Here’s a great MOC story and an excellent example of unintentional (but awesome) cross-brand interaction. Fans of video games, particularly of Nintendo, would know that their Switch console has been making waves with its potential for multi-functional abilities. This is reflected in their Labo gaming/toy-construction platform, one of its best-selling points. Nintendo Labo kits consist of cardboard patterns that are cut out, folded and assembled into “Toy-Con” components that attach to the Switch unit and controllers to create new gameplay experiences with compatible software. It’s innovative and fun, but cardboard isn’t a notably sturdy material for long-term gaming. But what if there’s an alternative for it? Why not a custom LEGO Nintendo Labo?
There is, if you ask industrial designer and AFOL Vimal Patel (vmln8r on YouTube). He’s taken LEGO Technic pieces and assembled them into more durable alternatives for the default cardboard constructs of Nintendo’s Labo kits for the Switch. His first attempts in April were a kickstand and steering wheel; now he’s back with more builds.
A new YouTube video put up by Patel demonstrates his latest custom LEGO Nintendo Labo components used instead of the Nintendo Labo’s cardboard Toy-Cons. First he demonstrates more Switch unit grips; then we go to his piano alternative (with conventional LEGO pieces mixed in the Technic), a new motorcycle handlebar racing controller, and a sturdy fishing rod for the corresponding Labo fishing game.
Why do the LEGO pieces work? That’s because regardless of the materials used for the Toy-Con attachments, they only need the kit-included reflective tapes placed on the areas indicated by the building instructions so that the Switch infrared sensors can detect them. For more on vmln8r’s LEGO Technic developments for Nintendo Labo, you can also visit his personal website here.