Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his thoughts on the buzz surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, raising eyebrows by questioning the decision to price the software at $9.99. As fans eagerly anticipate the new console’s debut on June 5, Nintendo has been lifting the curtain on what to expect, and the Welcome Tour is part of those revelations.
On launch day, while Mario Kart World is expected to steal the show, Welcome Tour sets itself apart by offering a distinct experience designed to familiarize gamers with the Switch 2. As highlighted in the recent Switch 2 Direct, Welcome Tour serves as an “interactive exhibit,” showcasing various new features of the console. According to Nintendo, this game promises to delve into the console’s intricacies, spotlighting aspects like the Joy-Con 2 controllers and engaging players with quizzes, minigames, and technology demos.
Despite the potentially enjoyable nature of Welcome Tour, the $9.99 cost has sparked debate. Critics argue it should be complimentary, especially for newcomers. Speaking on the Easy Allies podcast, Shuhei Yoshida voiced his surprise at Nintendo’s pricing choice, saying, “I just don’t understand. You would want everyone to experience that, right?” He suggested that offering the game for free could be a strategic move to help new Switch 2 users grasp the system’s capabilities and potentially expand the fanbase. While Yoshida acknowledges that the pricing might not significantly harm Nintendo, he considers it a missed “opportunity” to engage more players.
In his analysis, Yoshida speculated on the rationale behind Nintendo’s pricing decision, suggesting that the company might be trying to maintain the value of its software. He also hinted at Nintendo’s possible reluctance toward adopting a free-to-play model.
Charging for Welcome Tour goes against the grain of previous gaming trends, like Astro’s Playroom for the PS5 or Wii Sports for the Wii, both of which were complimentary and showcased their consoles’ innovations. As gamers await the release, it’ll be intriguing to see how Welcome Tour is received. Post-announcement, Nintendo has defended the pricing, stressing the game’s depth and the considerable effort behind its development. Time will tell if these factors will translate into successful sales this summer.
