The Shift in Nintendo's Launch Game Strategy

The gaming world is buzzing about the Nintendo Switch 2. The new console is set to hit stores soon. But there is a twist. Nintendo is charging for a software package that teaches users how to use the new console. This is a big change from the past. In the past, Nintendo gave away free games with their consoles. Wii Sports is a great example. It came with every Wii console at launch. This was a big hit with gamers. It helped people get to know the new console quickly. It also showed off what the Wii could do. Another example is Astro's Playroom. It came with every PlayStation 5. It was a fun way to learn the new features of the console. Now, Nintendo is taking a different approach. The Switch 2 will come with a software package called Welcome Tour. But it won't be free. Users will have to pay extra to get it. This has sparked some debate among gamers. Some people are not happy about having to pay for something that used to be free. A former Nintendo of America president has been looking back at the success of free pack-in games. He highlighted games like Wii Sports and Wii Play. These games came with the console or were bundled with controllers. They were a big part of what made the Wii so popular. He did not mention the Switch 2 or Welcome Tour directly. But the timing of his posts is interesting. It seems like he might be making a point about the value of free pack-in games. Gamers have been reacting to the news. Some people think the former president is commenting on the Switch 2. Others are joking about what he might be thinking. But no one knows for sure. One thing is clear. The Switch 2 is going to be expensive. The console itself costs around $450. Adding the cost of Welcome Tour will make it even more expensive. Nintendo has some exciting games coming out for the Switch 2. But the debate about Welcome Tour is still going on. Some people are happy to pay for it. Others are not. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. One thing is for sure. Nintendo is taking a big risk with this new approach. Only time will tell if it pays off.