Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour review: Glorified tech demo earns its price

by

In the build-up to the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Welcome Tour’s price faced significant backlash, and justifiably so given initial impressions. However, after completing my playthrough, I must say it offers approximately $10 worth of entertainment, particularly for dedicated Nintendo enthusiasts who crave information.

Discussions centered around prices when Nintendo revealed the game lineup for their upcoming Switch 2. Prices ranged from $80 USD for Mario Kart World to just $10 for the Welcome Tour, leaving potential buyers somewhat unenthused.

The Welcome Tour might appear simply as a tech demonstration, with small challenges and mini-games designed to display the capabilities of the new device. Since games like Astro Playroom and Wii Sports have been included for free in their respective systems, it’s understandable that some may feel frustrated about spending $10, despite the fun they might derive from it.

On the contrary, this is quite rich with content! For just $10, you’ll receive an intricate technical analysis of the latest system, numerous enjoyable and thought-provoking experiences, captivating game design ideas, and a touch of nostalgia that longtime Nintendo enthusiasts will appreciate.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour screenshots

1 of 6

So, what actually is the Welcome Tour?

The Welcome Tour offers an interactive, digital exploration of the Nintendo Switch 2 console’s hardware components. You’ll journey through elements like the Joy-Cons and internal circuit boards while solving challenges and taking quizzes as you go.

Beyond the mini-games, you’ll find things to gather and demonstrations of novel functions such as mouse control. Structurally, it’s not groundbreaking, but it offers its own perks.

A most pleasant showcase

Your tour initiates directly atop the Switch 2, but not for long as you quickly find yourself delving deep within its inner workings, which is figuratively like exploring the heart or core of the device.

It does get technical, but rest assured, the information is presented at a pace anyone can digest.

In addition to providing a tour, you’ll discover some behind-the-scenes insights about its development. Interestingly, Nintendo hints at similarities between the quality of the OLED screen on the original Switch and the LCD screen on the upcoming Switch 2, acknowledging that the latter has certain drawbacks compared to the former.

One debatable aspect is the necessity for additional hardware. Apart from the expensive acquisition of the machine, the game also demands extra investment to fully experience it.

In one area highlighted on the map, attention is given to the Switch 2 Camera. Unfortunately, if you don’t have this specific camera, or any other USB-powered webcam, then you won’t be able to participate. Additionally, a mini-game highlights the need for the Pro Controller since it demonstrates the use of its back buttons.

Although using Nintendo’s proprietary camera isn’t essential, it seems unusual that these specific aspects of the game stand out as exceptions, given the overall accessibility of the rest of the content.

To clarify, these two instances aren’t essential requirements. Instead, you’ll find that you can acquire all other elements within the game, but some uncommon medals might remain undiscovered.

Wario Ware lite

The main attraction of Welcome Tour are the mini-games, and there are some doozies here.

To begin with, let’s discuss the new motion sensor in the Joy-Con controllers. This sensor requires a combination of skills such as making accurate swipes, tilting at the correct instances, and gently guiding movement from one location to another.

In these racing games, players experience the novelty of using Joy-Con controllers in a manner similar to a computer mouse. By sliding the controller horizontally, the automobile moves from side to side. A tilt of the controller initiates a spin on two wheels for added thrill.

In this mouse-operated mini-game, you’re tasked with collecting and arranging various shapes onto specific ground locations. The novel technology used in this game demonstrates impressive accuracy, similar to high-quality computer mice.

Although they may not all be successful, let me assure you that I have earned every medal in each challenge, giving me a solid basis for my comments. Following my triumph in Welcome Tour, I must admit that I am unable to discern the distinction between a 20 frames per second (FPS) clip and one at 30 FPS.

It’s a pity that we don’t have a ranking system for the mini-games since the tougher ones could spark some exciting competitions. I’d be thrilled to discover my standing amongst the top Spiked Ball evaders globally.

Worth the price of admission

Straightforwardly speaking, it would have been delightful if the Welcome Tour game came pre-installed on the Switch 2 without any extra charges. Without a doubt, the conversation surrounding this decision would have been more positive, with many praising it as a genuine added value.

Although $10 seems fair for the six to eight hours of entertainment you’ll have, extra hardware expenses may make it less appealing if your goal is to collect all the awards.

Despite the current price, it’s still a well-balanced game that fulfills its purpose effectively. Not only is Welcome Tour entertaining, but it also serves as an impressive demonstration of its capabilities. It’s definitely worth exploring from start to finish to experience its full potential and enjoy some engaging mini-games along the journey.

Read More

2025-06-05 17:18