Nintendo announces a Labo cardboard VR Kit for Switch

The Switch just got way cooler.
 By 
Alison Foreman
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In a surprise to practically everyone, Nintendo announced a virtual reality Labo kit for the Switch -- and it's out April 12.

The "simple" cardboard VR set will serve as the fourth kit in the Labo line and offer up six new DIY Toy-Con creations for players to make and enjoy. The project marks Nintendo's first foray into the world of virtual reality since the release of the much-maligned Virtual Boy in 1995.

The new VR Kit comes in two packages, with the more expensive $80 option including everything in the lineup: Toy-Con VR Goggles, Blaster, Camera, Bird, Wind Pedal, and Elephant -- plus a screen holder, safety cap, and game software.

There's also a $40 starter set that only includes the VR Goggles and Blaster (plus screen holder/cap/software), with the other pieces sold separately in two $20 expansion kits.

Combining the Labo's content creation capabilities in Toy-Con Garage with the possibilities of virtual reality opens up new doors for amateur creators and schools. It's potentially the cheapest and most beginner-friendly VR creation tool around.

The Labo VR Kit isn't yet available for pre-order, but check back at the Nintendo Online Store for updates.

UPDATE: March 6, 2019, 9:47 p.m. EST An earlier version of this story erroneously referred to this product as "Shareable." It's actually just "Labo VR Kit." The mistake was the result of an editor (hi) misreading the press release (sorry Ali!) and we sure do regret the error. 😭

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Alison Foreman

Alison Foreman is one heck of a gal. She's also a writer in Los Angeles, who used to cover movies, TV, video games, and the internet for Mashable. @alfaforeman

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