I’m guessing that your kids love gaming but you wish they spent a little more time on hands-on stuff vs. screen time. What if you could combine the two? Enter Nintendo Labo. We were invited to give Labo a sneak peek trial run before it launches in April. And we were wowed. This maker family and likely yours too, will love it. Here’s a little more about what Nintendo Labo is all about. Please note, I was invited to attend this event by Nintendo, but I was not compensated in any way. These opinions are 100% my own.
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What is Nintendo Labo
Labo is based upon the Nintendo Switch, a handheld mobile gaming platform with removeable joysticks. The Labo activity kits consist of flat-packed cardboard parts that you put together to make awesome things like robot packs, fishing rods, pianos, and more. Here’s what the pre-build looks like…
Once you’ve assembled the cardboard parts, then you slide in the Switch Joy-Cons. Here are some of the finished Toy-Con RC (remote control) Cars.
There are two different kits, the Variety Kit that comes with the RC Cars, Fishing Rod, Piano, House, and Motorbike assemblies. Then there’s the Robot Kit. I guarantee the kids are gonna want this. You build a jet back, strap it on, and try to destroy everything in site as a giant robot in the game.
Check out my family having fun with Labo at the event! And believe me, this is not just for kids. My husband and I had a blast.
The Cool Tech Inside Labo
One of the coolest things I got to hear at the event is the little thing that makes Labo interactive. The switch has an infrared motion camera that can spot IR tape that you add to the cardboard builds.
Not only can you customize the cardboard builds in the kits, but you can create your own designs. Maybe the best part about Labo for this Maker girl, is the Toy-Con Garage. This is how you can use the Labo kits and Switch to make your own inventions. With Toy-Con Garage, included in your kit’s software, you can use a simple interface to link inputs to outputs and create your own fun activities.
How to Pre-Order Nintendo Labo
Labo won’t be ready until April 20th, but I’m already in line :) Click the links to be the first to grab Nintendo Labo, too. Note, you will need a Nintendo Switch and one of the kits to experience it.
More Cool STEM and STEAM Gifts for Kids
Love STEM and STEAM as much as we do? We pulled together some of our favorite gifts that encourage learning through fun. They make perfect birthday gifts that last.
