Nintendo has always had a knack for making hardware feel like a friend, not just a device. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch on Thursday (June 5), the Welcome Tour is essentially an interactive exhibit designed to introduce players to the Switch 2’s features through a blend of minigames and tech demos. Clocking in at five minutes, the Japanese overview trailer reveals a $9.99 digital experience packed with 20 minigames and 14 tech demos, but the decision to charge for it has sparked chatter.
Step into a virtual exhibition hall that feels like a digital museum for the Switch 2. The trailer opens with a sleek, oversized model of the console itself, complete with magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers snapping into place with a satisfying click. This is Nintendo’s way of saying, “Here’s what you’re holding, and it’s pretty cool.” The hall is a colorful, interactive space where players can roam, discovering info boards that explain the console’s features. These boards cover everything from the larger display to the magnetic connectors that keep those Joy-Cons secure.
- Compatible with Switch and Steam Deck via Bluetooth/2.4g adapter/USB Cable, Windows with a 2.4g adapter/USB Cable.
- Multifunctional Charging Dock - Stable connection and controller will be automatically switching ON/OFF while it is undocked/docked.
- Hall Effect Sensing Joystick
The minigames are the real draw, and the trailer flaunts a bunch of the 20 on offer. One clever game has you guessing frame rates—spot the difference between a choppy 20fps and a buttery 120fps scene. It’s a sneaky way to flex the Switch 2’s smooth visuals. Another starts with Super Mario Bros.’s World 1-1 in its retro 256×240 glory, then cranks it up to 4K as you play, showing off the console’s graphical prowess in style.
Tech demos dig deeper into what the Switch 2 can do. One lets you flip between resolutions in a model viewer, watching details pop as you go from blurry to crisp—simple but sharp. Another plays with the Joy-Con 2’s upgraded motion controls, letting you nudge virtual objects with pinpoint accuracy. Quizzes sprinkled throughout test your Switch 2 know-how, keeping things fun and breezy.
Unlike Wii Sports, which came free with the Wii, this is a paid download, and that choice has raised eyebrows. The trailer doesn’t shy away from the polish, though—every minigame and demo looks meticulously crafted, with Nintendo’s signature charm. Social media posts reveal mixed feelings: some fans love the idea of a “look how neat your new console is” experience, while others argue it should be a free pack-in, especially when compared to Sony’s free Astro’s Playroom for the PS5. At 2GB, it’s a lightweight download, but the $9.99 price tag feels like a bold move for what’s essentially an interactive tutorial.
[Source]
