Yesterday, Nintendo gave gamers a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While the console is simply put, a larger and presumably enhanced version of the original Switch, Nintendo didn’t divulge much about the new features it brings to the table. What caught my attention, though, was a line in their press release that dampened my excitement a bit. It stated, “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” My immediate thought? They must be talking about Labo.
Now, Nintendo Labo might not have made waves globally, but for me, it was one of the quirkiest, most creative projects Nintendo ventured into. And yes, call me sentimental, but I’ll always champion that cardboard creation. For those who missed out on the fun of assembling a Labo kit, let me paint a picture.
Picture this: each Labo kit was like a puzzle, where flat-packed cardboard turned into “Toy-Cons” using interactive instructions similar to putting together IKEA furniture. Once you completed your cardboard creation, you’d slide the Switch Joy-Cons into it. The magic? It was all about the right blend of motion sensors, the IR sensor on the Joy-Con, and some clever software, turning your creation into something whimsically playful. Imagine a piano, a steering wheel, or a camera popping out of cardboard! Not only could they power simple games, but they also let users design their own mini creations, echoing the spirit of Nintendo’s Game Builder Garage.
In a nutshell, it was a blast.
Back in 2018, when we rounded up games of the year, I dubbed Labo as “quintessentially Nintendo.” Fast forward four years from when it discreetly disappeared, I’m left feeling nostalgic. The project’s been neglected by Nintendo for quite some time, and with the Switch 2 ditching the IR sensors in its Joy-Cons, it’s a sure sign that Labo’s day in the sun is over.
Before we completely say goodbye, let’s stroll down memory lane. One of my favorite memories is the “Monster Cat,” a quirky character my four-year-old son lovingly named. It lived in the Toy-Con House of the Variety Kit. The setup was simple: slot the right Joy-Con into the chimney, place the Switch screen in front, and each adapter could plug into sides of the house, changing scenarios on screen. Playful, hilarious, and innovative.
Building those cardboard creations was part of the magic, but “Monster Cat” was a bit special. My son was captivated by him, and the Toy-Con House became a staple in our living room. We’ve patched it up numerous times; its adapters practically held together with tape, glue, and popsicle sticks—a testament to the imaginative play Labo inspired. It’s a joy I never got to share with my younger son, born in 2018.
It took me a while to realize Labo was being quietly phased out in 2021. Nintendo was its elusive self, pulling the website before announcing its discontinuation, leaving retailers stuck with oversized boxes no longer selling.
By the time I realized what was going on, I hurried off to check stock in stores, only to find them cleared out. I snagged a VR Kit, though I was desperately hunting for a Variety Kit. My “Monster Cat” needed a new abode. While Nintendo did a favor by releasing files for reproduction—something I deeply appreciate as a preservation effort—I’m still on the lookout for a feasible solution. (If anyone has a lead, hit me up!)
I get it—people are a bit let down that the Nintendo Switch 2 seems to stick to a familiar formula, and the teaser video hardly changed that perception. The original Switch was a game-changer, and we’re all hoping its successor is just as successful. Still, I hold out hope that Nintendo’s quirky side—like the creative genius behind Labo—doesn’t get forgotten. Maybe, just maybe, the new optical mouse sensor could bring some unexpected fun. A next-gen Monster Cat might just fancy a mouse.
(Here’s to you, Monster Cat.)
