Nintendo has unveiled the **Switch 2 Welcome Tour**, an innovative digital game designed to introduce players to the features of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Contrary to what many might expect, this game isn't a free pack-in with the console, but a separate purchase available on the Nintendo eShop on the Switch 2's launch day.
Showcased during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the **Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour** serves as a "virtual exhibition" of the new hardware. According to Nintendo, "through tech demos, minigames, and other interactions, players will get to know the new system inside and out in ways they may never have known about otherwise." The footage revealed a small player avatar navigating a larger-than-life model of the Switch 2, learning about its features and facts in a virtual museum setting. The game also includes interactive minigames such as Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.
Nintendo confirmed through a live stream and press release that the **Switch 2 Welcome Tour** will be available for purchase on the launch day of the Switch 2. While this digital tool is intriguing, the decision to make it a paid game rather than a console pack-in has sparked discussions among fans. As of now, no pricing details have been disclosed.
Alongside the **Switch 2 Welcome Tour**, the console will launch with titles like **Mario Kart World**, **Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster**, and **Deltarune Chapters 1 through 4**. With such a lineup, the **Switch 2 Welcome Tour** will have to compete for attention and budget from gamers eager to explore the new console's capabilities.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on **June 5, 2025**, with a price tag of **$449.99 USD**, or **$499.99** for the bundle that includes **Mario Kart World**.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's stream, be sure to visit our recap of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct [ttpp].
