Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience

Nintendo has unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an exciting new game that will launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. This game, however, will not be included as a pack-in with the console but will be available as a separate, paid digital download. During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Welcome Tour was introduced as a "virtual exhibition" designed to familiarize players with the new hardware through tech demos, minigames, and interactive experiences.

The footage from the Direct showcased a player avatar navigating through a larger-than-life model of the Nintendo Switch 2, learning about its various features and functionalities. The game functions much like a virtual museum, providing educational content alongside fun minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase from the Nintendo eShop on the day the Switch 2 launches. Although the concept is intriguing, the decision to make this a paid digital-only title rather than a free pack-in has sparked curiosity among fans. As of now, the price for the Welcome Tour has not been disclosed.

In addition to the Welcome Tour, the Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with highly anticipated titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. With a variety of compelling games to choose from, the Welcome Tour will need to stand out to justify its cost.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set 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 from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our detailed recap.