Say Hello to the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, Nintendo’s Tech Demo That Costs Money
Anticipation builds as the Nintendo Switch 2 gears up for its grand debut, with more details emerging on what to expect from this next-generation console. During a recent event on April 3, Nintendo unveiled a myriad of specs for the new device, along with the announcement of a fresh title, Switch 2 Welcome Tour, designed as a tutorial game highlighting the console’s innovative features.
Nintendo reveals that Switch 2 Welcome Tour will consist of “tech demos, minigames, and quizzes,” all crafted to immerse players in the new Switch 2 experience, with functionalities like using the controller as a mouse and the enhanced HD Rumble feature taking center stage.
The game provides hands-on experience with the updated Joy-Con controllers. For instance, the improved HD Rumble feature positions the vibration mechanisms closer to where players grip the controllers, amplifying the tactile feedback. As players progress through the minigames, they earn medals that unlock further segments of the game until all sections are completed.
This intriguing game is set for release on June 5, coinciding with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console itself. Although preorders for the console faced setbacks due to recent tariff changes, the launch timeline remains unadjusted.
While the Switch 2 Welcome Tour proposes an engaging introduction to the console’s capabilities, one sticking point remains – it’s not a free inclusion with the console. Nintendo has yet to set an official price, but fans are already vocal about their dissatisfaction, especially given the timing alongside the launch of other premium titles like Mario Kart World, marked at $80.
The decision to make this introductory game a separate purchase has not gone down well with some critics, especially when juxtaposed with Sony’s PlayStation 5, which bundled Astro’s Playroom at no extra cost as an introduction to its new features. The sentiment that the tutorial should be integrated into the system by default is a common refrain among the Nintendo community.
“That’s definitely a…choice?” comments one user, baffled by the reasoning behind a paid tutorial.
Others share a similar view, with players quick to point out the disparity in this paid service. The skepticism has led many to plan on leveraging the free content created by gaming enthusiasts and YouTubers, opting to watch guided gameplay videos showcasing the tutorial rather than purchasing it themselves.
However, as gaming industry history shows, fan critiques don’t always predict sales performance. Even with its share of social media complaints pre-launch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild saw astronomical sales figures, even surpassing the very console it debuted with in 2017.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour might face a similar trajectory – initial skepticism easing into acceptance as the allure of exploring the new console ultimately proves irresistible to fans worldwide.
