The Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniably one of the most exciting console launches of recent years, but one title announced alongside it, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, had the same question popping up in the live chat of the Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2. That question was "Paid?". This game, essentially a tech demo showcasing the console's new features, comes with a price tag—rather than being included for free. With that question being asked, this raises my question: Should a tech demo like this cost anything, especially with the name, Nintendo Switch 2: Welcome Tour? To me, it just feels wrong.
Why a Free Welcome Tour Makes Sense
Tech demos are often used to show off the innovative features of a console, giving players a taste of what the hardware can do. A free demo like Wii Sports did wonders for the Wii, driving engagement and familiarity with the system. The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is designed to highlight upgrades like mouse controls, improved motion controls in combination with the gyroscope, HD rumble 2, and more. But if its primary function is to introduce players to the console’s new capabilities, charging for it feels counterintuitive—almost like paying for a commercial.
The Nintendo Switch 2 should sell like hotcakes, so bundling the Welcome Tour for free wouldn’t harm sales. In fact, it could strengthen the connection between the console and its loyal fanbase. As it stands, charging for the demo leaves a bad taste in my mouth; it feels like a missed opportunity for Nintendo to foster goodwill with gamers beyond what feels like a cashgrab.
Is It Worth the Money?
If Nintendo insists on selling the Welcome Tour, it had better deliver more than just a tech demo with mini games to play here and there. To justify a mid-range or AAA price, it needs to go beyond showcasing features and offer a genuinely captivating gameplay experience.
The reality is, there are bigger games on the horizon—Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, The Duskbloods, and Borderlands 4 to name a few. These are blockbuster titles that gamers will gladly invest in. Spending hard-earned money on a tech demo feels like a misstep unless it’s a super affordable download or offers substantial content. It has to be one of the two, but if it's both I would have zero objections.
So, we return to the central question: Should the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour be free? I think so. It wouldn’t stop console sales, but it would be a wonderful introduction. Since it's being sold, it needs to earn its spot in the library. Anyway, would you pay for the Welcome Tour or should it be bundled as part of the $449.99 console kickoff?
