Nintendo Labo: Toycon 04 VR Kit

While it isn’t quite as engrossing as Wii Sports of way back when, it is a strong showcase for the sheer whimsy that Nintendo can wield when it wants too. It might be something of a novelty rather than an immediate addition to your console library, and you might not come back to Labo VR for hours and hours, but it’s incredible toy-cons and magical games will definitely be something you show off to anyone willing to put their head in the back of a bird.

If you enjoyed previous Labo kits with your family you'll probably like spending a weekend with this one, even if it won't be making the rounds and wowing Late Night audiences.

The lamentations of those who do not want to accept it are worth less than the wonder of those who have always wanted it.

Labo VR is a novelty, to be sure, but it knows its limitations and constructs some fun experiences within those boundaries.

The technology works better than expected and shows that besides powerful hardware also other aspects are important for a pleasant VR experience, which Nintendo understands well.

Despite what you might imagine when you hear that Nintendo’s VR goggles are made out of cardboard this latest Nintendo Labo kit is able to replicate all those sensations and more, in what sounds like it should be a laughing stock but is actually a thoroughly enjoyable and surprisingly engrossing mix of VR, handicraft, and edutainment.

The Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit is nothing less than a cardboard marvel through which Nintendo has delivered an affordable and content-rich introduction to the world of virtual reality. We’re four Nintendo Labo kits in now, and, after the equally brilliant Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 03: Vehicle Kit, the build-and-play concept – which wonderfully blends physical and digital activities – continues to maintain its rubber band-strung stride. That only leaves me wondering about what cardboard contraptions will come next.

At worst, you’ll spend a few hours having fun putting together some charming cardboard toys and seeing what parlor tricks your Nintendo Switch can do with them. At best, you’ll dive into one of the most inexpensive, yet engrossing, VR experiences out there.

Labo VR Kit is exactly what we expected Nintendo would do with VR: it's fresh, funny, and joyful.

There is every chance that in a week’s time the toy-cons we built may be languishing in a cupboard, with the thrill of creating something already over. Regardless; what a charming, rewarding and singular way to spend our time it has been.

It may have taken a while, but Nintendo’s take on modern VR is perhaps the perfect complement to the Switch itself. With its tablet / console hybrid, Nintendo went in a completely different direction than its competitors, and the same could be said of Labo VR. It’s not virtual reality as you’ve come to know it — and that’s what makes it so interesting.

Nintendo Labo VR Kit is the most creative use of virtual reality yet .

Labo VR isn’t likely to set the world of VR on fire, but as a cheap VR option that’s a family friendly way to explore this growing area of gaming this new Toy-Con kit feels like a clever, worthwhile addition to the Switch’s weird and wonderful cardboard world. It may also very well be the first time Labo has truly made sense to me. It’s classic Nintendo ingenuity, with classic Nintendo results: just pure fun.

The finest – and best value – Labo kit so far is no Rift beater, but an excellent entry-level VR experience, especially for younger players.