Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience

Nintendo has unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a unique digital game designed to introduce players to the new features of the Switch 2. This isn't a free pack-in with the console but a separate, paid digital title available on the Nintendo eShop starting on the Switch 2's launch day.

During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Welcome Tour was presented as a "virtual exhibition" of the new hardware. According to Nintendo, the game will allow players to explore the system through tech demos, mini-games, and various interactive elements. This immersive experience aims to familiarize users with the Switch 2 in an engaging way, offering insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Direct showcased a player avatar navigating a giant, virtual model of the Switch 2, interacting with different sections to learn about its features. The game also includes mini-games such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo, turning the experience into a sort of interactive museum.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop on the launch day of the Switch 2. While this tool is an intriguing way to showcase the console, fans have expressed surprise and curiosity about its status as a paid digital game rather than a complimentary inclusion with the console. The price of the Welcome Tour has not yet been disclosed.

Alongside the Welcome Tour, the Switch 2 will launch with titles such as Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. As the Switch 2 enters the market, it will face competition for consumer spending, making the decision to purchase additional content like the Welcome Tour an important consideration for gamers.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price of $449.99 USD. A bundle including Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99 USD.

To stay updated on all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our comprehensive recap.