Cardboard Crafts & Switch Shenanigans: Nintendo Labo Draws Mixed Cheers
Nintendo’s newest brain‑child, the Labo line, turns ordinary cardboard into a playground for the Switch. Think mini piano, fishing rod and a whole slew of quirky shapes that let you play with the console literally by hand.
How It Works – No Engineers Needed!
Each kit is a set of pre‑perforated sheets. Fold, glue, and you’re ready to plug the assembly straight into the Switch. The cool part? You can press a cardboard piano key and hear real music pop out of the console, or swing a duck‑tilling fishing rod in a fishing mini‑game. Customization is endless: stickers, paint, or even a glittery touch.
What the Fans Are Saying
- All‑out “WOW!” – Many Nintendo devotees applaud the creative spirit, saying they love how the company keeps pulling the imaginative rabbit out of the hat. Example tweet: “Not personally into cardboard, but Nintendo’s still a rockstar.” – @missingwords
- “Too pricey!” – On the other hand, the price tag’s been a stumbling block. The bundle of five sheets is $69.99, and a single “robot kit” nails up at $79.99. Parents worry about durability, wondering if this is the best use of a $300 console and $80 of cardboard.
- “Kids first?” – Says @Matt‑Silverman: “I’d rather keep the $300 Switch and $80 cardboard separate from my kids’ hands.”
Tweet Highlights
“This isn’t something I’m personally interested in but I just love how Nintendo continues to be unique and innovative.” – @missingwords
“Feel free to tell me I’m nuts… but doesn’t $70+ for the Nintendo Labo cardboard stuff seem incredibly expensive for something that’s not that durable, especially in the hands of kids?” – @jstoff
“I applaud Nintendo’s ingenuity, but I’m not handing my $300 Switch and an $80 cardboard box over to my kids.” – @Matt‑Silverman
Financial ‘Cardboard’ Reaction
While fans are split, the market responded with smiles. Nintendo’s stock rose over 2 % after the announcement, buoyed by analyst Hideki Yasuda (Ace Research Institute) who called the move “extremely fresh” and “a pleasant surprise.” He predicts that families will be the first adopters, likely leading to broader appeal as age groups expand.
Key Milestones
- Switch launched: March 2017
- Target sales: 14 million units by March 2018
So, will you dive into the cardboard craze or stick to your solid‑state controllers? Either way, Nintendo Labo shows the company is still ready to make gaming interactive in the most literal sense.
