaming system - Toy-Con Garage|website=labo.nintendo.com|language=en|access-date=April 20, 2018}} When asked about the durability of Labo during an interview with CNET, Yoshiyasu Ogasawara stated, "We tested their resilience to the same action through hundreds and thousands of repetitions, so we expect them to last a long time under normal use."{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/nintendo-labo-questions-answered-creators-nintendo-switch/|title=How long will Nintendo Labo's cardboard last? Labo's creators answer our questions|last=Stein|first=Scott|date=April 20, 2018|work=CNET|access-date=April 21, 2018|language=en}}

Starting in October 2018, Nintendo worked with the Institute of Play to bring Nintendo Labo into elementary schools, with an initial goal to reach 2,000 students by the end of the 2018–2019 school year. Nintendo is providing the Switch and Labo kits, while the institute is developing the lesson plans for teachers.{{cite web | url =https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/23/18009754/nintendo-labo-teacher-guide-educational-school | title= Nintendo is bringing Labo to schools across North America this year | first = Andrew | last = Webster | date = October 23, 2018 | access-date = October 23, 2018 | work = The Verge }}

On the day after its announcement in January 2018, Nintendo's stock price jumped around 2.4%, representing about {{USD|1.4 billion}} to their value. Analysis suggested that Labo was the type of unorthodox product that only Nintendo could develop and market, showing a further return to their more financially successful period about a decade prior, leading to the rising stock price.{{cite web | url = https://www.ft.com/content/acaf28d6-fc50-11e7-a492-2c9be7f3120a | title = Nintendo adds almost $1.4bn in value — thanks to cardboard | first = Leo | last = Lewis | date = January 18, 2018 | access-date = January 18, 2018 | work = Financial Times | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180119034248/https://www.ft.com/content/acaf28d6-fc50-11e7-a492-2c9be7f3120a | archive-date = January 19, 2018 }}

Nintendo Labo was received with praise for its unique take on video gaming and unconventional method of play,{{Cite news|url=https://mashable.com/2018/04/19/nintendo-labo-console-potential/#WG0D7_tP3uqd|title=Nintendo Labo is changing the way we look at consoles|last=Beck|first=Kellen|date=April 19, 2018|work=Mashable|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/nintendo-labo-switch-kid-toy-con-children-cardboard-box-make-play-create-a8312306.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/nintendo-labo-switch-kid-toy-con-children-cardboard-box-make-play-create-a8312306.html |archive-date=2022-06-21 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Nintendo Labo: the perfect toy for children who think outside the (cardboard) box|last=Shepherd|first=Jack|date=April 19, 2018|work=The Independent|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=en-GB}} and its ability to encourage creativity and learning, especially in children. Reviewers primarily praised the enjoyable building experience and easy to follow step-by-step instructions;{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/18/17253574/nintendo-labo-review-switch-learning-diy|title=Nintendo Labo review: an incredible learning tool that's a blast to play|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=April 18, 2018|work=The Verge|access-date=April 19, 2018}} the rotatable camera and fast-forward/rewind features were appreciated, as well as the sense of humor that the instructions contain.{{Cite news|url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/nintendo-labo|title=Nintendo Labo review|last=Boyle|first=Emma|date=April 19, 2018|work=TechRadar|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=en}} Critics were initially concerned with the sturdiness of the cardboard, but were impressed with the durability of the assembled Toy-Con,{{Cite news|url=http://business.financialpost.com/technology/gaming/nintendo-labo-toy-con-variety-kit-review-brilliant-building-with-a-little-learning-thrown-in|title=Nintendo Labo Toy-Con Variety Kit review: Brilliant building, with a little learning thrown in|last=Sapieha|first=Chad|date=April 19, 2018|work=Financial Post|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=en-US}} also noting that the software contains tutorials with tips on repairing broken Toy-Con.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/nintendo-labo/review/|title=My life as a cardboard robot: A week with Nintendo Labo|last=Stein|first=Scott|date=April 19, 2018|work=CNET|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=en}} Reviewers were mixed on the enjoyment and limited replay value of the software's gameplay, with Andrew Webster from The Verge saying "the games are perhaps the least interesting part of Labo." However, critics highlighted the seemingly unlimited options provided by Toy-Con Garage, and the possibility for the community to develop and share new creations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/products/nintendo-labo/review/2/|title=My life as a cardboard robot: A week with Nintendo Labo|last=Stein|first=Scott|date=April 19, 2018|work=CNET|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/19/17253688/nintendo-switch-labo-cardboard-toy-con-garage|title=Programming a song on Nintendo Labo with Toy-Con Garage took all of my brainpower|last=Lee|first=Dami|date=April 19, 2018|work=The Verge|access-date=April 19, 2018}} The Verge and CNET found Labo to be a clever utilization of the Joy-Con controllers' motion sensors, HD Rumble, and IR sensing abilities.

