Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Delayed Until June 5

As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the Nintendo Switch 2 launch on June 5, a significant update from Nintendo has caught the attention of IGN readers. Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware, deviating from the norm for console launches. This decision also means that we won't have the opportunity to test and review games like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, or the upgraded versions of Zelda and other ports before their release, impacting our ability to provide the timely review coverage you rely on.

This news is less than ideal and has disrupted the usual plans we, along with other media outlets like Digital Foundry, had in place to answer your questions before or at launch. At IGN, we take great pride in delivering detailed insights into new hardware and games right when you need them to make informed decisions about your investments in time and money.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 ImagesWhile this isn't the first time we've faced such a situation, we're prepared to adapt and bring you the next best thing. Although it will require more effort, we're committed to delivering comprehensive coverage as soon as possible without compromising on quality. As soon as our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive, we'll begin working on several key reviews and impressions, including an in-progress review of Mario Kart World by our in-house champion and NVC host, Logan Plant. We'll also provide detailed impressions of the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and third-party ports such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy, focusing on their performance and comparisons to previous versions on other platforms. Concurrently, our team will evaluate all aspects of the hardware, including the Switch 2 console itself (reviewed by Switch and Switch Lite expert Tom Marks), the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2 (analyzed by controller specialist Michael Higham), the camera, and every other accessory we can get our hands on.