oy-Con 01: Variety Kit is a collection of mini-games and interactive experiences designed for the Nintendo Labo, a unique line of DIY cardboard creations that work with the Nintendo Switch. The Variety Kit is one of the first Toy-Con kits released by Nintendo and showcases the creative potential of the Labo system. It includes materials and software to build five different Toy-Con (Toy-Controller) projects, each offering a distinct gameplay experience.

Included Toy-Con Projects:

1. RC Car:

   • A simple, remote-controlled car made of cardboard.

   • Uses the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con vibrations to move.

   • Players can customize the car's movements and even add a camera view using the IR sensor on the right Joy-Con.

2. Fishing Rod:

   • A fully functional fishing rod that simulates the experience of fishing.

   • Players reel in fish by rotating the handle and use the rod to cast their line.

   • The game features a variety of fish to catch and a relaxing underwater environment.

3. House:

   • An interactive dollhouse that responds to different cardboard inserts.

   • Players can interact with a creature living inside the house by inserting different combinations of buttons, switches, and knobs.

   • The creature's behavior changes based on the inputs, creating a playful and exploratory experience.

4. Motorbike:

   • A handlebar controller for a motorbike racing game.

   • Players tilt the handlebars to steer and use the accelerator button to speed up.

   • The game features various tracks and challenges to complete.

5. Piano:

   • A fully functional 13-key piano made of cardboard.

   • Players can compose and play music, and even insert different cardboard pieces to modify the sound effects.

   • The piano also includes a studio mode for recording and layering tracks.

Key Features:

• DIY Construction: The kit includes pre-cut cardboard sheets and other materials to build the Toy-Con projects. The building process is guided by step-by-step instructions on the Nintendo Switch screen.

• Interactive Gameplay: Each Toy-Con project integrates with the Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con controllers to create unique and immersive gameplay experiences.

• Discovery Mode: The software includes a "Discovery Mode" that explains how each Toy-Con works, showcasing the technology behind the Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con (e.g., IR sensors, motion controls, and HD Rumble).

• Customization: Players can decorate their Toy-Con creations with stickers, paint, or other craft materials to personalize their designs.

• Toy-Con Garage: A built-in programming tool that allows players to create their own custom Toy-Con projects by assigning inputs and outputs to the Joy-Con's sensors and buttons.

Reception:

• Innovation: The Variety Kit was praised for its creativity and innovative use of the Nintendo Switch hardware. It demonstrated how gaming could blend with hands-on crafting and learning.

• Family-Friendly: The kit was particularly popular among families and younger players, offering a fun and educational experience.

• Learning Potential: The Discovery Mode and Toy-Con Garage were highlighted as excellent tools for teaching basic principles of engineering, programming, and problem-solving.

Why Try It?

The Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys hands-on creativity, experimentation, and playful exploration. It’s not just a game but an interactive experience that combines crafting, learning, and gaming in a way that’s accessible and fun for all ages. Whether you're building a piano, fishing in a virtual ocean, or racing on a cardboard motorbike, the Variety Kit offers a unique and memorable way to engage with the Nintendo Switch.