The gaming community eagerly awaits the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, poised to dive into the new era of gaming. However, IGN readers should be aware of a significant change in Nintendo's approach: 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 early reviews of anticipated titles such as Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, or the upgraded Zelda games and other ports before the launch.
This development poses a challenge to our usual coverage strategy, affecting not only IGN but also other media outlets, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry. We take great pride in delivering comprehensive reviews and insights about new hardware and games, helping you make informed decisions about your investments in time and money. The inability to offer this service at the usual pace is a setback, but we remain committed to providing you with the information you need.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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While this isn’t the first time we’ve faced such a situation, we're ready to adapt and provide the next best thing. Our team will work tirelessly to bring you timely and quality reviews as soon as our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive. We'll kick off with an in-progress review of Mario Kart World, led by our in-house champion and NVC host, Logan Plant. Additionally, we’ll 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, focusing on their performance and comparisons to previous versions on other platforms.
Simultaneously, our team will evaluate the entire hardware lineup, including the Switch 2 console itself, reviewed by our expert on Switch and Switch Lite, Tom Marks. We’ll also cover the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, assessed by controller expert Michael Higham, the camera, and all other accessories we can get our hands on.
AnswerSee ResultsOur aim is to have most, if not all, of these reviews published within a week or so of the launch. We’ll also address any significant questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin using their new consoles. There's much to be done, but rest assured, we’re fully prepared to meet this challenge head-on.
