The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: An In-Depth Review

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the price of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. While the system itself comes with a hefty price tag, it is the cost of the games that has sparked a debate among gamers. However, one of the most surprising revelations made by Nintendo during the Switch 2’s unveiling was their decision to charge for the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour – a unique game designed to familiarize players with the new system.

Upon experiencing the Welcome Tour firsthand, it becomes clear why Nintendo decided to attach a price tag to the game. The Welcome Tour offers an exceptional gaming experience that showcases Nintendo’s creativity and innovation at its best.

In the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, players take on the role of a miniature character exploring the vast landscape of the Nintendo Switch 2. Whether you are a tiny figure navigating the entire machine, including Joy Cons, screens, and accessories, or a regular-sized person exploring a city-sized Switch 2, the experience is truly captivating. As you interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) and engage in various mini-games located in booths throughout the landscape, it feels like navigating a theme park.

Each mini-game within the Welcome Tour serves to showcase different functionalities of the Switch 2, from active features like the mouse pointer to more passive aspects such as the console’s display capabilities and the enhanced HD rumble technology.

These mini-games are not only entertaining but also educational. For instance, there is a game designed to help users understand the importance of frame rate by presenting animations and challenging players to identify the correct frame rate. This interactive experience effectively communicates the value of features like 120fps to players.

Similarly, there is a game that demonstrates the impact of 4K resolution by displaying a scaled-down version of Super Mario World 1-1 on screen. This visual representation effectively conveys the concept of higher resolutions to players, offering additional objectives and rewards for completion.

Other features of the Switch 2, such as HD Rumble and mouse control, are also showcased through engaging mini-games within the Welcome Tour. Players can explore the 3D model of the Switch 2, interact with key components, and participate in quiz booths to test their understanding of the demonstrated features.

While the Welcome Tour provides a delightful and informative experience, the decision to charge for it has raised some eyebrows. Priced at a modest amount, equivalent to around a fiver in the UK, some may find it surprising that Nintendo opted to sell this introductory game separately from the console.

Some may draw comparisons to Astro’s Playroom, a similar launch title that was bundled with its respective hardware, emphasizing the value of such introductory experiences for players. While the cost of the Welcome Tour may seem trivial, it raises questions about Nintendo’s pricing strategy amidst a changing economic landscape.

Despite the debate surrounding its price, the Welcome Tour offers a compelling and enjoyable introduction to the features of the Nintendo Switch 2. Whether players choose to purchase it or not, the game stands as a testament to Nintendo’s dedication to innovation and user experience. As the gaming industry evolves, it’s clear that companies like Nintendo are navigating new territories in terms of pricing and consumer expectations.