Former Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aimé has invoked the history of Wii Sports, the bundled game for the Wii console, in subtle social media posts addressing the debate over Nintendo's choice to charge for the Switch 2's tutorial software, Welcome Tour.
While much of the uproar has focused on the Switch 2's $449.99 price and the $79.99 cost of Mario Kart World, many were also surprised that Nintendo is charging for its interactive guide, Welcome Tour.
Nintendo unveiled Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour during last week's Nintendo Direct presentation. This software, launching alongside the Switch 2 in June, provides a guided, game-like exploration of the console's features.
Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is described as a "virtual exhibition" of the new hardware. According to Nintendo, "through tech demos, minigames, and other interactive elements, players will gain an in-depth understanding of the new system, discovering functionalities they might otherwise have missed."
The Nintendo Direct showcased footage of a small avatar navigating a magnified model of the Switch 2, learning about various console features and facts. It also includes minigames like Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.
IGN has confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is priced at $9.99 and is available only as a digital download. While this is considerably less than other Switch 2 titles, IGN has noted complaints from some Nintendo fans that Welcome Tour isn't free. Many argue it should be bundled with the console, similar to how the DualSense tech demo Astro's Playroom was included with the PlayStation 5.
Now, Fils-Aimé has posted three excerpts from IGN's interview with the former Nintendo executive from two years ago. In it, he detailed his internal struggle with legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto to have Wii Sports included for free with the massively successful Wii console.
In the first clip, Fils-Aimé states, "it is an understatement to say that Mr. Miyamoto pushed back" on the proposal to bundle Wii Sports with the Wii. As history shows, Fils-Aimé largely won this debate, with Wii Sports being included with the Wii in all regions except Japan.
The story of Wii Sports pack in ...https://t.co/LhflSFWaL3
— Reggie Fils-Aimé (@Reggie) April 9, 2025
The second interview clip Fils-Aimé shared referenced a similar effort to bundle Wii Play with the Wii Remote. In the interview excerpt, Fils-Aimé disclosed that this suggestion "pissed off" Miyamoto once more. "He was not happy about that either."
Finally, with a tweet captioned "and the results," Fils-Aimé highlighted the part of the interview where he explains that these decisions ultimately proved to be correct.
"In the Americas and in Europe, Wii Sports was bundled with the Wii console. It wasn't in Japan, which created a natural test market. It was evident that in markets where Wii Sports was included, the console became a much bigger phenomenon. Wii Sports itself became a phenomenon.
"We did bundle the Remote with Wii Play. And that game became the fifth best-selling software title in the history of the Wii."
And the results.https://t.co/xrFTDeJMQf
— Reggie Fils-Aimé (@Reggie) April 9, 2025
Fils-Aimé's intention is clear. While not commenting directly on Nintendo's Switch 2 strategy, he is underscoring that free bundled software has historically benefited Nintendo consoles, suggesting it could be successful again with the Switch 2.
Fans have picked up on the message. "Hahaha, guys I think Reggie is watching our comments about the Switch 2," one X/Twitter user remarked. "We know you would have packed in Welcome Tour," added another.
This week, IGN published its interview with Nintendo of America's Vice President of Product and Player Experience, Bill Trinen, conducted at a recent Switch 2 preview event in New York. This took place before Nintendo delayed pre-orders due to Trump’s tariffs.
Trinen stated that Welcome Tour offers more than what was shown during the Nintendo Direct or recent hands-on media sessions. Given the actual content of the software, Nintendo determined that $9.99 "is not an exorbitant price," he explained.
"It's an interesting product," Trinen began. "We're preparing today to do some Nintendo Treehouse Live segments that will cover many games in detail, including this one. I believe people will see more through Treehouse Live than what was possible on the show floor. It's a robust piece of software with a great deal of detail.
"For individuals particularly interested in the technical aspects and specifications of the system, I think it will be a great product. It's really aimed at those who want deeper information about the system, not just a quick introduction.
"For that reason, and considering the care and effort the development team invested, it was decided that, 'Yes, $9.99 is not an unreasonable price. It represents good value for what you receive.'"
Welcome Tour is, of course, just one aspect of Nintendo's next-generation strategy facing scrutiny. IGN has also covered Trinen's response to questions about the company's decision to price Switch 2 games at $80, as well as setting the console's price at $450.
