Before being overshadowed by the announcement of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate this week, one of the more interesting releases from Nintendo this year centered around the launch of its cardboard accessory kits deemed Labo. And while the DIY STEAM-inspired sets have only been out for a few months, we’re now starting to see the first third-party variants rolling out.
It was only a matter of time before Switch accessory makers began getting in on the cardboard action, with the folks over at Nyko debuting their new Retro Acrade Kit this past week at E3.
Nintendo debuted its cardboard construction sets with two different options, the Variety and Robot Kits. Each of them showcase different ways cardboard can work with your console. Nyko’s first attempt at creating a cardboard accessory for the Switch offers a different take and assembles in the form of an arcade cabinet. Comprised of eight sheets of cardboard, the kit stacks up to over 12-inches tall and fully houses your Switch.
It also comes with additional accessories like two arcade-style joystick add-ons for the Joy-Cons and attachments to remap the controller’s shoulder buttons. And if customization is your thing, the arcade cabinet also includes a sticker sheet to help you add some personal touches in true Labo fashion.
Unlike Nintendo’s own attempt to join cardboard with its latest console, Nyko’s version doesn’t come bundled with any form of game or software. So if you’re expecting the usual Nintendo charm in the building process, you’ll have to stick with its own Labo kits. This also raises the question of how many games will be compatible with the retro arcade kit.
Titles like Street Fighter, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Puyo Puyo Tetris and many of Nintendo’s upcoming retro re-releases appear to be perfect match for the cardboard arcade.
In fact, it may be to Nyko’s advantage that its new Retro Arcade Kit isn’t as complex as Nintendo’s versions. The Labo kits are fantastic for teaching programming thanks to Toy-Con Garage, but aren’t compatible with really any titles other than the games bundled alongside them.
So if you’re looking for a low-cost way to bolster your collection of Switch accessories, Nyko’s upcoming option looks like a rather appealing solution.
Nyko’s new Retro Arcade Kit is scheduled to release later this fall. It is currently available for pre-order over at Amazon for under $20. If you can’t wait that long and are aching to embrace your inner creativity, Nintendo’s own Variety and Robot Labo kits for the Switch sell for $70 and $78 respectively.
Pre-order the Nyko Retro Arcade Kit at Amazon for $20
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