Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Delayed Until June 5

Today, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for June 5. However, IGN readers should be aware of a significant change in the review process. Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access for the Switch 2 hardware, deviating from the standard procedure for console launches. Consequently, this decision also prevents us from testing and reviewing games like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and the upgraded versions of Zelda games and other ports in time for our usual timely review coverage.

This situation is less than ideal and disrupts the plans of not only IGN but also other media outlets, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry. We take pride in providing you with comprehensive information about new hardware and games at the critical moment when you are deciding how to spend your money and time. This aspect of our work at IGN is both crucial and rewarding.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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While this isn't the first time we've faced such a challenge, we're prepared to adapt and deliver the next best thing. It will require more effort than usual, but our commitment is to provide you with the answers you need as quickly as possible, without sacrificing quality. As soon as our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive, we'll dive into a comprehensive review process. This includes an ongoing review of Mario Kart World by our in-house expert and NVC host, Logan Plant, 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 comparison to previous versions on other platforms. Simultaneously, our team will evaluate all aspects of the hardware, from the Switch 2 console itself, reviewed by Tom Marks, to the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, analyzed by controller expert Michael Higham, the camera, and every other accessory we can get our hands on.

Our goal is to publish most, if not all, of these reviews within a week or so of the launch, addressing the significant questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin to explore the new console. We have a lot to accomplish, but we're fully prepared to deliver the detailed insights you expect from IGN.