Switch 2 Needs $95 Accessories, 4K TV for Full Experience

Nintendo's $10 Switch 2 mini-game collection — which many fans argue should have been included for free — demands over $95 worth of additional accessories to achieve 100% completion.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour launches today alongside the new console, featuring a curated selection of mini-games designed to demonstrate the system's capabilities.

However, some mini-games require specialized hardware — including the Switch 2 camera functionality and the additional GL/GR buttons, which aren't available on standard Joy-Con controllers. These demand either a Charging Grip or Pro Controller purchase (as reported by NintendoSoup), both sold separately.

Additionally, players will need access to a 4K television if they want to experience all content, presenting a challenge for those planning handheld-only play.

Player reports confirm three mini-games require specific equipment: one needs the camera attachment, another the GL/GR button controls, while both a minigame and tech demo require 4K display compatibility.

To experience everything in Switch 2 Welcome Tour, players must pay not only the $10 game price but also $54.99 for the official camera, plus either $39.99 for a Charging Grip or $84.99 for a Pro Controller to access all button functions.

While the Switch 2 supports third-party USB-C cameras as cheaper alternatives, the system won't recognize the previous generation's Pro Controller for GL/GR functionality. Recent tariff adjustments have further increased these accessory prices beyond Nintendo's original estimates.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour Slideshow

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This decision continues a pattern of controversy surrounding Welcome Tour's standalone pricing. Many expected this hardware showcase — essentially an interactive manual demonstrating Switch 2 features — to come bundled with the console, mirroring Wii Sports' inclusion with the Wii system.

Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has publicly referenced the Wii Sports precedent, recalling his successful push to bundle the title with Western console sales despite opposition from Nintendo's Japanese leadership. This strategy ultimately made Wii Sports one of history's best-selling games.

Industry analysts question whether the $10 price tag combined with mandatory accessory purchases will impact adoption. As IGN recently noted: "The entire Welcome Tour conversation has been overshadowed by Nintendo's controversial pricing decision, forcing potential buyers to weigh the value of learning about cartridge slots and viewing HDR demos."

This accessory requirement arrives alongside reports of shipping damage to Switch 2 units, as reported by IGN today. Retailers using staples have been piercing the console's thin packaging, adding another consideration for prospective buyers — whether purchasing Welcome Tour or not.