Ever found yourself curious about the inner workings of your gaming hardware? You're not alone! This quest for knowledge has led developers over the years to create software that showcases the unique capabilities of new consoles. Nintendo is familiar with this trend, evidenced by beloved titles like Wii Sports and Nintendo Land. However, in an unexpected twist, they opted to part ways with tradition for their latest effort, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which is now offered as a standalone purchase on the eShop. Even with its modest price tag, one must ask: is this tour a value worth exploring?
Your adventure kicks off with the selection of a nondescript avatar, embarking on an expansive journey through what resembles an intricate museum fashioned in the shape of the Nintendo Switch 2. The tour commences at the left Joy-Con 2, inviting players to delve into the console’s architecture and features. Curiosities will come alive as you navigate the console, with helpful NPCs stationed at various booths ready to provide insights about the tech. While the aesthetic leans towards a sterile environment and the characters lack facial features, the overall presentation captivates through its design. The sense of discovery while uncovering both new and familiar features in Welcome Tour makes it a more engaging experience than flipping through a regular instruction manual or menu layout.
These little booths formed throughout your journey serve as educational hubs, efficiently conveying a treasure trove of information. Every segment of the console is thoroughly explained, with a commendable balance between technical clarity and accessibility. Like any fantastic museum, the details are presented in a way that invites understanding without feeling overwhelming or patronizing. Beginners will learn something new, while seasoned tech enthusiasts will appreciate the insights regarding the innovative design of the Switch 2. With clear bullet points and brief explanations, technicalities that may seem daunting are broken down into digestible slides. After soaking in the info, players can even test their retention through a brief quiz, although these seem tailored more for younger audiences.
Advancing through Welcome Tour hinges on the Stamp Rally, functioning as a checklist to guarantee you don't overlook any enticing features. Stamp booths will pop up unexpectedly to reward your exploration of noteworthy features, but while this ensures comprehensive discovery, it sometimes requires thorough searching in each area before progressing. Each stamp simply marks your visit rather than offering additional context or flavor.
The Welcome Tour is also packed with numerous mini-games and tech demos designed to highlight the features of the Switch 2. The tech demos tend to be less compelling, mainly serving an educational role that you’ll likely experience only once for the associated medals, only to quickly move on. In strong contrast, the mini-games offer a fun distraction. While they may not carry the same depth or charisma as titles like Mario Party or WarioWare, they present decent challenges and variety. Successfully completing these minigames yields medals, unlocking increasingly complex levels along the way.
However, if one wishes to dive into everything Welcome Tour offers, be prepared for costs that extend beyond just the software's price. A compatible USB-C camera, a controller featuring GL/GR buttons (either the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller or Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip), and a 4K-capable television are all requirements for specific mini-games and tech demos, making some trophies unattainable without these accessories. While this lends a richer understanding of what the Switch 2 can do, it also presents a significant barrier for completionists and feels somewhat out of place to include add-ons that aren't part of the base package.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour serves its purpose well, genuinely leading you through the nuances of the Switch 2. It articulates the manufacturing process of each component clearly and engagingly, while also allowing for quick trials through mini-games and tech demos that provide a good amount of content. However, the replay value and cohesive theme that made previous titles like Wii Sports or Nintendo Land so memorable are absent. If you're intrigued by the technical side of the Switch 2, this experience effectively justifies the cost; otherwise, there's little motivation to embark on this journey.
6/10
A copy of Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour was generously provided by Nintendo UK for this review.