Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Delayed Until June 5

As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, a significant piece of news has emerged that affects how we cover this exciting release. Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware, which is a departure from the norm for console launches. This decision 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 market.

This change poses a challenge for us at IGN, as well as for our colleagues in the media, including the tech experts at Digital Foundry. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive insights into new gaming hardware and software right when you need them most—to help you make informed decisions about your purchases. It's a core part of our service that we take great pride in.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 ImagesHowever, this isn't the first time we've had to adapt to such circumstances, and we're prepared to deliver the next best thing. It will require a bit more effort, but as soon as our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive, we'll dive right in. We'll start with an ongoing review of Mario Kart World, led by our in-house champion and NVC host Logan Plant. We'll also provide 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, focusing on their performance and how they compare to previous versions on other platforms. Simultaneously, our team will evaluate all 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 lay our hands on.