Nintendo’sSwitch 2marks one of 2025’s most anticipated launches, but the company’s console deep dive still managed to leave a lot of gamers scratching their heads in confusion. From the shocking price points of its planned games to the announcement ofMario Kart World, the Nintendo Direct event for theSwitch 2caused some whiplash, as the broadcast brought both excitement and frustration. However, it’s clear that Nintendo has found inspiration from another company in the eight years since the first Switch launched.
An array of first-party exclusives and third-party hits were revealed at the Nintendo Direct event. Among the roster of major titles wasNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. This small game is meant to give players a more detailed look at what the Switch 2 is capable of. Sony’sAstro’s Playroomoffered a similar introduction to the PS5, and whileNintendo is putting its own spin on the concept, it could be an interesting way to learn about the Switch 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Takes Inspiration From Astro’s Playroom, But With One Controversial Change
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Sidesteps the Best Part About Astro’s Playroom
Nintendo has yet to announce an official price tag for worldwide markets, but in Japan,Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris priced at 990 yen, which is about $7 USD. This has, understandably, caused outrage from many prospective Switch 2 buyers. Gamers have been quite vocal on the internet over their dislike of this price point. Reddit user Smoliwas commented, “Requiring a fee for a technology demo is ridiculous.” Generally, this sentiment has been shared across the gaming community, especially when a tech demo as strong asAstro’s Playroomwas free. There are a lot ofsurprising aspects about the Switch 2, and the approach toNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Touris definitely one of the most shocking.
The Switch 2 launches on June 29, 2025, and is priced at $450 USD.
What Does Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Offer Players?
The official Nintendo website states, “Explore basic features, like the magnetic connectors that keep the Joy-Con 2 controllers firmly attached, and more advanced tech details that you might not otherwise notice.” While the basic controls and features can be discovered simply by playing, the promise of more advanced controls is intriguing. However, the fact that it’s kept behind a price tag is likely to deter a lot of gamers. There have already been somecontroversies surrounding the Switch 2, and game price is definitely one of the most prevalent.
Considering that there is already a lot of backlash aboutNintendo’s planned tech demo, it will be fascinating to see if the company backpedals on its price point. This is unlikely, but if Nintendo madeNintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourfree, the company could potentially have a strong tech demo formula that could be repeated with future consoles.
Many Switch 2 games are set to cost between $80 and $90 USD.
Welcome Tour May Not Be Astro’s Playroom Just Yet, But There is Still Potential
Once the Switch 2 launches, it will be interesting to see how many users buy the tech demo, if at all. Tech demos as launch titles are a great idea, but they are far more effective if included with the system.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tourmay be one of the most controversial announcements from the console’s showcase, which is a shame, since it has the potential to be a solid tutorial. As the launch ofthe Switch 2 draws closer, only time will tell if gamers are willing to purchase its tech demo.
