DIY cardboard accessories for the Switch: a stroke of genius or a pipe-dream?
18.1.2018
Translation: machine translated
Fishing rods, piano or motorbike. Nintendo has unveiled a new range of accessories for the Switch called Labo. Are the DIY cardboard extensions the next big hit or will they join Nintendo's numerous other flopped products?
Crafting is the order of the day. With the new Labo kits from Nintendo, you can fold your own cardboard accessories for the Switch. As with Google Cardboard for smartphones, you then insert your Joycons and even the Switch itself into the various devices. In some cases, complex-looking cable connections are added to mechanically activate the Joycons. The whole thing then looks like this:
The motion sensors and the vibration mechanism of the joycons also help to interact with the various devices. Nintendo presented the whole thing on Tuesday. The official release date is 27 April 2018 and there will initially be two sets. The Multi Set can be transformed into an RC car, a fishing rod, a house, a motorbike and a piano. The robot set results in the following equipment:
Both kits include suitable software. A design kit is included on top with stencils, stickers and coloured adhesive tape to decorate the Toy-Cons, as Nintendo calls the finished cardboard creations.
Creativity alone is not always enough
Does Nintendo have the next big gaming revolution on its hands with Labo? The Japanese have always been creative, especially when it comes to accessories for their consoles. However, not all of it has been a hit. A few examples from Nintendo's forgotten rummage box.
R.O.B.
Expensive and useless. This little robot for the NES supported just two games. And even those were poor. Nevertheless, every child dreamed of owning this overpriced, interactive robot. If you're feeling nostalgic, just buy the Amiibo version of it.
3D glasses
Nintendo was already experimenting with 3D before the Virtual Boy. The 3D glasses were connected to the NES. Due to a lack of games and immature technology, the device was cancelled shortly after its release in 1987.
Power Glove
It looks stylish and Nintendo advertised it as the next controller revolution. Unfortunately, the glove was a complete flop. Hardly any game could be played properly with it, let alone even remotely better than with the normal controllers. Nevertheless, the item enjoys cult status.
Nintendo Power Pad
Even before Wii Fit, Nintendo jumped on the fitness bandwagon. The Power Pad for the NES had twelve pressure-sensitive sensors that you could activate with your feet. Similar to "Dance Dance Revolution", the games were all about timing, coordination and speed. A total of eleven games were developed for this purpose.
Handy Boy
This monstrosity of a device was designed to improve the gaming experience with the Gameboy. Magnifying glass, light, analogue stick, loudspeaker. The Gameboy was definitely no longer "mobile" and it also ate up power like crazy.
DK Bongos
The Gamecube wasn't exempt from quirky accessories either. These bongos were used with a handful of music games such as "Donkey Konga", but also the platformer "Donkey Kong Jungle Beat". It's completely incomprehensible that not everyone jumped on these things.
The Wii Vitality Sensor
Presented at E3 2009, this unusual accessory for the Wii never made it to the shops. The Vitality Sensor was supposed to measure the player's pulse and could have been used for games with a calming effect, for example. The project was finally buried in 2013.
Not everything Nintendo touches turns to gold. At least the company always shows the courage to experiment. It will be interesting to see how Labo is received by Switch owners. I, for one, am looking forward to it.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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