Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour: Hidden Costs Revealed
2025-06-06 09:33:12The newly announced Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour cannot be fully completed without purchasing additional accessories. This unexpected expense adds to the frustration some Nintendo fans are feeling about the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo unveiled several new games for the Nintendo Switch 2. One surprising addition was the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which serves as an introduction to the system and showcases its technology through various mini-games and experiences. However, fans were disappointed to learn that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour comes with a price tag, costing $9.99 to access. This frustration might lead some fans to avoid it altogether.
As reported by NintendoSoup, the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour cannot be fully completed without purchasing additional accessories for the Switch 2. An official Nintendo Japan page confirms that while all 12 areas are accessible without extra purchases, completing all 34 mini-games and tech demos requires additional hardware. Specifically, players will need a USB camera for one mini-game, a controller with GL/GR buttons for another, and a 4K TV or screen for one mini-game and tech demo.
The total cost of completing the Welcome Tour depends on what players already own. Gamers with 4K screens and compatible USB webcams may avoid some expenses. However, those needing to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 camera and a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (featuring GL/GR buttons) could spend around $140. Alternatively, the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip and official camera would cost just under $100. For players without a 4K screen, expenses could range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on screen size and specifications. Even those with a camera and 4K TV will need to spend at least $39.99 for the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip or $84.99 for the Pro Controller, as the forward-compatible Switch Pro Controller and Joy-Cons lack the required GL/GR buttons.
While some fans were initially willing to overlook the $9.99 price tag for the Welcome Tour, the hidden costs of full completion may deter new Nintendo Switch 2 owners from purchasing it. With the console priced at $449.99, these additional expenses could be a dealbreaker for many.