Nintendo has a great way of making sure there are plenty of ways people can become familiar with new technology. The WarioWare series, for instance, for a long time was the staple ‘tech demo’ style affair for systems like Nintendo DS, whilst titles like Wii Play and Wii Sports helped ease newcomers into the concept of motion controls. Coming off the back of such huge global success with Switch, the latest iteration of this new hybrid line has finally landed around the world, and to accompany it is a special ‘game-cum-manual’ by the name of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. The burning question, though, is whether or not it would be worth reading an online guide for free, or laying down £7.99 for this offering.
There has been a lot of debate around whether or not Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour should be a paid release, or something included with the new hardware for no charge at all. Well, those that had hours and hours of fun with the WarioWare mini-games (or ‘micro’ games, a term coined by the series itself due to the brevity of the experiences), along with fans of the Dr. Kawashima Brain Training titles, will likely attest to the fact that the money laid down for those entries was indeed well worth it in the long-run. The same is true here, as Welcome Tour not only proves to be a delightful interactive exhibit that brings together all manner of insight into the hardware, accessories, and even snippets of Nintendo’s vast heritage, but a package filled with addictive tech demos and mini-games that will test your mettle in numerous ways.
Get ready to use your Switch 2 in docked mode, on tabletops using the kickstand, laid flat for touch-screen shenanigans, or in regular handheld form. Welcome Tour will have you testing out motion controls, HD Rumble 2 vibration for the most authentic haptic feedback on a Nintendo system to date, experiencing the aural power of 3D Sound, testing out the versatility of the new mouse function that the Joy-Con 2 have built in, getting your fingers limber in manic touch-screen antics, pulling wacky faces at the USB camera, and much more.
That’s on top of getting the ol’ grey matter working with the in-depth knowledge intake required to ace the variety of quizzes dotted around. There is something for absolutely everyone here, and Nintendo clearly knew that it would split opinions, so rather than wasting lots of effort on a free, easily discardable piece of software, it decided instead to cram in more content and then leave the decision in consumers’ hands whether or not to bite, and if doing so, those that did dive in would be more inclined to stick with it due to the monetary investment.
For those that are in the dark about what actually the premise is, Welcome Tour begins with a little character as they enter into what seems like an interactive exhibit. Said visitor acts as a little avatar of sorts, wandering around giant versions of the Joy-Con 2, Switch 2 tablet, Pro Controller 2, straps, camera and all sorts of other Switch 2 related paraphernalia interconnected by lifts and staircases. This ‘world’ is split into separate sections that must be completed by finding hidden stamps dotted around that relate to specific features of the hardware or accessories you’re currently admiring on this gentle journey. It might sound rudimentary, but actually gives a greater appreciation of all the nooks and crannies found in Nintendo’s latest release. Also, since not everything is open to begin with, there is a strong sense of progression and a hunger to achieve the right goal in order to explore further. It’s subtle, but has enough of that Nintendo charm to suck players into the game more and more.
Pair the hidden stamp collect-a-thon with some hearty brain-teasing quizzes and there’s already a great amount of content packed in to grab the attention of completionists and geeky-fact-lovers alike. Given how amusing some of the multiple-choice answers are, and how engaging the level of detail given in the pre-quiz data downloads is, despite some perhaps not having a particular proclivity for reading lots of information, the team behind Welcome Tour has done a fabulous job of making learning fun, which should appease most participants. The anecdotes are entertaining, with a whole heap of quirky humour-based notes that keep the mood light and enjoyable for the whole family. Information points only appear after interacting with one of the many stewards loitering with intent, so there’s actually a sense of being able to pace yourself, pick and choose what you want, and even when triggering the ‘revision’ sessions, they pop up as a selection of bite-sized data points that can be accessed at your own pace and without any timing restrictions, so as to avoid feeling like a chore or proper exam preparation! All elements have been carefully planned out and executed to near-perfection.
