We all saw the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, and we all saw how much games are looking to cost for the handheld moving forward. However, there was one game in particular that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on as a free pack-in with the console. Except, it isn’t a pack-in. And it isn’t free.
Nintendo Switch 2 World Tour serves as a tech demo that showcases all the features the console offers in a tour-like manner. It’s similar in spirit to games like Wii Sports for the Wii or NintendoLand for the WiiU. Essentially, you play through the game to learn about all the console features and bonuses in a fun and engaging way. However, unlike the titles mentioned above, World Tour won’t be packed with the console at launch. In fact, the game won’t even be free.
The trailer for Nintendo Switch 2 World Tour was shown early into the Direct and really gave the impression that players who weren’t familiar with the console would need it to get started. Some of the minigames included are a top-down golf game that tests the new Joy-Con sensors and Mii-like characters that can interact with different parts of the user interface.
Can Nintendo Get Away With a Paid Tech Demo?
Sure, the console’s predecessor had 1-2-Switch, which also acted as a paid tech demo, but it wasn’t just a tour of how to use the console. Welcome Tour is quite literally a guided tour of the hardware. Despite it being cool in theory, I was among many who genuinely wondered why it wouldn’t be a pack-in title.
What’s even more curious is that no price has yet to be listed for the game. I mean, there were clear prices for everything else, including $79.99 for Mario Kart World, which can be purchased as a pack-in with the console for $50 more than the $449 MSRP. Honestly, I can’t say I’m surprised, considering how often Nintendo asks players to pay additional fees and memberships to enjoy things like Nintendo 64 games.
Hopefully, more about the game will be revealed during the global event tour that Nintendo announced. It is expected to begin on April 4 in New York, allowing players to experience the Switch 2 before its release. I’m excited to see what fans have to say about the console, but I’m aware that with new price points, Nintendo will likely be in for a lot more competition.
