"New Nintendo Switch 2 Tour: A Paid Experience"

Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an innovative game set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, designed to provide an immersive guided tour of the new console's features. Contrary to what many might expect, this isn't a complimentary pack-in title but a separate, paid digital game available on the Nintendo eShop.

During today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour was described as a "virtual exhibition" that showcases the new hardware through tech demos, minigames, and interactive experiences. 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 featured footage of a small player avatar navigating a larger-than-life version of the Switch 2, exploring its features and learning about its capabilities. The game acts like a virtual museum, complemented by engaging minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.

Nintendo confirmed during the live stream and in 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. While this tour offers a fascinating way to explore the new console, fans are questioning why it's not included as a free pack-in, especially since no price has been announced yet.

The Switch 2 is set to launch with other exciting titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. As the Switch 2 Welcome Tour competes for consumer spending alongside these major releases, it will be interesting to see how gamers prioritize their purchases.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price 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, make sure to check out our detailed recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.