(Image credit: Nintendo)
The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is… intriguing to say the least. As one of the fortunate few to have already tried the Nintendo Switch 2—not yet tasting its games, though—I often find myself reminiscing about my adventures in Mario Kart World, playing Donkey Kong Bananza, and others. I’m currently trying to wrap my head around the dual mouse controls in the 3-on-3 basketball game Drag x Drive. However, my feelings about the aptly named Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour are clear: total perplexity.
In case you missed the announcement, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a mini-game laden, Switch 2-branded title akin to Astro’s Playroom with the PS5 theme. It’s packed with tech demos, fun facts, and interactive elements that serve as a sort of digital manual. If you’re interested in exploring the essence of the Nintendo Switch 2 within a digital realm resembling an IKEA structure made from console components, the Welcome Tour is perfect for you.
Unlike Astro’s Playroom, however, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour doesn’t come packaged with the system. Instead, it’s an additional purchase priced at $9.99, on top of the $450 for the console itself. Many, myself included, are puzzled as to why Nintendo isn’t offering it complimentary with the Switch 2. But having experienced it firsthand, my thoughts remain largely unchanged.
“It’s a pretty robust piece of software,” stated Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America’s VP of Product and Player Experience, during an interview with IGN after a hands-on event. He added, “For those intrigued by tech specs and system details, this will be a worthwhile product. It’s meant for those seeking in-depth information about the system, rather than a quick walkthrough of its capabilities. The dedication of the team behind it justifies the $9.99 price tag—it offers good value for the content provided.”
Nintendo has indeed filled the Welcome Tour with rich details, prompting multiple replays of mini-games for higher scores to unlock even more content. These challenges taught me about features like the magnets in the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons, the highly detailed rumble capabilities, and the game card slot through various quizzes placed in the digital version of the left Joy-Con 2 and Switch 2 screen.
When juxtaposed with other upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games, these elements appear interesting but not essential. I often think back to the Wii U’s Nintendo Land, a decent game once sold for $60 without being bundled in the Wii U Deluxe Set. At a mere $10, the Welcome Tour can feel somewhat inexpensive, making it even less appealing.
It’s worth noting the Welcome Tour version I experienced is not what others will receive at launch. The right Joy-Con 2 was off-limits, the demo restricted to specific zones, and alleged fetch quests weren’t functional. The entire experience lasted around 20 minutes, urging me to speed through areas, arguably not the most enjoyable way to experience any video game.
While Welcome Tour is not necessarily a bad game, it’s a peculiar offering from Nintendo, known for its unique and often successful ventures. But here, the logic escapes me. The $10 price suggests a casual, “Why not” acquisition, yet it feels too low for a game that could have been complimentary, considering the higher price of the Switch sequel. Truthfully, it leaves an unwelcome vibe.