Shuhei Yoshida, the former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment, has stepped into the spotlight to share his puzzlement over Nintendo’s decision regarding the Welcome Tour for the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly the $9.99 price tag. With the much-anticipated Switch 2 set to debut on June 5, Nintendo has been revealing what fans can expect, including this intriguing Welcome Tour.
While most eyes are on Mario Kart World as the flagship attraction for launch day, Welcome Tour seeks to set itself apart by providing a unique, educational experience about the new console. During Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct event, this offering has been described as an “interactive exhibit,” intended to delve deep into the myriad features of the upcoming console. Players can anticipate gaining valuable insights into aspects such as the Joy-Con 2 controllers while engaging in quizzes, mini-games, and tech demos.
Despite its potential appeal, the Welcome Tour’s $9.99 cost has sparked debate, with many arguing it should be complimentary. Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his thoughts on the matter during the Easy Allies podcast. When asked about Nintendo’s reasoning for this charge, Yoshida voiced his bewilderment: “I just don’t understand. You would want everyone to experience that, right?” He suggests that offering the game for free would not only aid new Switch 2 users in understanding their system but also work to build a larger fanbase. Although Yoshida concedes that the price might not significantly impact Nintendo’s bottom line, he considers it a missed opportunity.
Yoshida offers a glimpse into Nintendo’s possible rationale, speculating that they aim to uphold the value of their software and perhaps avoid adopting a free-to-play model. However, the decision starkly contrasts with previous industry practices, such as the inclusion of Astro’s Playroom with the PS5 and Nintendo’s own Wii Sports on the Wii, both of which served as free introductions to the consoles.
The reception of Welcome Tour remains to be seen when it launches. Post-announcement, Nintendo defended its pricing, arguing that the game is far more comprehensive than critics assume and pointing to the substantial development effort involved. It will be intriguing to watch whether this emphasis on depth resonates with consumers and translates into sales come summer.
