I remember when Nintendo first introduced the Labo idea to the Switch. It looked strange, but offered an interesting way to mix the physical world with the digital realm. The STEAM aspect was great, but using a glorified cardboard-box parts didn’t appear to be on everybody’s wish lists.
Released in 2018, Labo was known as a ‘toys-to-life’ concept, with an array of kits made public straight away, Although Nintendo still have information on their own site, and stock of kits still available to purchase, Labo is still alive, but may not be developed, any further.
This gem was found in Cash Converters, at £9.99, it was a fifth of the cost that it is currently avaialble at. The set is whole, with only the smallest parts of the headgear having been built by its previous owner. I have been meaning to try out Labo, for some time, and at a tenner, it’s a cheap way to do so. This is part one of the Labo posts as I will create a second post when I try it out.
Aside from its general purpose, it also allows for customisation by adding colour to the carboard; you can attempt to create your own patterns. It will be interesting to see how it works; the idea of this kit is around the notion of ‘mimic-software’. Your movements will be replicated on screen. My negative predictions are:
- The unit will be tight on my back
- The cords will need to be strong, or they will not survive my size
- The software will need an update before use
- Building it will be, like all card-crafts, a lot less fun than the eventual outcome (My opinion.)
I’ll keep you all posted and hope that it’s as fun as Nintendo ‘intendo’d’ it to be!
