"Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Paid Experience"

Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a unique game set to launch alongside the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Contrary to what many might expect, this isn't a complimentary pack-in title but a separate, paid digital game available on the Nintendo eShop from the console's launch day.

During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour was described as a "virtual exhibition" designed to introduce players to the new hardware through tech demos, minigames, and interactive experiences. The showcased footage featured a player avatar navigating a larger-than-life Switch 2, exploring its features and learning about its capabilities. The game includes minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo, turning the experience into a sort of virtual museum.

Nintendo confirmed via their stream and a press release that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase on the launch day of the Nintendo Switch 2. While the concept is intriguing, fans have expressed curiosity and some disappointment over its status as a paid digital-only game rather than a free pack-in with the console. As of now, no specific price has been announced for the Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch with a robust lineup of games, including Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. With such a competitive launch slate, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will need to stand out to justify its separate purchase.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a price tag of $449.99 USD, or $499.99 for the bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to check out our detailed recap.