When Nintendo announced the Switch 2, fans were buzzing with excitement. They unveiled a game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, designed to showcase the console’s features in a fresh and engaging way. It sounded promising—an interactive experience that would let players explore the new hardware in a fun and immersive way. But, in reality, it has turned into one of Nintendo’s biggest missteps in recent memory.
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Welcome Tour: The Worst Launch for Nintendo in Ten Years
What was meant to be a charming introduction to the Switch 2 turned out to be anything but. The game, which was expected to accompany the launch of the console, was initially seen as a cool tech demo that would ease players into the next-generation gaming experience. Instead, it felt more like an afterthought—a disappointing demo that players had to pay for.
The reception has been less than stellar. With a score of 55/100 on Metacritic, Welcome Tour ranks 170th out of 172 games released in 2025¹ . For comparison, even the notoriously underwhelming Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival for the Wii U fared better back in 2015² .
The real kicker? This wasn’t a freebie bundled with the console. Players have to shell out extra cash for it—and, if they want to experience everything the game has to offer, they’ll need to buy additional, costly accessories. This “pay-to-play” strategy has led to significant backlash, including from former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé³.
Players have echoed this sentiment, with many giving it a pitiful score of just 3.6/10 . As IGN puts it, it’s a game that “barely qualifies as a free title,” and Game Rant describes it as “an unpleasant experience with few redeeming qualities.” This has all the markings of a major flop, and it’s one of those rare occasions where Nintendo has missed the mark in a big way.
Luckily, the Rest of the Switch 2 Is Thriving
The irony here is that, while Welcome Tour has fallen flat, the rest of the Switch 2 ecosystem is thriving. The console itself has broken sales records, becoming the fastest-selling home console in history⁴. The buzz around the hardware is undeniable, and Nintendo has once again proven its ability to captivate the gaming world with its innovative designs.
When it comes to actual games, titles like Mario Kart World are doing their part to keep the hype train rolling. The game has earned an impressive 86/100 on Metacritic and has received glowing reviews . It’s clear that Nintendo’s signature magic is still alive and well, even if Welcome Tour didn’t quite deliver.
Misreading Expectations: Why Welcome Tour Missed the Mark
So, what went wrong? It seems that Nintendo misjudged what players wanted from a new console launch. Welcome Tour feels rushed, almost like it was cobbled together and sold as a premium product without the quality or polish expected from a flagship title. In an era when players demand more transparency and better-quality experiences, this felt like a step backward.
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In fact, Welcome Tour may go down as one of the most poorly received Nintendo games in the last decade. While the game won’t define the Switch 2’s legacy, it does serve as a reminder that even industry giants can stumble.
A Silver Lining
Despite the disappointment with Welcome Tour, the Switch 2 lineup is still delivering, and it’s reassuring to know that the rest of the gaming experience is top-notch. While this may go down as a rare misstep for Nintendo, fans can rest easy knowing that the future looks bright—as long as they avoid Welcome Tour.
Did You Know?
Nintendo’s Switch 2 became the fastest-selling home console in history, selling over 3.5 million units within just four days of its June 5, 2025 launch.
Footnotes :
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“Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Reviews – Metacritic,” Metacritic, https://www.metacritic.com/game/nintendo-switch-2-welcome-tour/
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“Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival Reviews – Metacritic,” Metacritic, https://www.metacritic.com/game/animal-crossing-amiibo-festival/
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“Reggie Fils-Aimé Subtly Criticizes Nintendo’s Decision to Charge for Welcome Tour,” Nintendo Life, https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/04/reggie-fils-aime-weighs-in-on-switch-2-welcome-tour-controversy-sort-of
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“Nintendo Switch 2 Sets Record, Selling Over 3.5 Million Units Globally in First Four Days,” Nintendo, https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/nintendo-switch-2-sets-record-selling-over-3-5-million-units-globally-in-first-four-days/