Nintendo has unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a unique digital game set to launch alongside the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike what many might expect, this isn't a complimentary pack-in, but rather a separate, paid digital title available on the Nintendo eShop.
Showcased during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Welcome Tour is described by Nintendo as a "virtual exhibition" of the new hardware. The game offers an immersive experience where players can explore the system through tech demos, minigames, and interactive features. This allows users to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Switch 2's capabilities and features in a fun and engaging way.
The Direct presentation featured a player avatar navigating a larger-than-life Switch 2, learning about its various aspects as if in a virtual museum. The game also includes entertaining minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo, enhancing the interactive learning experience.
Nintendo confirmed via the live stream and a press release that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase starting on the launch day of the Switch 2. This decision to make it a paid title rather than a free pack-in has sparked some curiosity and discussion among fans, especially since no price has been disclosed yet.
Alongside the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, the console's launch lineup includes eagerly awaited titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4. With a variety of high-profile games competing for attention, the Welcome Tour will need to prove its worth to gamers mindful of their budgets.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated to hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99 USD, or $499.99 for a bundle that includes Mario Kart World.
For a detailed overview of all the announcements made during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, be sure to visit our comprehensive recap.
