The Nintendo Labo is one of the most interesting and innovative products to come from Nintendo in years, and despite its rather rocky start and current state of abandonment in its present form, we could still see it thrive in the future in a few different ways..

In late October it was reported that the Nintendo Labo appeared to be on life support, with WalMart selling the kits at clearance prices as low as $10, down from their original prices ranging from $39.99 to $59.99. The news was surprising when considering how well received the product was at launch, how well it sold, and the boundless creativity it afforded to users looking to make something unique.

Broadening Creativity For Switch Users

Nintendo released Labo as individual kits, and each contained pre-made cardboard cut-outs used to make specific designs known as “Toy-Cons” that housed the Nintendo Switch display and Joy-Cons in creative ways. They each included games that would then interact with Labo in different ways, stretching the limits of how one could use the Nintendo Switch hardware.

There were several options available for purchase, including the Variety Kit, Robot Kit, Vehicle Kit, VR Kit, and updates to existing games for interaction with the Labo. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker all received free updates that added some type of functionality, primarily related to VR.

Lacking Software, Lackluster VR

Since releasing in 2018, Labo has sold nearly one and a half million units, and we still see it being abandoned by Nintendo. This appears to have been caused by two main factors. First, although critics and users praised the design aspect of the cardboard cut-outs and their surprisingly high durability, the included games were too simplistic in design and offered little in terms of long-term engagement or replayability. As a result, too much of the enjoyment in the experience lay with building the kits, and less with using them for games.

Second, the quality of the VR updates for certain games varied greatly. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is relatively well done, and the experience is unique for fans of the fighting game. On the other hand, the VR mode for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is atrocious, and largely disappointing. Over time, these factors seemed to be enough for Nintendo to put the breaks on their experiment with the Labo, but it does not need to be the end, especially if the company continues exploring other venues.

Double Down On The Educational Value Of The Labo

The Nintendo Labo was not only marketed for individual use in the home, but also as hands-on creation technology in the classroom to develop communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. The Teachers Guide can be seen here, featuring valuable information with how best to incorporate the Labo into a classroom for young students. The video below showcases how the Labo worked in the classroom, and this is one way that Nintendo could continue to develop the product with a focus on education.

Making Longer Games With Studier Material, Like…Ring Fit Adventure?

In many ways, Ring Fit Adventure is both a successor to the original Wii Fit, but also the Labo. There is no building involved, but the premise of utilizing accessories to house the Joy-Cons for use on screen is similar in concept to Labo. So far, Ring Fit Adventure has been a critical and commercial success, winning “Best Family Game” at The Game Awards 2019. If Nintendo were to repeat the activity and create a game or series of games that had more replayability, the Labo would likely shine.

The idea of providing more durable material is another point that could really help make  Labo more attractive. If Nintendo sold a general kit with an assortment of parts, like how one can buy a bin of assorted LEGO pieces, the community would then be able to step in and make their own designs without worrying about wearing out or breaking cardboard.

Ultimately, Labo may simply be an experiment in creativity that failed, but there is no reason that it must fall into obscurity. Hopefully Nintendo takes another crack at the concept, especially with some more durable materials and better games to keep interest going in the long term.

NEXT: Pokemon Sword And Shield Gets First Paid DLC With The Isle Of Armor And Crown Tundra