Nintendo Unveils Switch 2 Launch Title Developer

Nintendo fans have now learned the developer behind the Switch 2 launch title, Welcome Tour. This collection of mini-games also serves as an interactive tutorial for the new console, leading many to argue it should have been offered for free.

Although Welcome Tour doesn't credit itself within the game, the studio behind Mario Party, Nintendo Cube (formerly NDCube), has updated its website to confirm its involvement.

Nintendo Cube is a Tokyo-based Nintendo subsidiary established in 2000, often tasked with the company's various mini-game compilation projects. It developed the middling Wii Party (distinct from the better-received Wii Play, which included a Wii Remote), as well as the underwhelming Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival for Wii U.

More recently, Nintendo Cube released the competent Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics for the original Switch, followed by the infamous Everybody 1-2 Switch. This party game sequel launched quietly and earned Nintendo some of its poorest review scores in years. (IGN's 4/10 review noted, "Everybody 1-2-Switch might be the first party game I’ve played where I ended up with fewer friends afterwards.")

However, Nintendo Cube is best known for the Mario Party series. It took over as the primary developer for the hugely popular party franchise starting with Mario Party 9 in 2012, continuing with Mario Party 10, Mario Party Star Rush, Mario Party: The Top 100, Super Mario Party, and Mario Party Superstars.

Nintendo Cube's next release is Super Mario Party Jamboree: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV. This Switch 2 update for Super Mario Party Jamboree utilizes the new console's mouse controls and optional camera peripheral and is scheduled for July 24.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Slideshow

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Despite its budget price, Welcome Tour faced criticism for its heavy reliance on mouse-control games. To fully experience everything and earn gold medals, players need a camera peripheral, a Switch 2 Charging Grip or Pro Controller, and a 4K TV.

"Even if Welcome Tour were the bundled game it seems designed to be, its charming concept is executed as a muddled collection of quaint tech demos and dull trivia, presented as an unengaging completionist checklist," IGN wrote in its Welcome Tour review.