Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: A Fun Introduction

06/02/2025 Nintendo Switch

Get ready for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch with the Welcome Tour, a collection of 20 mini-games and 14 tech demos designed to showcase the console's capabilities. This isn't just a simple tutorial; it's a fun and engaging experience that lets you explore the new hardware and software features in a playful way.

Mini-Games and Tech Demos

The mini-games offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences. Imagine dodging spiked balls in a fast-paced spaceship game, testing your memory with a tile-matching challenge, or popping balloons in a first-person perspective. There's even a driving game that utilizes the Joy-Con's motion controls for a unique tilt-steering experience.

The tech demos are equally impressive, providing a side-by-side comparison of the Switch 2's graphical prowess. See the difference between 20fps and 120fps in real-time, and explore a model viewer that lets you adjust resolutions on the fly, showcasing the visual improvements firsthand. Even a fun macarena demonstration shows off the haptic feedback of the new Joy-Cons.

More Than Just a Tutorial

Beyond the games and demos, the Welcome Tour includes an in-game quiz to test your knowledge of the Switch 2's features. It's a clever way to reinforce what you've learned while having fun. The game aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the console, making it easier for new users to familiarize themselves with its features without needing to pore over a lengthy instruction manual.

A Paid Experience

While some might question the decision to sell the Welcome Tour separately, instead of including it for free like Astro's Playroom on the PS5, Nintendo has defended this choice, emphasizing the significant development effort invested in the game. This contrasts with the free Wii Sports pack-in from the Wii era. Ultimately, the Welcome Tour is a standalone purchase, priced affordably at £7.99.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour launches on June 5th alongside the console itself, promising a fun and informative introduction to Nintendo's latest handheld/console hybrid.