Paid Tour Highlights New Nintendo Switch 2 Features

Nintendo has unveiled the **Switch 2 Welcome Tour**, a unique digital game set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike what many might expect, this intriguing title isn't included as a pack-in with the console but is instead offered as a separate, paid digital game. The announcement came during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, where the game was described as a "virtual exhibition" of the new hardware. According to Nintendo, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will allow players to explore the system's features through tech demos, minigames, and various interactive elements, providing an in-depth understanding of the new console.

The Direct showcased a player avatar navigating a larger-than-life version of the Switch 2, discovering various features and facts about the console. The game seems to function as a sort of virtual museum, complete with engaging minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo. Nintendo confirmed via the stream and a press release that the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop starting on the Switch 2's launch day.

While the concept of a guided tour through the new console's capabilities is certainly appealing, fans have expressed some confusion over why this educational tool is being sold separately rather than included as a free pack-in with the Nintendo Switch 2. As of now, no price has been announced for the game.

In addition to the Switch 2 Welcome Tour, the console will launch with a lineup of exciting titles including **Mario Kart World**, **Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster**, and **Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4**. Given the variety of launch titles, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour will need to stand out to justify its separate purchase amidst potentially tight budgets.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99 USD, or $499.99 for the bundle that includes **Mario Kart World**.

For those interested in learning more about the announcements from today's stream, you can find a detailed recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct [ttpp].