Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Gains Nintendo Labo Functionality

Nintendo Labo has been around for a while are if you are unfamiliar these are the cardboard creations that you can build and use for playing games on the Switch. Nintendo has announced that Labo is now supported in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe via a free software update for the Switch. The update lets gamers use the Toy-Con Motorbike from the Labo Variety Kit to control in-game vehicles.

Nintendo says that the new feature will let players feel as if they are in the driver’s seat while racing around tracks in the game. The video at the bottom of the post shows what Nintendo has cooked up for gamers to enjoy. Along with the Mario Kart 8 update Nintendo has also announced a Nintendo Labo Creators Contest.

The contest will have two categories including: “Best Gaming Experience using Toy-Con Garage” and “Best Toy-Con Musical Instrument.” Participants can submit creations to either of the contests for the chance to win limited-edition prizes like specially designed and collectible cardboard-inspired Nintendo Switch systems.

Rules stipulate that players must be at least 13-years-old and live in the US or Canada (but not Quebec) to participate. As for the Mario Kart update, Nintendo says that after the update is applied players only need to select the “Nintendo Labo” icon on the title screen to access the menu where the Toy-Con can be selected as the control type. Up to four payers on Toy-Con controllers can play at once. Nintendo also notes that more titles will be Toy-Con compatible in the future.