Nintendo's Switch 2 Showcase Overview: Balancing Nerdiness and Disappointment
Revamped Content:
With the new Nintendo Switch 2 (our Switch 2 Unboxing post has all the deets) arriving hot on the heels of its predecessor, it's causing quite a stir. But one thing that's raising eyebrows is the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour – a paid interactive guidebook, essentially. Yet, Nintendo's stocks are sky-high, so it's not really surprising they're not giving anything away for free.
This title isn't like a party game such as Wii Sports or 1-2 Switch. Instead, it's a virtual museum tour, where you control a small character journeying through oversized renditions of the Switch 2's components. Truth be told, it's far more detailed than the actual Nintendo Museum!
While it may lack the quirky charm of a Mario game, the Switch 2 Welcome Tour isn't devoid of personality altogether. For instance, when you walk over the screen, it feels like you're ice-skating, and your avatar will even slip and stumble if you run too fast.
Graphically, the tour has a minimalistic design, which feels rather North Star Computer Lab-ish (you know the educational games I'm talking about). The aim here is to provide in-depth, succinct information about the Switch 2, delving into topics like the magnets that keep the Joy-Cons attached, the reasons for the new dock's curvature, and the science behind its noise-cancelling microphone.
Let's be real, it's not going to be a crowd-pleaser like Mario Kart, but then again, that might be precisely why it's a separate purchase. It's a niche product for those who truly love Nintendo and want to learn every little detail about their new console.
Museum of Fun:
The other half of the tour features minigames and tech demos exhibiting the Switch 2's abilities in an entertaining manner. The mouse functionality gets quite the workout, testing precision in various ways. You'll notice that the games showcasing the Switch 2's capabilities aren't just about the new mouse controls; they're a fun exploration of the console's full potential.
At times, the games are hilariously educational. One of them looks at the difference between the old NES and the Switch 2's 4K screen by forcing you to play Super Mario Bros. with a tiny screen to highlight the bytes of information a 4K screen can hold. While some exhibits are short-lived, the minigames have some staying power, thanks to challenging levels that test your skill if you're aiming for all the medals.
However, a progression system leaves much to be desired. You're required to participate in every single exhibit in an area before you can unlock the next one, even if it feels more like an annoyance than a fun treasure hunt. Additionally, some exhibits demand specific accessories to function, like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera and Pro Controller, which feels like an extra economic push when you consider they're separate purchases.
If you're curious about getting the Switch 2, check out our guide on Switch 2 Preorders. And don't forget to browse our pricing guide for other consoles!
- The Switch 2 Welcome Tour, a paid interactive guidebook, presents a unique design that delves into the details of the Nintendo Switch 2, similar to a graphic design project with its in-depth, succinct information.
- Although the Switch 2 Welcome Tour may lack the quirky charm of a Mario game, it showcases an artistic flair in its minimalistic layout, as if created by North Star Computer Lab, the renowned name in educational games.
- In the Museum of Fun section, the tour offers a creative UX, utilizing the mouse functionality for various minigames, testing precision and showcasing the Switch 2's capabilities in an entertaining manner.
- The tour's minigames offer a blend of education and entertainment, such as a game that comparatively highlights the difference between the old NES and the Switch 2's 4K screen, thus acting as a mini graphic design tutorial.
- The Switch 2's abilities are also demonstrated through tech demos, pushing the boundaries of the console, making it a visual feast, much like a 3D art exhibition, but with the added functionality of gadgets like smartphones.
- The tour's UI could use some improvement, as it requires participants to finish every exhibit in an area before unlocking the next one, somewhat resembling a linear level sequence in a video game.
- The additional economic push for separate purchases like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera and Pro Controller to access certain exhibits can feel like a barrier, despite them being essential tools in the world of creative design, technology, and UI.
