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Nintendo adds Mario Kart functionality to boost Labo sales

Platform holder also seeks 'greatest Labo creations' as part of summer campaign

Nintendo has turned to Mario Kart to improve sales of its Labo product.

The Switch concept has been positioned to boost the platform's appeal among mainstream audiences and families, yet despite performing solidly in its first week, the two Labo products - the Variety Pack and the Robot Pack - have yet to light up the charts. The game utilises cardboard creations that work with Nintendo's hardware.

Now the firm has revealed that Labo's cardboard accessories - namely the motorbike design - can be used to control Mario Kart 8: Deluxe. The Switch can be inserted into the motorbike for a motion-controlled experienced. Nintendo states that "more titles will be compatible with Nintendo Labo in the future".

In addition to the Mario Kart tie-up, Nintendo has also started the Nintendo Labo Creators Contest for Europe. The competition is looking for those that have created their own original 'Toy Con' cardboard accessory, those that have designed the best looking Labo product and there is also a special category for children under 12. Submissions begin next month and the contest closes in September.

Labo is part of an on-going effort from Nintendo to expand Switch beyond its core fans, which the firm acknowledges will be vital in its efforts to hit 100 million console sales. Other more mainstream fare planned for this year includes Super Mario Party and Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee.

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Christopher Dring avatar

Christopher Dring

Head of Games B2B

Chris is a 17-year media veteran specialising in the business of video games. And, erm, Doctor Who

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