Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience

Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an innovative game set to launch alongside the highly anticipated Switch 2. Unlike a traditional pack-in title, this intriguing piece of software will be available as a separate, paid digital game. Showcased during today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour promises to be a "virtual exhibition" that introduces players to the new hardware in an engaging and interactive manner.

According to Nintendo, "through tech demos, minigames, and other interactions, players will get to know the new system inside and out in ways they may never have known about otherwise." The Direct presentation featured footage of a small player avatar navigating a larger-than-life Switch 2, exploring various features and learning about the system's capabilities. The game functions as a virtual museum, complete with educational content and fun minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.

Nintendo confirmed via live stream and a press release that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase from the Nintendo eShop on the Switch 2's launch day. Despite its educational value, fans have expressed curiosity and some disappointment that this useful tool is not included as a free pack-in with the console. As of now, no specific price has been announced for the game.

The Switch 2 will launch with a robust lineup including titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. While the Welcome Tour offers a unique showcase of the new console's features, it will need to justify its cost amidst competition from other launch titles vying for consumer attention and budgets.

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

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements made during today's stream, be sure to check out our detailed recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.