Reggie Fils-Aimé Highlights Wii Sports Success Amid Switch 2 Tour Backlash

Reggie Fils-Aimé, the former president of Nintendo of America, has subtly addressed the controversy surrounding Nintendo's decision to charge for the Switch 2 tutorial game, Welcome Tour, through a series of tweets. These posts reference the story of Wii Sports, which was bundled as a pack-in game with the Wii console. Amidst the uproar over the $449.99 price of the Switch 2 and the $79.99 price tag for Mario Kart World, the decision to charge for Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour has sparked significant debate among fans.

During the recent Nintendo Direct, the company unveiled Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, set to launch alongside the Switch 2 in June. This game serves as an interactive tutorial, guiding players through the new console's features via a virtual exhibition. The Direct showcased a player avatar exploring a larger-than-life Switch 2, engaging with mini-games like Speed Golf, Dodge the Spiked Balls, and a Maracas Physics Demo.

IGN has confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will be priced at $9.99 and available only digitally. While this is less than other Switch 2 titles, many fans have expressed disappointment, arguing that it should be a free pack-in, much like Astro's Playroom was for the PlayStation 5.

Fils-Aimé's tweets feature clips from a two-year-old IGN interview where he discussed his efforts to include Wii Sports as a pack-in for the Wii. In the clips, he recounts his negotiations with Shigeru Miyamoto, who initially resisted the idea. Fils-Aimé eventually succeeded in bundling Wii Sports with the Wii in most regions, except Japan, and highlighted the positive impact this had on the console's success.

The story of Wii Sports pack in ... https://t.co/LhflSFWaL3

— Reggie Fils-Aimé (@Reggie) April 9, 2025

And the results. https://t.co/xrFTDeJMQf

— Reggie Fils-Aimé (@Reggie) April 9, 2025

Fils-Aimé's tweets suggest a belief that including Welcome Tour as a free pack-in could benefit the Switch 2, drawing parallels to the success of Wii Sports and Wii Play. Fans have picked up on his message, with many on social media expressing their support for his stance.

In a recent interview with IGN, Nintendo of America's Vice President of Product and Player Experience, Bill Trinen, provided more insight into Welcome Tour. Speaking before the announcement of a delay in Switch 2 pre-orders due to Trump's tariffs, Trinen emphasized the depth and value of the game. He highlighted that Welcome Tour offers a detailed look at the Switch 2's technology and features, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the system's specifics.

Trinen noted that Nintendo is planning to showcase Welcome Tour further through Nintendo Treehouse Live segments, offering a more comprehensive view of its features. He justified the $9.99 price, stating it reflects the substantial effort and detail put into the game, making it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking in-depth information about the Switch 2.

The pricing and inclusion of Welcome Tour is just one aspect of the broader controversy surrounding Nintendo's next-gen strategy, which also includes discussions about $80 Switch 2 games and the $450 price for the Switch 2 itself.