Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit – A Hands-On Innovation for Nintendo Switch
Entry information
Published on: May 06, 2018
Description
Nintendo continues its legacy of groundbreaking innovation with the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit, a build-and-play experience designed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Launched in April 2018, the Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit exemplifies Nintendo's unique approach to engaging gamers of all ages, inviting them to physically construct and interact with their digital entertainment.
Developed and published by Nintendo, Labo showcases the company’s longstanding commitment to merging physical creativity with inventive software experiences.
When Nintendo first hinted at “a new interactive experience for Nintendo Switch that’s specially crafted for kids and those who are kids at heart,” few could have predicted the surprise reveal of Nintendo Labo.
The Robot Kit, in particular, stunned the gaming community by showcasing the inventive use of Nintendo’s Joy-Con controllers—transforming cardboard sheets into immersive, wearable gaming peripherals.
Priced at launch at $79.99/£69.99, the Robot Kit is a premium offering within the Labo series, providing not only robust construction materials—including 19 cardboard sheets, reflective stickers, various strings, and fabric straps—but also comprehensive software that guides users through each step.
This set offers a focused, all-encompassing gameplay experience compared to the more varied, multi-contraption Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit.
Building the Toy-Con Robot is a process both intricate and approachable, thanks to Nintendo Labo’s highly engaging, step-by-step instructions.
Users are led through a process estimated at 3–4 hours, starting with simple components and culminating in a fully functional robot suit.
The interactive build process is peppered with lighthearted motivation, clear visuals, and clever animations, all designed to foster learning and fun for a broad age range.
Once assembled, the Toy-Con Robot offers a gameplay experience that fuses physical activity with digital destruction.
Players don the visor and backpack, step into cardboard shoes, and use arm and leg straps to control their in-game robot avatar.
Movement and gestures are registered through the Joy-Con’s motion sensors and IR camera, unlocking a multifaceted control scheme: punch, stomp, transform into vehicles, and even trigger special attacks by physically mimicking the robot’s actions.
Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit supports several distinct gameplay modes.
The core experience, Robot, tasks players with smashing buildings and objects to score points in a frenetic, time-based challenge.
Progression yields robot upgrades and extended abilities.
Additional modes such as Challenge mode and Versus mode allow for skill-testing mini-games and head-to-head robot battles, respectively, while Robo-Studio and Hangar add creative and cosmetic customization features.
The title’s calorie tracking is a playful nod to its active gameplay, reinforcing Labo’s potential as a physically engaging gaming option.
A standout component is the Discover mode, featuring Professor Gerry Riggs and colleagues guiding users through explanations of the science and technology underpinning Labo.
Users can learn about how the Joy-Con’s IR camera interprets movement and light, interact with in-game experiments, and access the Toy-Con Garage—a robust visual programming suite that encourages tinkering and creativity.
As of June 2020, the Nintendo Labo series has surpassed one million units sold worldwide, a testament to its lasting appeal and educational value.
The Robot Kit has been praised for its imaginative design and engaging learning experience, earning a solid critical reception.
While some reviewers have noted concerns about long-term replayability, few could dispute the immediate wonder sparked by building and playing with one’s own robot creation.
The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 02: Robot Kit stands as a prime example of Nintendo’s ability to blend tactile learning, inventive play, and digital entertainment, securing its place as a milestone in the Nintendo Switch library and a favorite among creative gamers.
