Shuhei Yoshida Addresses Controversy Surrounding Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Shuhei Yoshida, the former head of Sony Interactive Entertainment, recently expressed his bewilderment over Nintendo’s decision to set the price of the Switch 2 Welcome Tour at $9.99. Scheduled to release alongside the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, Nintendo has provided fans with a sneak peek of what the new console has in store, including this Welcome Tour feature.

While most eyes are on Mario Kart World for the launch, Welcome Tour presents a valuable learning opportunity for newcomers to the Switch 2. Demonstrated during the Switch 2 Direct, this offering serves as an “interactive exhibit,” showcasing the innovative features of the upcoming console. Nintendo claims that Welcome Tour offers extensive insights into elements such as the Joy-Con 2 controllers. Players can explore these new systems through engaging quizzes, minigames, and tech demos.

Although the Welcome Tour promises to be an enjoyable introduction for first-time Switch 2 users, the decision to charge for it has been met with criticism. Shuhei Yoshida recently shared his thoughts on the Easy Allies podcast, questioning why Nintendo didn’t offer the game for free. He remarked, “It would make more sense to let everyone try it out, wouldn’t it?” Yoshida believes that a complimentary Welcome Tour could help users grasp their new console’s capabilities and potentially draw in more fans. He noted that while the price might not significantly impact Nintendo’s bottom line, it could be viewed as a missed chance for wider engagement.

Yoshida also attempted to rationalize Nintendo’s pricing strategy. He speculated that the company might be maintaining the perceived value of its software and steering clear of the free-to-play model.

Charging for Welcome Tour contrasts with experiences like Astro’s Playroom for the PS5 and Wii Sports for the Wii, both of which came included with their respective consoles at no additional cost. These games effectively demonstrated the consoles’ abilities without requiring further purchase.

As the launch of Welcome Tour approaches, it will be intriguing to see how players respond. In defending the game’s cost, Nintendo maintains that the Welcome Tour offers a richer experience than anticipated and reflects substantial developmental investment. The coming months will reveal if this approach translates into strong sales for Nintendo.