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Lego designer combines Nintendo Labo form with Lego functionality

Lego designer combines Nintendo Labo form with Lego functionality

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Although Nintendo’s Labo kits come with pre-cut cardboard and step-by-step instructions showing you how to make every fold, at its core, it’s a platform that leaves room for other interpretations and open-ended possibilities. And if anyone can get the most out of a platform that was made to be tinkered with, it’s a Lego designer. Industrial designer Vimal Patel first made headlines with his Nintendo Switch accessories like his Lego kickstand and steering wheel controller mount back in April. Now, he’s back with another video that shows him remixing the Nintendo Labo Variety kit with Lego.

Patel’s experiments include using Lego to make sturdy piano keys, a fishing rod, and motorbike handlebars, as well as a controller variant that lets you play the Switch in portrait mode. The piano keys appear to be a big improvement on the airy cardboard keys, which popped out or unhinged themselves sometimes when I was playing. The blocky keys also resemble a more realistic piano, should you want to transition to learning the full-sized instrument after the Labo.

It’s a good reminder that as long as you stick the included reflective tape in places where the Joy-Con’s IR camera sensors can read them, it really doesn’t matter what material you use. It can be cardboard, Lego, 3D-printed parts, or anything else you can come up with. You can view more of Vimal Patel’s Lego experiments on his website.

The fishing rod remade with Lego.
The fishing rod remade with Lego.
Photo by Vimal Patel
The motorcycle handlebars.
The motorcycle handlebars.
Photo by Vimal Patel
Nintendo Labo piano remade with Lego.
Nintendo Labo piano remade with Lego.
Photo by Vimal Patel