Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025, with high expectations after the original Switch sold over 150 million units worldwide. The hybrid system retains its handheld and docked versatility while introducing a larger 7.9-inch screen capable of 4K output, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a custom Nvidia processor promising smoother performance. At a retail price of $449.99 (PHP ~25,000), the console’s premium hardware also brought some sticker shock; nonetheless, eager fans lined up at midnight across major markets to secure theirs. Early sales projections hint at 15 million units moved in 2025, and analysts believe strong first-party support and a robust accessory lineup will continue fueling momentum.
Among the early titles revealed during the Switch 2 Direct was a surprising new entry called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour. Unlike the free pack-in demos seen on competing platforms, Welcome Tour is a $9.99 paid introduction to the console’s hardware and software features. Featuring 12 interactive “exhibits” with a total of 34 mini-games and tech demos, the title showcases everything from controller vibration tests to graphical walkthroughs of 4K rendering. Although most of Welcome Tour is accessible right away, diligent completionists discovered something many did not expect: to truly hit 100% completion—earning all medals and experiencing every mini-game—players must buy extra peripherals that are not included with the base system.
Specifically, Nintendo’s official Japanese website confirms that three accessories are required to unlock certain experiences fully: a USB-C camera for one camera-based mini-game, a controller (either the official Switch 2 Pro Controller or the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip) with GL/GR buttons for another, and a 4K-compatible TV or monitor for one additional mini-game plus a tech demo. While all 12 exhibits remain viewable without these add-ons, the game hides medal-earning options in these exclusive segments, making 100% progress impossible without them.
Those extra peripherals come at a cost. The 1080p USB-C camera retails for $54.99, and the Switch 2 Pro Controller—boasting rear GL/GR buttons, a headphone jack, and refined ergonomics—sells for $84.99 (or $74.99 at select retailers). Alternatively, players can opt for the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip at $39.88, which also provides GL/GR support but omits some of the Pro Controller’s premium features. If you lack a 4K screen, prices can escalate quickly; a minimal 4K HDTV starts around $300, while mid-range monitors can push well beyond $500, depending on refresh rate and panel size. Gamers who already own a compatible camera and 4K display still face a minimum accessory expense of $39.88 to $84.99 to access every Welcome Tour segment, since neither a forward-compatible Pro Controller nor Joy-Con 2 set includes GL/GR buttons by default.
Many early adopters were willing to overlook the $9.99 fee for Welcome Tour—viewing it as a modest price to learn the new system’s ins and outs. But once word spread that extra hardware purchases were needed for full completion, some fans voiced frustration on social media and forums. Reddit threads have dubbed the move “physical DLC,” noting that unlike digital add-ons for other games, these requirements don’t come bundled, effectively pushing a hidden cost onto consumers. Given that the Switch 2’s higher $449.99 price tag already stretched some budgets, the news of additional expenses has left a few prospective buyers reconsidering whether they really need the “complete” Welcome Tour experience.
Despite the backlash, Nintendo maintains that most of Welcome Tour can still be enjoyed without spending extra on accessories. Players interested in exploring just the core features—like basic controller functionality and graphical showcases—can do so immediately after purchase. Those who want to unlock every medal and try every demo will need to weigh whether the added cost is worth it. In any case, Welcome Tour’s accessory requirements underscore Nintendo’s strategy to highlight the unique hardware features of Switch 2, even if it means some extra spending for completionists.
