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 update 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 that 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 and the broader gaming media, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry, as it disrupts our plans to deliver comprehensive insights into the new hardware and games right at the moment when you, our readers, are making crucial purchasing decisions. At IGN, we take pride in providing you with the information you need to make informed choices about how to spend your time and money, and this is a core part of our mission.

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While this isn't the first time we've had to adapt to such circumstances, we're committed to bringing you the next best thing. It will require more effort than usual, but we're prepared to work diligently to provide you with the answers you need without compromising on quality. As soon as our preordered Switch 2 units arrive, we'll dive into a range of content, including an ongoing review 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 such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy, focusing on their performance and how they stack up against previous versions on other platforms. Simultaneously, our team will evaluate all aspects of the hardware, from the Switch 2 console itself, reviewed by our expert Tom Marks, to the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, the camera, and other accessories.

Our aim is to have most, if not all, of these reviews published within a week or so of the launch, and to address any significant questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin to explore the capabilities of this new console. We have a lot on our plate, but we're fully prepared to deliver the insights you need.