Don’t you love a good demo? A chance to try-before-you-buy, to see what something can really do before you dive right in. Fun fact: you will not be able to do this with the Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Because even if, somehow, you were able to get your Nintendo Switch 2 for completely free… you’ll have to fork over another hundred dollars to see everything the console’s tech demo has to offer.
Why? Because completing the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - a demo that is not free - also requires you to buy a bunch of periphery hardware to play all of its various minigames. And we’ve got a quick breakdown.
First, you have to actually buy the demo. That’s $10 down the drain just to get your feet wet. Then, you’ll need the Switch 2 camera - a hefty $54.99 purchase.
From there, you get to pick how to best give Nintendo yet more money. Find the option that best suits your playstyle, or something. You can spend $39.99 for the Charging Grip, or if you prefer a more premium experience, you can pick up a Switch 2 Pro Controller for $84.99. Money is fun!
Select Switch 2 Cartridges May Be Playable On The Original Switch
According to statements in a recent publisher FAQ, some Switch 2 games appear to be backward compatible with the original.
You’ll need that camera for reasons that, well, are fairly self-explanatory. In their big reveal presentation, Nintendo was keen to show off all the little ways they could make use of a camera in their home console.
The Grip or Controller, though? Those are ways of accessing the GL/GR buttons - required to complete certain activities. At least you can pick one or the other here, and though one price tag is much better than the other, neither option is negligible.
Samsung Reportedly To Provide OLED Screens For Future Switch 2 Refresh
Samsung is said to be developing chips for the Swtich 2 as well.
And believe it or not, it somehow gets worse! Somehow! Granted, this one doesn’t require giving money to Nintendo specifically, and you may have the item already - a 4K TV. One minigame requires a 4K-supported screen (thanks,IGN).
Money is funny!
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - Money Isn’t Fun Anymore
Are the prices of the Switch 2 accessories being inflated due to the tariff situation?Yes, irrefutably. Though economic stress doesn’t really tell the full story here. At some point, Nintendo’s just being stinky.
There was already furoraround the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour charging an entry fee. And while most people aren’t diehard completionists, those that are will face a fairly immediate - and similarly massive - paywall for their efforts.
Is this perhaps a way to offset expenses? Is Nintendo worried that they won’t sell enough copies of the Switch 2? One should hope not - it’s expected to be one of the biggest console launches of all time.
Don’t Expect Day One Switch 2 Reviews And Here’s Why
Don’t expect any reviews for the games on launch day either.
