Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Which Everyone Thinks Should Be Free, Requires $95 of Accessories and a 4K TV for 100% Completion

Nintendo’s new *Switch 2 Welcome Tour* — a $10 mini-game collection that many fans expected to be free — is now available alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Designed as an interactive introduction to the console’s new features, the experience includes a variety of bite-sized games and tech demos meant to showcase the upgraded hardware. However, completing all content requires more than just the game itself.

To unlock every mini-game and reach 100% completion, players must own additional accessories totaling around $95 or more. This includes support for the Switch 2's built-in camera, the new GL/GR buttons found only on the optional Charging Grip or Pro Controller, and access to a 4K TV for certain visual demonstrations.

What Accessories Are Required?

• Camera: One mini-game requires the use of the Switch 2’s camera, which costs $54.99 as a standalone accessory.
• GL/GR Buttons: Another mini-game demands the use of the new GL and GR shoulder buttons, which are not present on standard Joy-Con controllers. To access them, you’ll need either a $39.99 Charging Grip or the $84.99 Pro Controller.
• 4K TV: A final mini-game and a separate HDR tech demo require a 4K-compatible display. If you're planning to play primarily in handheld mode, this portion will remain inaccessible.

While third-party USB-C webcams may serve as a cheaper alternative to the official camera, the GL/GR button requirement cannot be bypassed without purchasing one of the supported controllers. Additionally, older Switch Pro Controllers do not include these new inputs, meaning even existing accessories won't suffice. Due to recent tariffs, the cost of these controllers has also increased slightly over initial estimates.

A Missed Opportunity?

The decision to sell *Switch 2 Welcome Tour* separately has drawn criticism from both players and critics alike. Many feel that an experience designed to introduce users to the console’s core features should have been included at no extra cost—similar to how *Wii Sports* was bundled with the original Wii. Former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé echoed this sentiment, recalling his successful push to make *Wii Sports* a free inclusion outside of Japan during its launch.

IGN recently pointed out that the conversation around *Welcome Tour* has suffered due to this paywall, stating, “Everyone has to decide if it's worth their $10 to learn about the Switch 2 cartridge slot and watch an HDR fireworks display.” With added accessory requirements, Nintendo risks alienating users who might otherwise engage with the full breadth of the console’s capabilities.

Additional Concerns

In other early-launch news, reports have surfaced of damaged Switch 2 units caused by retailers using staples to puncture the thin console boxes. Buyers are advised to inspect packaging carefully upon receipt, especially when purchasing physical bundles that include the *Welcome Tour*.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Slideshow

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