Nintendo Labo Explained: 9 Things You Need To Know

6. How It Works: The Piano

Onto the most complex of all the Labos inside the Variety Kit: The Piano not only takes two hours to assemble, but rolls together both Joy-Cons to simulate a number of functions from a real-world instrument.

Set up by housing the right Joy-Con at the back of the unit, pointing inwards, it effectively creates a constantly scanning, arching IR "beam" that can pick up all sorts of changes inside the piano itself. From here, the Switch will look for reflectors attached to the backs of each piano key, and when they appear within line of sight (done when you push down), it plays the note.

On top of this are tuning knobs you can insert into the top of the piano, which the IR sensor also factors into the notes being played. Lastly, different "punch cards" can be created (and come with the Variety Kit) that slot into the top of the piano, communicating with the Joy-Con sensor and telling the Switch what to display on-screen for you to play.

It's all really incredible, innovative stuff, and early hands-on reports have noted the setup is responsive and somewhat "magical" - a testament to how well thought-out each part of these kits are.