Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience

Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an innovative digital game set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. This unique offering is not a free pack-in with the console but a separately purchasable digital title available on the Nintendo eShop from day one.

During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Welcome Tour was described as a "virtual exhibition" designed to familiarize players with the new hardware through tech demos, minigames, and interactive elements. The showcased footage revealed a player avatar navigating a larger-than-life representation of the Switch 2, exploring various features and learning about the system in depth. The tour includes engaging minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo, transforming the experience into a virtual museum of the new console's capabilities.

Despite its educational value, fans have expressed surprise and curiosity over the decision to make this a paid digital game rather than a complimentary inclusion with the Switch 2. As of now, the price has not been disclosed.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99 USD, or $499.99 for a bundle that includes Mario Kart World. Alongside the Welcome Tour, the console will launch with titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4, presenting a diverse lineup that will vie for consumer attention and spending.

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find our detailed recap here.