Nintendo's Switch 2 marks one of 2025's most anticipated launches, but the company's console deep dive still managed to leave a lot of gamers scratching their heads in confusion. From the shocking price points of its planned games to the announcement of Mario Kart World, the Nintendo Direct event for the Switch 2 caused some whiplash, as the broadcast brought both excitement and frustration. However, it's clear that Nintendo has found inspiration from another company in the eight years since the first Switch launched.
An array of first-party exclusives and third-party hits were revealed at the Nintendo Direct event. Among the roster of major titles was Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This small game is meant to give players a more detailed look at what the Switch 2 is capable of. Sony's Astro's Playroom offered a similar introduction to the PS5, and while Nintendo is putting its own spin on the concept, it could be an interesting way to learn about the Switch 2.
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Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Takes Inspiration From Astro's Playroom, But With One Controversial Change
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Sidesteps the Best Part About Astro's Playroom
- Astro's Playroom was included as a free tech demo for the PS5.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be a paid game.
Nintendo has yet to announce an official price tag for worldwide markets, but in Japan, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is priced at 990 yen, which is about $7 USD. This has, understandably, caused outrage from many prospective Switch 2 buyers. Gamers have been quite vocal on the internet over their dislike of this price point. Reddit user Smoliwas commented, "Requiring a fee for a technology demo is ridiculous." Generally, this sentiment has been shared across the gaming community, especially when a tech demo as strong as Astro's Playroom was free. There are a lot of surprising aspects about the Switch 2, and the approach to Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is definitely one of the most shocking.
The Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, and is priced at $450 USD.
What Does Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Offer Players?
- An interactive exhibit that resembles a giant Switch 2
- Through the exhibit, players can discover details about the Switch, like tech specifics and mechanics.
- Quizzes
- Mini-games
The official Nintendo website states, "Explore basic features, like the magnetic connectors that keep the Joy-Con 2 controllers firmly attached, and more advanced tech details that you might not otherwise notice." While the basic controls and features can be discovered simply by playing, the promise of more advanced controls is intriguing. However, the fact that it's kept behind a price tag is likely to deter a lot of gamers. There have already been some controversies surrounding the Switch 2, and game price is definitely one of the most prevalent.
Considering that there is already a lot of backlash about Nintendo's planned tech demo, it will be fascinating to see if the company backpedals on its price point. This is unlikely, but if Nintendo made Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour free, the company could potentially have a strong tech demo formula that could be repeated with future consoles.
Many Switch 2 games are set to cost between $80 and $90 USD.
Welcome Tour May Not Be Astro's Playroom Just Yet, But There is Still Potential
Once the Switch 2 launches, it will be interesting to see how many users buy the tech demo, if at all. Tech demos as launch titles are a great idea, but they are far more effective if included with the system.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour may be one of the most controversial announcements from the console's showcase, which is a shame, since it has the potential to be a solid tutorial. As the launch of the Switch 2 draws closer, only time will tell if gamers are willing to purchase its tech demo.
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Storage
- 256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- App Store
- Nintendo eShop
- Wi-Fi
- Yes