Nintendo Labo Incompatible with Switch 2

Just yesterday, Nintendo unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While the console seems to be an upgraded version of the original Switch with a larger design, the details about its capabilities remain vague. However, there’s one note in the press release that caught my attention, and not necessarily in a good way. Nintendo mentioned, “Certain Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.” My mind quickly jumped to Labo when I read that.

Okay, so Nintendo Labo might not have set the industry ablaze, but in my book, it was one of the most imaginative and whimsical endeavors Nintendo has ever embarked on. And yes, I’m unapologetically fond of it. For anyone who hasn’t had the joy of building a Labo kit, let me paint you a picture.

Each Labo kit came with what they called “Toy-Cons,” crafted from flat-packed cardboard. Following an interactive guide, much like assembling an IKEA piece, you’d transform these sheets into creations that embraced the charm of hands-on play. Once your masterpiece was ready, popping the Joy-Cons into it worked a touch of magic. Thanks to motion sensors and the IR sensor on the right Joy-Con, paired with innovative software, your cardboard construct would spring to life. Imagine playing a piano or steering a wheel; that’s how extraordinary it was. Even better, users could generate their own experiences, similar to what we’d later see with Game Builder Garage.

In short, the entire experience was incredible.

Back in 2018, I hailed it as “one of the most ‘Nintendo’ projects ever made” when evaluating the year’s top games. Fast forward a few years, and despite its silent exit, I still find myself reminiscing about Labo’s delightful magic and the brief period it lived in. With the Switch 2 forsaking the IR sensors in its Joy-Cons, it feels like a definitive farewell to Labo.

Let’s indulge in a memory for a moment – particularly the joy it brought when it lived. I have fond memories of thanking the “Monster Cat,” named by my then-four-year-old, who dwelled in the Variety Kit’s Toy-Con House. The house had its own little chimney for the right Joy-Con, the Switch snugly fit on its front, and numerous adapters that clipped into its sides. This combination would set off different charming scenarios on the screen, all wonderfully amusing and refreshingly unique.

The transition from basic cardboard to immersive play was just part of the thrill, and the Monster Cat played a huge role in our fun. My son frequently interacted with it, turning our playroom into a dedicated territory for the Toy-Con House. Over time, repairs to the House were unavoidable; hence, the adapters were now home to a motley mix of tape, glue, popsicle sticks, and stickers. It’s a striking testimony to the amazing playtime Labo offered – something I regretfully couldn’t share with our second son, born in 2018.

I must admit, I didn’t even realize when Labo began to fade in 2021. Nintendo, true to its discreet nature, eliminated its promotion and said very little, leaving available kits to languish unsold. Retailers, unsurprisingly, have no love for bulky, non-selling items from manufacturers silent on marketing.

Once it sank in, I scoured stock trackers and hurried to stores, only to find the shelves emptied. I did manage to snag a VR Kit, though what I truly needed was another Variety Kit. Monster Cat needed a haven. Although Nintendo admirably released the design files, allowing creative preservation of these distinctive joys, I’ve yet to find a practical method for rebuilding. (Fellow enthusiasts, pointers in the right direction are welcome!)

It’s no secret that the Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t exactly shaking things up, and the reveal video didn’t shift that perception much. The original Switch was a triumph, and there’s no doubt we’re hoping for similar success with its successor. However, let’s not leave that inventive, out-of-the-box creativity that birthed Labo behind. Perhaps that optical sensor might still stir some excitement or, who knows, charm an updated Monster Cat.

(To Monster Cat: Thank you, always.)