Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience

Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an innovative digital game set to launch alongside the eagerly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike what many might expect, this isn't a complimentary pack-in with the console but a separate, paid digital title available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop starting from the Switch 2's launch day.

During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company described the Switch 2 Welcome Tour as a "virtual exhibition" that offers an in-depth exploration of the new system's features. Through interactive tech demos, engaging minigames, and other interactive experiences, players will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Nintendo Switch 2. The Direct showcased a player avatar navigating a larger-than-life Switch 2, learning about its capabilities and functionalities as if in a virtual museum. Minigames like Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo were also highlighted, adding a playful element to the learning experience.

Nintendo has confirmed through their stream and an official press release that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase on the launch day of the Nintendo Switch 2. While this unique tool offers an intriguing way to explore the new console, fans have expressed curiosity and some disappointment over its status as a paid digital game rather than a complimentary pack-in. As of now, no price has been announced for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

Alongside the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with other titles such as Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. This diverse lineup might challenge consumers' budgets on launch day, given the additional cost of the Welcome Tour.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 USD, or $499.99 for the bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

To stay updated on all the announcements made during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, make sure to check out our comprehensive recap [ttpp].