If I didn’t fully express my thoughts in the title and subheading of this review, let me clarify now: The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour should have been included free with the console. It would have been ideal. Similar to Wii Sports, the minigames in Welcome Tour may not be as entertaining as boxing or tennis, but they effectively demonstrate the capabilities of the native console by turning its functions into games. However, asking $10 for what amounts to an interactive user manual seems a bit steep.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Grand Tour invites you on a visit to a museum-like structure, which appears to be an enormous Switch 2 console along with its accessories such as Joy-Con controllers, Pro Controller, racing wheel, and more. Your task is to explore this museum, participating in trivia challenges about the hardware, playing mini-games that demonstrate the capabilities of the hardware, and gathering stamps to identify each piece of hardware. Essentially, it’s an engaging guide for learning about your new device.
Several of these activities are quite enjoyable. Mini-games stand out; they engage you in various tasks such as guiding a miniature spaceship to avoid falling spikes by manipulating the Joy-Con like a mouse, mastering the simultaneous use of GL and GR buttons on the Pro Controller, and igniting fireworks that showcase the Switch 2 screen’s HDR potential.
Discovering concealed stamp stations opens up fresh locales, prompting me to dash through each location to gather stamps rapidly in order to reveal new areas and select from an assortment of minigames. Each minigame bestows you with two medals: one for fulfilling the basic prerequisites, and another for overcoming a tougher set of standards.
The quizzes are enjoyable too! Each kiosk begins by having you read up on the Nintendo exhibit you’re exploring, followed by a trivia test about the details you’ve just learned. This educational method, although somewhat lecturing in nature, is useful for learning about the upcoming Switch 2. While not as engaging as the mini-games, these quizzes can still be fun if you consider them as small interactive games.
Gathering stamps can be likened to winning at a game. In total, there are about a dozen regions to discover, each with a unique theme based on various pieces of equipment. You can only unlock new regions once you’ve found all the stamps in your current region. Finding the kiosks, which appear when you get close, adds an enjoyable element of scavenger hunt to the experience.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour might generate more debate due to its software pricing. As I previously mentioned, the software costs $10, which appears quite affordable initially. However, if you aim to finish all the minigames in areas designed after hardware that doesn’t come with the Switch 2 (such as a racing wheel or camera), you’ll need to invest extra money on those accessories. If you share my compulsive nature and strive for a perfect completion, this could add up to additional costs.
In essence, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is more than just a game, but less than an instruction manual. It serves as both a guide and an interactive experience to familiarize yourself with the system. For merely $10, it’s a valuable addition if you find yourself tired of Mario Kart World or other launch games and are eager for a tour of the virtual console.
I had a great time with Welcome Tour. Just remember, when considering purchasing a ticket, this isn’t your typical Nintendo game. It offers more of an interactive museum experience, rather than a traditional game. While it’s not a bad offering, its unique nature and higher cost to fully explore may make it not suitable for everyone.
The game review I’ve written here is based on a key given to me by the publisher. On June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour was released together with the Switch 2 console, and it can be purchased from the Nintendo eShop for $9.99.
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2025-06-10 16:27