Labo was featured in a May 2018 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande, and The Roots used various kits and Switches in a performance to premiere Grande's single, "No Tears Left to Cry".{{cite web|author=Bonnie Burton |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/ariana-grande-questlove-jimmy-fallon-roots-nintendo-labo-switch-concert/ |title=Ariana Grande and Jimmy Fallon have a Nintendo Labo concert |publisher=CNET |access-date=2019-08-21}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/ariana-grande-jimmy-the-roots-sing-no-tears-left-to-cry-w-nintendo-labo-instruments/3723267 |title=Watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Highlight: Ariana Grande, Jimmy & The Roots Sing "No Tears Left to Cry" w/ Nintendo Labo Instruments |publisher=NBC.com |access-date=2019-08-21}}{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/15/17353584/nintendo-labo-jimmy-fallon-ariana-grande-the-roots | title = Watch Ariana Grande, Jimmy Fallon, and The Roots play her new single with Nintendo Labo | first= Andrew | last = Webster | date = May 14, 2018 | access-date = May 14, 2018 | work = The Verge}} Some users have found ways to recreate the cardboard Toy-Con functionality with more sturdy versions using Lego bricks, otherwise retaining all the functionality of the original toys.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/using-lego-bricks-to-remix-nintendo-labo-designs | title = Using Lego bricks to remix Nintendo Labo designs | first = Emma | last = Kidwell | date = September 18, 2018 | access-date = September 18, 2018 | work = Gamasutra}}

In Japan, the Variety Kit sold 90,410 copies within the first week, placing it first on the all-format sales chart. The Robot Kit sold 28,629 copies, placing it third, and the Vehicle Kit has sold 49,389 copies as of December 2018.{{cite web | url = https://gematsu.com/2018/04/media-create-sales-4-16-18-4-22-18 | title = Media Create Sales: 4/16/18 – 4/22/18 | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = April 25, 2018 | access-date = April 25, 2018 | work = Gematsu}}{{cite web | url = https://gematsu.com/2018/12/media-create-sales-12-10-18-12-16-18| title = Media Create Sales: 12/10/18 – 12/16/18 | first = Sal | last = Romano | date = December 19, 2018 | access-date = December 19, 2018 | work = Gematsu}} As of March 2019, the Variety Kit has sold 330,000 units in Japan, and 1.09 million worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2019/190425_3e.pdf |title=Earnings Release for Fiscal Year Ended March 2019 Supplementary Information |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |access-date=2019-08-21}} As of 2018, all kits consolidated have sold 1.39 million units worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html |title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units |publisher=Nintendo.co.jp |date=2019-06-30 |access-date=2019-08-21}} The 2020 CESA Games White Papers revealed that the Variety Kit has sold 1.31 million units, as of December 2019.{{Cite book|title=2020CESAゲーム白書 (2020 CESA Games White Paper)|publisher=Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|year=2020|isbn=978-4-902346-42-8}}

{{Portal|Video games}}

• Virtual Boy
• Game Builder Garage

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• {{official website|https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/games/oms/labo/}}

{{Nintendo Switch}}

{{Mixed reality}}

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