Nintendo Labo Variety Kit Reviews
The Labo Variety Kit is a Nintendo Switch video game, a craft set, and a stepping stone to learning STEM, all wrapped up in an incredibly clever package that turns cardboard into toys and games.
Once again, Nintendo manages to subvert expectations with something that seemed a little crazy at first. Labo proves that Nintendo doesn't need a mascot or franchise to carry it to success, just a bit of cardboard magic.
Though not perfect, what the Nintendo Labo does and what it has the potential to do outshines its minor flaws as a product.
Nintendo Labo might seem like a gimmick - and it is, to a certain extent - but there's far more it than at first meets the eye. It's a collaborative concept as rewarding in its construction as it is in its final result (much like any LEGO build you've ever worked on), and one that utilises every facet of Switch's DNA in a way only Nintendo could pull off.
Labo revives that feeling of "dang, that's nifty" by allowing you to build your own peripherals, showing you how they're programmed, and letting you tweak and customize just about every element.
The Nintendo Labo Variety Kit is a great interactive model/science kit to put together with your kids. If you like building or tinkering with stuff, you'll like this. If that's not your thing, you might find it tedious. Not a ton of replay value, but the construction seems sturdy. Overall, a very unique new 'game' for the Nintendo Switch.
If Nintendo can tweak the included games to make a more substantial set of electronic components, Labo will evolve into a near-perfect experience. The adult in me is totally here for that. The kid in me, however, just wants more fish to catch.
Nintendo's cardboard-construction-cum-video-game experiment makes for a pricey but extremely entertaining crafting project for kids
Traditional "hardcore" gamers won't get the most out of Labo unless they're willing to massively step outside of what is their gaming comfort zone, while creatives, musicians and children will find so, so much to do and enjoy. But regardless of your playstyle or preference, I can heartily recommend trying Nintendo Labo when you get the chance to put your hands on it. Playing it is fun, everything works, but the satisfaction of building your own peripherals is entirely unique.
Nintendo Labo is a truly unique entertainment for children, which teaches to think, develops fine motor skills, brings delight and emotions from the joint creation, coloring and use of cardboard models, console and games.
Review in Russian | Read full review
As the tech advances and Nintendo goes back to the lab, I think we will continue to see Labo grow. I am keen to see where this goes. Where Nintendo goes, everyone's eyes and ears follow. I will never doubt Nintendo in its pure, honest pursuit of making gaming a labour of love, passion, and enjoyment.
The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit is just what it says on the tin - one that serves up a variety of unique and interactive toys to build. Through a brilliant interface and robust card shapes, the kit offers hours of DIY building fun - with an interactive pay-off. The mini-games are somewhat short, leaning more towards concept pieces, but with the Labo Garage included, it creates limitless possibilities to explore and invoke a little mischief, too!
A bold move for Nintendo with a lot of potential and hidden creativity, but mainly for kids.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
What Nintendo Labo achieves is, at its core, exactly what Wii Sports achieved for the Wii in 2006. It encourages non-video gamers the chance to get involved with something their children love. It brings family to the fore, allows for natural teamwork to evolve and both nurtures and inspires creativity. And quite frankly, that’s hard to put a price on.
It’s clever, it’s impressive and it’s undeniably Nintendo. If you have children and a Nintendo Switch – and your children love being creative – then it’s hard not to say it’s essential. However, despite its undeniable charm, it’s very niche, it’s expensive and not for everyone.
The Nintendo Labo Variety Kit is a solid introduction to the world of Switch-powered cardboard craftables. It may get a bit tedious and repetitive during its laborious building and simplistic play sessions, but the creative freedom it allows once you dig a little deeper is truly something extraordinary.
Whilst the creative process is cathartic and fun, the games on offer will appeal to the younger audience, or the families who show it off at parties.
Building each project in the Nintendo LABO Variety Kit was, for the most part, really fun and satisfying.
While the introductory RC Car is a quick 10-minute build, the other four (Motorbike, Piano, Fishing Rod, and House) are much more involved.
Nintendo Labo is a great tool for learning and creation, but the games themselves lack lasting appeal.