The anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 continues to build as we edge closer to its release date. Among the much-anticipated titles slated for launch day is Welcome Tour, a game designed to familiarize players with their new console’s features. Drawing parallels to Astro’s Playroom, which debuted with the PlayStation 5, Welcome Tour is intended to serve as a guide. However, it stands out for one concerning reason that has caught many by surprise.
During the latest Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, a flurry of exciting updates unfolded, including the console’s official release date and price. Among these announcements was a shocking revelation regarding Welcome Tour: it will not be a complimentary title.
Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour Comes with a Price
Unexpected Price Tag Surprise
Initially, players were not braced for the news that Welcome Tour would be a paid game. It seems designed primarily as a tutorial to showcase the console’s capabilities. Despite still awaiting the exact price confirmation, the very existence of a price tag for what many view as an introductory experience has ignited long-standing debates. Indeed, initial impressions lean toward disappointment, as early glimpses of the gameplay have not particularly impressed.
Why Shouldn’t This Game Be Free?
Reimagining the Traditional Tutorial
Essentially a tutorial dressed up as a game, Welcome Tour aims to inform players about their new console features. The snippets shown during the Direct primarily revealed movement throughout the console’s virtual environment while learning button functionalities—an interesting concept but decidedly less than a full-fledged gameplay experience. The game should ideally arrive pre-installed with the console.
While the introduction hinted at several mini-games, details remain scarce, leaving potential players in suspense. There is a general expectation that educational tools, even if engaging, should not come at a cost. Paying for what feels like a glorified tutorial is, simply put, perplexing.
Learning from Astro’s Playroom: A Better Approach
Setting the Standard with a Free Option
Drawing an interesting comparison, Astro’s Playroom, bundled with the PS5, showcased how to effortlessly introduce console features without charging players. Each new PlayStation console not only thrilled buyers but also delivered a quality experience that was both fun and functional. The Nintendo Switch 2 is positioned similarly to the PlayStation 5—offering a premium experience, yet it seems to fail by not providing this educational tool without an additional fee.
Importantly, Astro’s Playroom was well-received for its quality, design, and nostalgic references, making it an unforgettable free addition. It wasn’t merely a marketing gimmick but rather a thoughtfully crafted introduction that set the stage for later premium games, such as the acclaimed Astro Bot. In contrast, Welcome Tour lacks that same level of appeal and charm.
A Look Back at Wii Sports: The Benchmark
When Bundled Games Made Sense
Reflecting on the past, the original Wii console came bundled with Wii Sports—a far richer experience than what Welcome Tour promises. Offering five sports options, it captivated audiences and provided endless entertainment, all while showcasing the revolutionary Wii controllers. This strategic decision made sense, especially when introducing new mechanics to players.
Today, the expectation of a free introductory experience feels less achievable, particularly as we’re asked to budget even modest amounts for a minimal tutorial. It diminishes the excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2, starting to feel more like a strategy to monetize than to engage. With games like Mario Kart World also tagging along at a premium price, it’s hard not to feel a sense of unease.
As we await the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch on June 5, there’s a palpable mix of excitement and skepticism. While some will undoubtedly purchase Welcome Tour regardless, the broader appeal may dwindle under the weight of its pricing structure—leaving many to speculate whether hidden gems exist to redeem its perceived shortcomings. Only time will tell.