Nintendo Switch 2 faces a tough launch

Review scores for Drag x Drive and Welcome Tour reveal a weak launch for Switch 2.

Nintendo faces a lukewarm Switch 2 launch with two poorly reviewed games

Review scores for Drag x Drive show critics find the arcade style game too complex for casual players and not deep enough for fans of sports titles. The review embargo and early verdicts place the game among Nintendo published titles that are not hitting with critics this launch week. The overall Metacritic score for Drag x Drive sits around 62 out of 100 as reviewers highlight tedious controls that rely on the Switch 2 hardware’s mouse-like inputs and a lack of visual polish.

Welcome Tour, a launch title described as a tutorial wrapped in paywall, earns even lower marks with critics averaging around 54 on Metacritic. Many outlets call the experience a tech demo rather than a standalone game, and some see the paywall as a deterrent that undercuts its value. Together, the two titles land near the bottom of the Switch 2 library in early reviews, reinforcing concerns about a soft start for Nintendo’s new console.

The mixed reception of these two games underscores a broader tension for Nintendo: the hardware may be strong, but the software lineup at launch matters just as much. Critics point to a reliance on gimmicks and new features rather than high-quality, enduring experiences tied to recognizable IP. That pattern risks dampening early enthusiasm and could affect early sales momentum if the rest of the lineup does not improve quickly.

Looking ahead, Nintendo faces a test of whether it can convert curiosity about larger hardware upgrades into sustained player engagement. If the upcoming slate delivers more depth and fewer gimmicks, the Switch 2 could recover from a rocky start. If not, the narrative may shift toward a reputation for flashy hardware with a lean software library, which could slow momentum at a crucial growth moment for the platform.

Highlights

Time will tell if Nintendo can turn early doubts into momentum.