Summary
Nintendo Switch 2 launch titleNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris a paid digital-only release.Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwas one of the first games shown off for the Switch 2 during the latest Nintendo Direct presentation. The game essentially functions as a tech demo that shows off various Switch 2 features. Considering this, many likely assumed that it would be a pack-in title for the new console.
Video game consoles have a long history of pack-in titles, with classic examples likeWii Sportson the original Wii and, more recently,Astro’s Playroomfor the PS5. The original Nintendo Switch did not have a proper pack-in title of its own, though many thought that the mini-game compilation1-2-Switchwould have made sense as one.Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourseems like an even bigger no-brainer as a pack-in title, but it will instead be a paid release.
Nintendo did not elaborate as to whyNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwill be a paid game instead of a free pack-in title, but it must be confident that it will getSwitch 2 early adoptersto buy the game. Pricing information forNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris unavailable at the time of this writing, but if it’s nottooexpensive and if it’s high-quality, perhaps word of mouth will get people to buy it.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a Paid Digital Game
As for whatNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris, it’s essentially a collection of tech demo tutorials designed to teach gamers about the unique features of the Switch 2 console. It has players walking around a giant version of the Switch 2 console, clicking on question marks to learn more about the system’s design. Mini-games will also be available, with one example being a golf game using theJoy-Cons' mouse functionality. Based on the footage shown, it really does seem likeNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourwould be the perfect pack-in title, so it is baffling that it’s being sold as a premium release.
Deciding to launchNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touras a paid game isn’t the only controversial decision Nintendo is making when it comes to Switch 2 games. It’s also been confirmed that some Switch 2 games will cost $80, as opposed to the industry standard of $70. The first new Switch 2 game to hit this price point will beMario Kart World,a fellow Switch 2 launch titlealongsideNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
