Nintendo has unveiled an exciting new feature for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2: the Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This innovative game, launching alongside the new console, offers players a unique opportunity to explore the Switch 2's advanced hardware through a digital, paid experience. Rather than being bundled with the console, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available as a separate purchase on the Nintendo eShop starting on the Switch 2's launch day.
During the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo showcased the Switch 2 Welcome Tour as a "virtual exhibition" of the new system. According to Nintendo, "through tech demos, minigames, and other interactions, players will get to know the new system inside and out in ways they may never have known about otherwise." The presentation featured a player avatar navigating a giant, interactive model of the Switch 2, learning about its features and capabilities. This virtual tour includes mini-games such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo, making it an engaging and educational experience.
While the concept of the Switch 2 Welcome Tour is intriguing, it has sparked some curiosity among fans as to why it's not a free pack-in with the console. As of now, no specific pricing has been announced for this digital-only game.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch with a robust lineup of games, including Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. With the Switch 2 Welcome Tour competing for consumer attention and budget, it will be interesting to see how it fares against these other titles.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a price of $449.99 USD, or $499.99 for the bundle that includes Mario Kart World. For a detailed overview of all the announcements from today's stream, be sure to check out our comprehensive recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
