https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiFI1g46kZk
March 08, 2019 – Nintendo has this week announced the launch of its new ‘Nintendo Labo: VR Kit’. Due for release on April 12, Nintendo Labo: VR Kit combines both the physical and digital gameplay of Nintendo Labo with basic VR technology to create a shareable virtual reality experience aimed for children and families. Nintendo Labo: VR Kit is the fourth kit in the Nintendo Labo series, providing the tools to make DIY cardboard creations called ‘Toy-Con’. A variety of games can be played with the creations, which are brought to life with Nintendo Switch technology.
The VR Kit offers six new Toy-Con creations to build, including the Toy-Con VR Goggles, which combine with the other creations to allow players to interact with the virtual world through real-world actions. To help encourage a more social gameplay aspect, no head strap is needed, as players simply slip the Nintendo Switch console into the Toy-Con VR Goggles and hold it up to their eyes to explore games and experiences. Users can also turn off the VR feature and use the included Screen Holder instead of the VR Goggles to enjoy any of the included games and experiences in 2D.
“This new kit builds on the core tenets of Nintendo Labo – Make, Play and Discover – to introduce virtual reality in a way that’s fun and approachable for both kids and kids at heart,” said Doug Bowser, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Nintendo of America. “We wanted to design an experience that encourages both virtual and real-world interactions among players through passing around Toy-Con creations.”
Nintendo Labo: VR Kit will launch in retail stores with two primary configurations, one that includes all Toy-Con creations and one that includes a smaller selection of projects to get started:
Nintendo Labo: VR Kit: Available at a suggested retail price of USD $79.99, the complete Nintendo Labo: VR Kit includes the Nintendo Switch software and materials to build all six Toy-Con projects – the Toy-Con VR Goggles, Toy-Con Blaster, Toy-Con Camera, Toy-Con Bird, Toy-Con Wind Pedal and Toy-Con Elephant – as well as a Screen Holder and Safety Cap.
Nintendo Labo: VR Kit – Starter Set + Blaster: Available at a suggested retail price of USD $39.99, the Starter Set includes the Nintendo Switch software, plus all the components to build the Toy-Con VR Goggles and Toy-Con Blaster, as well as the Screen Holder and Safety Cap.
Players that own the Starter Set can then purchase optional expansion sets that include the Toy-Con Elephant & Toy-Con Camera, and Toy-Con Wind Pedal & Toy-Con Bird. Both expansion sets are available at a suggested retail price of USD $19.99 and are available exclusively online.
Nintendo’s Toy-Con Garage mode – included as part of all Nintendo Labo software – returns with Nintendo Labo: VR Kit, offering basic programming tools for players to experiment with.
The company has stated that more information about the experiences offered by Nintendo Labo: VR Kit will be revealed in the future.
Video credit: Nintendo/YouTube
About the author
Sam Sprigg
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.
