Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour offers an unusual introduction to the new console, designed as a primer for its features. This title straddles the line between being a tutorial and a game but is notably absent as a pack-in title, which raises questions about its pricing and purpose.
At its core, Welcome Tour aims to familiarize users with the Switch 2’s capabilities through simple explanations of advanced technologies like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and HDR (High Dynamic Range). The game offers engaging tutorials suited for casual gamers, though seasoned players might find them tedious. The tutorials are enhanced with videos and demonstrations, making complex features more accessible. It’s the kind of resource that could reasonably help non-gamers, like parents or older relatives, better understand next-gen gaming.
Despite this intent, there’s an inherent contradiction: the Switch 2 targets tech enthusiasts willing to spend on advanced gaming tools, yet the game feels tailored for casual newcomers. As a result, experienced gamers may find their patience tested by the slow, corporate tone of the tutorials, which include quizzes to reinforce learning.
The mini-games stand out as the most enjoyable components, as they actively showcase the console’s features. Players can experience HD Rumble effects, enjoy a 4K display, and even participate in challenges that highlight frame rates and precision inputs. These hands-on demonstrations prove far more effective than static explanations.
Progression within the game involves collecting "Stamps" by discovering tiny parts of the console and medals through quizzes and challenges. However, some of this can feel monotonous and overly meticulous. The structure can frustrate players, especially with tasks like locating hidden kiosks.
Welcome Tour also incorporates a peculiar fetch quest mechanic, which distracts by requiring players to return to the information desk to drop off lost items, limiting the exploration experience. This aspect, intended to add gameplay depth, instead feels like an annoying imposition.
While it ultimately serves as an interactive museum exhibit showcasing the hardware, the decision to charge for Welcome Tour feels misplaced. While it’s informative and sometimes entertaining, it lacks the compelling engagement usually associated with typical gaming experiences and would likely benefit from a free model to better reflect its value.
In summary, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is a polished effort to educate players about new hardware. Innovative presentations and tutorials can help demystify new technology, but its execution leaves much to be desired for those familiar with gaming, making it a mixed bag in terms of enjoyment and utility.
