Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Delayed Until June 5

As the gaming community eagerly awaits the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, there's a significant piece of news for IGN readers: Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This departure from the norm means that we won't be able to provide you with early reviews of eagerly anticipated titles like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, or the upgraded versions of Zelda games and other ports before their release. This change in policy has disrupted the usual process not only for us at IGN but also for other media outlets, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry, who were prepared to deliver comprehensive coverage ahead of the console's debut.

At IGN, we pride ourselves on offering detailed insights into new hardware and games to help you make informed decisions about your purchases. The inability to provide pre-launch reviews is far from ideal, but we're committed to adapting to this situation and bringing you the next best thing. We're gearing up to deliver a flurry of content as soon as our pre-ordered Switch 2 consoles arrive. Our coverage will include an in-progress review of Mario Kart World by our in-house champion and NVC host Logan Plant, as well as in-depth impressions of the Switch 2 editions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and third-party ports like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy. We'll focus on how these games perform and compare to their versions on other platforms. Simultaneously, our team will dive into evaluations of the hardware, including the Switch 2 console itself, reviewed by Tom Marks, who has extensive experience with the original Switch and Switch Lite, along with new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, the camera, and other accessories.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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While this approach will require more effort and speed than usual, we're determined to maintain the high quality of our content. Our goal is to publish most, if not all, of these reviews within a week or so of the launch, addressing the big questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin using their new consoles. We're ready to tackle this challenge and ensure you have the information you need to enjoy the Nintendo Switch 2 to its fullest.