The Nintendo Switch 2 is less than a month away, and we’re looking back at that glorious Switch 2 Direct that led us to where we are today. It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago we knew next to nothing about the Switch 2, and now we know almost everything, from the hardware to the launch game lineup. It’s an exciting time to be a Nintendo fan, but I think it’s time we discuss the biggest disappointment about the Switch 2 launch that Nintendo clearly has no desire to change – Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour really should be a free release.
The industry is in a rough state at the moment. Between tariffs increasing hardware prices of pretty much every major platform except Nintendo’s, and games development and distribution costs seeing other companies start pricing games at $80, clearly there’s a push to grow by any means necessary, regardless of consumer cost. The Switch 2 has these same challenges, with accessory prices rising in the United States due to tariffs, and the system unavailable completely in some parts of the world due to economic struggles, such as in Central America. Everything seems uncertain, everything costs more, but Nintendo could’ve given us something a little extra with our new Switch 2 systems to help the reality set in easier.
The reveal, and the let down
In case you missed it, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a game releasing exclusively on the Switch 2 day one as the system launches, and it functions, as Nintendo puts it, as an “interactive exhibit” that showcases the hardware, technology and features of the Nintendo Switch 2. The gameplay features tiny characters like museum guests, exploring hugely oversized Nintendo Switch 2 accessories and hardware. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Astro’s Playroom on PS5, in which the lovable Astro Bot explores PlayStation hardware and history. More on that later though.
The game looked great, but the internet let out a unanimous sigh as it was revealed that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a paid title. Priced at $10/£8, it’s hardly a fully priced game, but it’s still an unnecessary cost for a game that only exists to promote and hype up the console you just purchased. Regardless of price, the internet was not pleased that Nintendo was clawing at more money for what is effectively a fleshed out tech demo – and history plays a part in why they expected more.
Past precedent: Astro Bot and Wii Sports
Every PlayStation 5 console comes free with Astro’s Playroom, the game we mentioned just a moment ago. It’s a celebration of PlayStation history, and features levels and challenges that are designed to show off the PS5 and its accessories features, along with the tech that powers it. It’s a family friendly game that gives something for everyone, and it came at no extra cost. It’s quite a direct comparison to Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, with both being hardware demonstrations and tech demos presented in a packaged game, but for some reason Nintendo’s costs money.
It’s surprising, because Nintendo are no stranger to free games. Wii Sports was a free game bundled with every Nintendo Wii, so families and individuals had something to play straight away once they unboxed the console. It’s not the only time Nintendo has given players something free – during the pandemic they released the Jump Rope Challenge fitness game for the Nintendo Switch that used the Joy-Con controllers like a skipping rope. The game was made by a small team and developed from home, released for free globally in June 2020 to allow gamers to stay fit using their Nintendo Switch accessories. They’re no stranger to free things or bundled-in games, and there’s an industry precedent. However, Nintendo still chose not to.
But… it’s not too late!
Despite Nintendo’s insistence the game is remaining paid, with no changes made after the internet outrage, it still isn’t too late. If Nintendo doesn’t want to make Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour free with all systems, maybe it could be included with other products or sales. For example, what if players got the game free with their first eShop purchase on the Switch 2? Alternatively, what if it came free when updating your eShop account wallet with a certain amount? There are ways to implement it, and we really hope they do. They may not have responded to it yet, but it’s not too late to make Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour free, and honestly, it should be.
That’s our opinion at least! Do you think Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour should be free like I do? Should it be cheaper, or do you think it works fine as a paid release? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more gaming news and features in the build-up to the Switch 2.