Brain Training was mentioned earlier, and in all honesty, there is more than a slight look and feel of the classic mind-testing series that began life on the Nintendo DS, complete with its Max Headroom-styled Dr. Kawashima. It has that supremely clean look, smoothly integrated control system, and user interface that makes Welcome Tour as accessible for all demographics as possible, coming complete with a soundtrack that doesn’t quite stand out in any particular way, but has a gentle, relaxing vibe that works rather well indeed, especially considering how some of the mini-games can up the stress levels rapidly, so being able to cool down after is imperative, and the soundtrack helps considerably. The tunes also prove to be highly inoffensive, which sounds negative but is actually much needed given how some sections involve more wandering than others, and you will discover certain clips from the soundtrack are looped, yet never grow tiresome or frustrating.
There is so much to uncover in this handy little eShop-only release, and those that have a penchant for discovery will be in their element. There’s an added treat, for instance, of coming across various ‘lost and found’ items that are merely little asides during your time in the Nintendo Switch 2 exhibit, but again add to the smart and unique make-up of Welcome Tour in general. It is a remarkable work of love and care from the team that laboured over it. There are sections that feel like they could be fleshed out more, but watching the launch trailer and seeing how vast the arena is where the virtual exhibition takes place makes you wonder if additional DLC will become available in the future, similar to how Switch Sports expanded as the months went by. There is definitely scope to add to the overall experience, and given how Switch 2 has just been confirmed as being the fastest-selling Nintendo system ever, with over 3.5 million sold in its first four days on the market, and how Welcome Tour will no doubt have been one of the most popular companions, alongside Mario Kart World, it wouldn’t be too shocking if Nintendo did indeed decide to add to it to extend its lifespan.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will not last forever; perhaps a few days at best given what’s included, and considering that’s longer than two pints and a packet of crisps would last, it certainly has enough to justify the ticket price for this special interactive exhibition. The sheer addictiveness of the mini-games thrown into the mix (there’s a motion-based golf one that is especially addictive!), along with how there are some hidden medals to uncover for really high scores, means that it’s actually the sort of under the radar addiction that catches you off-guard and keeps you coming back time and time again with friends and family, more so than 1-2 Switch.
I hold my hands up and admit I thought this was a bit mad to not include as a freebie, but this review does make me think twice! Perhaps if it was £20 you could make a greater argument against it being a paid game, but maybe £8 isn’t all that bad.
Yeah, I remember that people were snapping up Wii Play like crazy because it came with a ‘free’ controller. But then realised that things like tanks ended up being so addictive it was worth the price alone 😂 There are mini-games here, like motion crazy golf, the mouse controlled spaceship dodging game, touchscreen Twister, and some mouse-based racing games that I spent ages playing around with.
A lot of depth in this one, like Az – was surprised it wasn’t a boxed-in product. But loads of little mini-games and clever ideas – it’s the speedrunner’s dream!
I honestly wonder if Nintendo will expand this eventually. It seems perfect for some online leaderboards or multiplayer, as well as new areas for new peripherals (new Ring Fit?).
I mostly agree here, the games and demos are pretty interesting, but the amount of clicking for stamps and walking on the fringe for lost items became chore-like for me after the third area or so. The idea of expanding it as they create further peripherals and accessories is quite a good one. Maybe even a couple of themed areas around IPs!
Haha, I know what you mean, but then when the odd one wasn’t along the edge, it drove me nuts trying to find it 😂 Maybe if the variety in positioning had been there from the start it would have helped me get accustomed to more wandering. I do like your suggestion of themed areas for specific game series!
I borrowed this game from a friend (yay Virtual Gamecards!) and I really liked it.
But the funny thing is that it wasn’t the mini-games for me. I found them rather boring and with too much focus on the mouse feature.
No, it was learning about the Switch 2 system. I loved the information panels, the quizzes and just running around in a virtual Expo. Nintendo’s really proud of their hardware and they put a lot of love into this game. Maybe it’ll be in a NSO Free Trial one day and everyone can try it themselves.
Yes, I really love the detail on all the intricacies of the system, controllers, modelling, rumble features, even the tiny bits of info about how the speaker output shape was tweaked for a better sound. So much effort went into the Switch 2 that people would otherwise overlook.
I did enjoy the minigames, though. Some really drove me nuts, but it spurred me on to keep pushing more and more. The tech demos are also very cool.
Watching how even the download card keeps selling really well in Japan, I definitely think it’s been a big success – despite all the initial negativity surrounding it. I’m wondering if it’ll get a special mention at the upcoming Nintendo financial briefing in August. I really do think there’s scope to expand, like with the new areas that Switch Sports received.