"Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Delayed Until June 5"

As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, there's a significant piece of news that IGN readers need to be aware of: Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This departure from the norm means we won't be able to provide our usual timely reviews of key titles like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and the upgraded versions of Zelda games and other ports before the console hits the shelves.

This development poses a challenge for us at IGN, and indeed for the entire gaming media landscape, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry. We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive insights into new hardware and games at the crucial moment when you, our readers, are deciding how to invest your time and money. It's a core part of our mission and one of the most rewarding aspects of our work.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 Images

While this isn't the first time we've faced such a situation, we're prepared to adapt and bring you the next best thing. It'll require more effort than usual, but rest assured, we're committed to providing you with the information you need without sacrificing quality. As soon as our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive, we'll dive right in. Our team will start working on a review in progress of Mario Kart World, led by our in-house champion and NVC host Logan Plant. We'll also offer detailed 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, examining their performance and comparing them to previous versions on other platforms. Simultaneously, our experts will evaluate all the hardware, including the Switch 2 console itself (reviewed by Tom Marks, who has covered the Switch and Switch Lite), the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2 (analyzed by controller expert Michael Higham), the camera, and any other accessories we can get our hands on.

Our aim is to have most, if not all, of these reviews published within a week or so of the launch. We'll also be ready to address any major questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin to explore the new console's capabilities. There's much to do, but we're fully prepared to deliver the insights you need.