Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Review — The Pack-In That Wasn’t

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The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour stands out as an unusual component of the Switch 2’s launch lineup due to its emphasis on what it lacks rather than what it offers. Unlike traditional video games, it doesn’t fall under this category. It also doesn’t belong to any established franchise. Most significantly, unlike many other launches, it isn’t a free game included with the console purchase.

In most instances, I strive to disregard the cost of games when reviewing them. I believe that each game holds its own worth based on what one is willing to pay for it, and prices can vary. However, Welcome Tour stands out as an exception due to its impeccably crafted identity that seems tailor-made to serve as a pack-in game to introduce the hypothetical Switch 2 to new users. Yet, it falls short of this expectation.

As an enthusiastic admirer, let me share that this guide is meticulously crafted for the upcoming Switch 2, demystifying all its innovative elements in easy-to-understand language. For seasoned Switch 2 players, it’s an excellent investment guide, but for those new to the gaming world who Nintendo aims to attract as part of their “Blue Ocean” strategy, the technical jargon like VRR and HDR might seem like a puzzle. However, the in-game tutorials make these complex topics accessible by breaking them down into simple terms, supplemented with videos and demonstrations when required, allowing you to appreciate the difference firsthand. Frankly, it’s quite fascinating! I can envision myself handing this over to my parents and seeing them gain a better grasp of next-gen gaming technology, even if they don’t fully understand it yet.

However, this also points out a conundrum with Welcome Tour. The Switch 2, being a high-end tech device, is targeted towards enthusiasts. It’s unlikely that those purchasing it are novice gamers unaccustomed to these advanced ideas. Consequently, Welcome Tour appears to be aimed at both tech aficionados and casual fans, or households containing both. For the tech-savvy audience, the explanations may seem overly simplified and boring. It’s intriguing to observe Nintendo explaining its core concepts in easy-to-understand terms, but maintaining interest throughout can be challenging. Moreover, these informational kiosks have a corporate feel, and each tutorial is followed by a quick quiz to gauge attention, with an added smart feature that highlights the incorrect sections.

For both beginners and experienced users, what really stands out are the mini-games and demonstrations. They make the features more accessible by allowing you to interact with them directly. For instance, there are HD Rumble demos that highlight the intricate details of various items, making it seem like they’re within the controller or on the screen itself. A 4K demo offers a clear view of Mario running across World 1-1 from one side to another, all presented in tiny pixels stretching across your entire TV. One demonstration showcases how HD Rumble can produce distinct (albeit rough) sound effects. There are games designed to display the precise movement capabilities of the mouse, such as navigating around electric trap walls, removing paint from a wall, or a simple putting challenge. Lastly, there’s a game that tests your ability to identify differences in frame rates. These practical demonstrations are innovative and do a much better job at explaining the features than any amount of text could.

In Welcome Tour, you’re tasked with selecting a miniature figurine and navigating it across various sections and accessories of the Switch 2. The experience is split into two main areas: Stamps, where you gather all pieces of a specific area to earn stamps; and Progression, which advances once you’ve found every stamp in the current section. For instance, locating the Joy-Con parts involves finding hidden kiosks near the analog stick and face buttons on both controllers, even though they are essentially mirrored images. The game includes various details like audio jacks or logos as stamps to find. As you delve deeper into the console, it can be time-consuming to search for every tiny detail, especially when distinguishing walkable paths becomes challenging. Essentially, Nintendo wants you to become an expert on the Switch 2’s internal layout.

Progression continues with the acquisition of medals, earned by participating in the mentioned quizzes, finishing mini-games, and viewing interactive presentations. Accumulating a certain amount of medals will open up additional levels for older mini-games, making it worthwhile to revisit previous stages if you aim for 100% completion.

In essence, the game offers an intricate look at the hardware components, delving deeper into complex industrial design aspects. This includes the innovative features of the new magnetic Joy-Cons for the Switch 2, such as their U-shaped internal structure and small gaps, ensuring a secure yet flexible fit, and the explanation of the HD Rumble technology in these controllers compared to its predecessors. Although these specifics may not directly apply to my everyday use of the Switch 2, I appreciate the comprehensive insight into the design process behind it.

In the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, there’s an unusual mini-game-like feature that seems a bit odd. As you traverse through the console, you come across misplaced items such as a cap or two here and there. The aim is to return these lost items to a Lost & Found kiosk. However, you can only carry one item at a time. If you try to pick up more than one, the game advises against overexertion by carrying two caps, for instance. Consequently, while exploring the console, you frequently need to retrace your steps back to the Information desk in the initial area (controlled by one of the Joy-Con controllers) to deposit items before retrieving another. It appears that Nintendo intended to provide an additional task, but this fetch quest is not enjoyable due to its self-imposed restrictions.

Upon completing the search for all stamps in the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, you receive a message from the museum curator, mirroring the manner Nintendo has employed throughout this experience. The Welcome Tour serves as an interactive, virtual exhibit showcasing Nintendo’s latest hardware piece, maintaining a soothing and welcoming atmosphere much like a traditional museum.

Spending time in this virtual museum is reminiscent of an afternoon at a physical one, where you can appreciate the displays and gain some insights. However, there seems to be a hint of self-consciousness reflected in the decision to charge for it – as if Nintendo fears that people will undervalue it if it’s free. Ideally, it would follow the model of many esteemed museums, offering free admission so the content could shine on its own merit. The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is far from worthless; it’s a meticulously crafted, informative, and occasionally challenging introduction to the new hardware. It’s unfortunate that Nintendo didn’t follow the example of many great museums, where the cost is irrelevant, allowing the work within to speak for itself.

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2025-06-17 00:11