Nintendo has unveiled the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a unique digital game set to launch alongside the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This game, however, will not be included as a pack-in with the console but will be available as a separate, paid digital title on the Nintendo eShop starting on the Switch 2's launch day.

During the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour was described as a "virtual exhibition" designed to familiarize players with the new hardware through tech demos, minigames, and interactive elements. The game features a player avatar navigating a larger-than-life model of the Switch 2, exploring its features and learning about its capabilities in a museum-like setting. Among the minigames showcased were Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo, offering players a fun way to engage with the new system.

Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase on the launch day of the Switch 2, set for June 5, 2025. The console itself will be priced at $449.99 USD, with a bundle option including Mario Kart World available for $499.99 USD.

While the Switch 2 Welcome Tour offers an intriguing way to explore the new console's features, fans have expressed surprise and some disappointment that it is not a free pack-in title. The decision to make it a paid digital game has sparked discussions, especially considering the other launch titles like Mario Kart World, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4 that will also be vying for consumer attention and spending.

For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, you can find our detailed recap here.

This launch strategy by Nintendo aims to not only introduce the new hardware but also to provide an engaging and educational experience for players, albeit at an additional cost.