Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Review: A Hands-On Look at Nintendo’s New Console Companion

Nintendo has a longstanding tradition of launching consoles with titles designed to showcase their unique hardware features.

From the wildly popular Wii Sports to the innovative Nintendo Land, these pack-in experiences have often been seen as essential introductions to each new platform.

With the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has shifted away from this approach, releasing Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour as a separate purchase on the eShop rather than including it with the hardware.

This decision has sparked conversation within the gaming community about accessibility and value.

But does this interactive tour justify its price tag? The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour functions as a virtual museum, guiding players through the console’s physical and digital innovations.

Players begin by choosing from a set of minimalist avatars and embarking on a journey through a massive, stylized recreation of the Switch 2 itself.

The experience starts at the left Joy-Con 2, allowing users to traverse the digital representation of the hardware, highlighting both new and familiar features.

Throughout the tour, helpful NPCs provide context via interactive information panels, all presented with a clean, functional aesthetic that prioritizes clarity over flashiness.

The result is an exploration that is far more compelling than a standard instruction manual or simple settings menu. One of Welcome Tour’s standout elements is its commitment to education.

Each booth along the tour demystifies technical details, breaking down complex information into digestible portions.

As a representative quote puts it, the software strives to clarify even the trickiest parts, often flagging technical sections as "a little bit tricky" and then simplifying explanations using concise slides and illustrated summaries.

After reviewing each feature, users can test their newfound knowledge through brief quizzes.

While these are clearly geared towards younger or less tech-savvy audiences, seasoned gamers will also find value in the clear explanations of the Switch 2's technology and design. Progress through the Welcome Tour is marked by the Stamp Rally, a checklist that ensures every feature is explored before moving on.

Interactive stamp booths appear near points of interest; collecting all the stamps in an area unlocks access to the next section.

While thorough, this method can sometimes feel restrictive, requiring players to methodically search each area before proceeding.

This structured approach may frustrate those hoping for a more open exploration of specific console aspects, as revisiting certain features is often necessary. A robust selection of minigames and tech demos is bundled with the Welcome Tour, designed to highlight and demonstrate the Switch 2’s hardware capabilities.

While the tech demos primarily serve an educational role and rarely justify repeat play, the minigames—though simpler than those found in flagship series like Mario Party or WarioWare—offer more engaging challenges.

Completing these activities rewards players with medals, which in turn unlock more complex levels and encourage replayability.

Swift area warps are a welcome quality-of-life addition, helping players revisit previous zones with ease as they strive to collect all accolades. However, the full Welcome Tour experience comes with additional costs beyond the initial eShop purchase.

Certain minigames and demos require a compatible USB-C camera, controllers with GL/GR buttons (such as the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip), and a 4K-capable TV.

These accessories are not included with the base software, creating a notable barrier for completionists and those seeking the most comprehensive demonstration of the Switch 2’s feature set. Ultimately, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour successfully fulfills its main objective: it offers an accessible, informative, and interactive guide to Nintendo’s latest hardware, complete with hands-on demonstrations.

While it doesn’t quite match the enduring appeal or cohesive design of classic Nintendo pack-in titles, it represents a substantial upgrade over traditional tutorials and manuals.

For those eager to dive into the technical advancements of the Switch 2, it delivers ample value.

However, players seeking long-term replayability or a standalone party gameplay experience may find less to keep them engaged.

In sum, Welcome Tour is an admirably assembled educational companion, if not a must-have addition for every Switch 2 owner. Review score: 6/10 Copy provided by Nintendo UK.

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