The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is set to launch as a paid title, although the exact price has yet to be revealed. This game intends to assist users in exploring the new hardware through a series of tech demos, mini-games, and quizzes.

“Explore the new system through tech demos, minigames, and quizzes with Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a paid downloadable launch title for #NintendoSwitch2.” (Twitter, April 2, 2025)

This approach has raised eyebrows among consumers, as many similar devices previously launched with complimentary demos. A notable example includes Astro’s Playroom, which was offered free on the PS5 and later expanded into a fully paid sequel following its positive reception.

Nintendo is no stranger to bundling games for free; Wii Sports was provided with the Wii system at no extra cost. However, it seems some consumers view the monetization of the Welcome Tour as a missed opportunity for a promotional tool meant to highlight the Switch 2’s unique capabilities.

Despite the debate, the Switch 2 will come with a starting price tag of $449, increasing to $499 for the Mario Kart World Bundle. As excitement builds, the cost of owning this next-gen handheld might be a concern for potential buyers.