Summary
Nintendo has addressed the ongoing controversy related toNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, as players are frustrated that the new system’s tech demo won’t be included for free. It was previously confirmed thatNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwould cost $9.99, and the company is now defending this decision, offering new insight into what the title will include.
During a lengthy Direct livestream on April 2, fans were given theirfirst proper look at the Nintendo Switch 2, including the new console’s specs, initial game lineup, and more. Eager gamers got their first glimpse at the first round of first-party titles coming to the Switch 2 at or around launch, includingMario Kart World,Donkey Kong: Bananza, andKirby Air Riders. Numerous ports were also detailed, including many graphically intense games such asCyberpunk 2077andFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. While initial feedback was positive, Nintendo has faced pushback after not divulging the Switch 2’s price during the hour-long stream, while also keeping the price of games under wraps.
Fans got their first look atNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourduring the stream, a tech demo and “virtual exhibition” of the new console and its many capabilities and secrets. Controversy quickly broke out, however, when players learned that the title wouldn’t be included for free, and would instead cost $9.99. Many pointed out thatAstro’s Playroomwas included with every PlayStation 5 for free as a way to highlight the DualSense controller. Now, in an interview withIGN, Nintendo of America’s Vice President of Product and Player Experience, Bill Trinen, is defending this choice. Trinen stressed that there is muchmore toNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourthan meets the eye, and that players with an interest in the console’s tech and specs will find the title particularly rewarding. He also stressed how much work and care the development team put into it, stating that “$9.99 is not an exorbitant price.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Is for Players More Interested in the System’s Specs
However, many fans will likely not be pacified by this response. The base console will cost $449.99, with certainSwitch 2 games costing $80 for digitaland $90 for physical copies, something that has caused an uproar in the gaming community. Additionally, Switch 2 game upgrades will be sold separately, and the system’s GameChat feature will only be available to those with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription after its trial period ends in March 2026.
Although the new console is slated to release worldwide on June 5,Switch 2 pre-orders in the UShave been delayed due to the “potential impact” of President Trump’s tariffs. Pre-orders were initially planned to begin on April 9, and it’s currently unclear when they will start.
