Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience of Your New Console

Nintendo has unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an exciting new game set to launch alongside the highly anticipated Switch 2 console. Contrary to what many might expect, this isn't a complimentary pack-in title but a standalone, paid digital game available on the Nintendo eShop from the day the Switch 2 hits the market.

During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Welcome Tour was showcased as a "virtual exhibition" designed to introduce players to the new hardware through tech demos, minigames, and interactive experiences. Nintendo promises that this will allow users to "get to know the new system inside and out in ways they may never have known about otherwise." The footage presented during the Direct featured a small player avatar navigating a gigantic model of the Switch 2, exploring its features and learning interesting facts. The tour resembles a virtual museum but also includes 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 on the launch day of the Switch 2. While this tool offers a unique way to explore the new console's capabilities, fans have expressed surprise and curiosity over its status as a paid digital game rather than a free inclusion with the console. As of now, no specific pricing has been announced.

In addition to the Welcome Tour, the Switch 2's launch lineup includes titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. As consumers weigh their options, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will need to stand out amidst these high-profile releases, especially considering budget constraints.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 USD. A bundle option, including Mario Kart World, will be available for $499.99.

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, make sure to visit our detailed recap.