Nintendo has released a five-minute overview trailer for Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, its interactive exhibit that introduces the features and hardware of Switch 2.
Well, if we are counting all the post launch bundles, then the OG Switch definitely had pack-ins too. I bought mine bundled with MK8DX.
But if you want to talk launch pack-ins, the only ones I know had them for certain were the original NES, Game Boy and Wii. The GBP, GBL, GBC, GBA, GCN, all did not launch with pack-ins The DS technically had a Metroid demo and a messaging app. I don’t think the N64 launched with any bundles and SNES looks like it had a launch bundle in North America only. I’m not sure about the 3DS or WiiU, but the NEW 3DS didn’t even come with a charging cable.
So, yeah. It’s very stupid that Welcome Tour isn’t a pack-in, but it is not unprecedented in the least.
I think we may be thinking of different concepts. I was thinking this conversation was more about having a game that’s free with all console purchases, such as Astro’s Playroom for the PS5 and Wii Sports for the majority of the Wii’s life, which is a bit different from a console/game bundle.
That page may need updating too, because Nintendo still does game bundles. They did several for the Switch, like this Smash Bros edition one a friend of mine got which came with the game, or the Mario Kart bundle they’re making available at launch for the Switch 2. But these are basically limited run specials, and usually you’re still paying some certain amount extra for the game versus a standalone console purchase.
Even the basic, original release package of the consoles came with something. NES had Mario Bros. SNES had Super Mario World. N64 had Mario 64. GameCube had Mario Sunshine, and later on Animal Crossing.
@Kolanaki @Stovetop
No. The difference is that these are bundles with a game (or more) at a reduced price, and you were able to buy a console sans any games.
Look at your source again – the bundles have names such as Deluxe and Premium. In the case of GC, none of the games on the list were out at the point of the console’s release.
Yeah, he apparently had to fight for it. Nintendo’s stance was we don’t give away anything for free. Fortunately he was able to convince them. But now he is gone, and I don’t think Nintendo of America has any say for anything anymore.
It’s not surprising given that they did the same with 1-2 Switch; the Switch’s tech demo game they sold for sixty fucking dollars.
Reggie is the only reason Wii sports was included and he’s long gone
They had a pack-in game for every console until the Switch.
And Miyamoto fought against it
Did they? I’m struggling to think what other generations had other than the Wii.
I know for Wii U at least, their demo game was “Nintendo Land” and you had to pay for that one too.
They had TONS of pack-in games depending on when you got your console.
Shit, the SNES had certain sets that came with the arcade controller or the mouse (and the mouse one came with Mario Paint).
Well, if we are counting all the post launch bundles, then the OG Switch definitely had pack-ins too. I bought mine bundled with MK8DX.
But if you want to talk launch pack-ins, the only ones I know had them for certain were the original NES, Game Boy and Wii. The GBP, GBL, GBC, GBA, GCN, all did not launch with pack-ins The DS technically had a Metroid demo and a messaging app. I don’t think the N64 launched with any bundles and SNES looks like it had a launch bundle in North America only. I’m not sure about the 3DS or WiiU, but the NEW 3DS didn’t even come with a charging cable.
So, yeah. It’s very stupid that Welcome Tour isn’t a pack-in, but it is not unprecedented in the least.
I think we may be thinking of different concepts. I was thinking this conversation was more about having a game that’s free with all console purchases, such as Astro’s Playroom for the PS5 and Wii Sports for the majority of the Wii’s life, which is a bit different from a console/game bundle.
That page may need updating too, because Nintendo still does game bundles. They did several for the Switch, like this Smash Bros edition one a friend of mine got which came with the game, or the Mario Kart bundle they’re making available at launch for the Switch 2. But these are basically limited run specials, and usually you’re still paying some certain amount extra for the game versus a standalone console purchase.
Even the basic, original release package of the consoles came with something. NES had Mario Bros. SNES had Super Mario World. N64 had Mario 64. GameCube had Mario Sunshine, and later on Animal Crossing.
@Kolanaki
@Stovetop
No. The difference is that these are bundles with a game (or more) at a reduced price, and you were able to buy a console sans any games.
Look at your source again – the bundles have names such as Deluxe and Premium. In the case of GC, none of the games on the list were out at the point of the console’s release.
Yeah, he apparently had to fight for it. Nintendo’s stance was we don’t give away anything for free. Fortunately he was able to convince them. But now he is gone, and I don’t think Nintendo of America has any say for anything anymore.