Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Begin June 5

As the gaming community eagerly awaits the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, there's a significant update for IGN readers: Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This break from tradition also means we won't have the chance to test and review key titles like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and the upgraded Zelda games before their release. This change affects how we, and other media outlets including Digital Foundry, can provide you with the in-depth coverage you rely on to make informed decisions about your gaming investments.

At IGN, we take pride in delivering comprehensive reviews and insights at the crucial moment when you're deciding how to spend your time and money. The absence of pre-launch access presents a challenge, but it's one we're prepared to tackle head-on.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Although this isn't the first time we've faced such a situation, we're committed to adapting and providing you with the next best thing. As soon as our preordered Switch 2 units arrive, we'll dive right in. Our coverage will include an ongoing review of Mario Kart World 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 like 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. This includes the Switch 2 console itself, reviewed by our expert on Switch and Switch Lite, Tom Marks, as well as the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, analyzed by controller specialist Michael Higham, the camera, and any other accessories we can get our hands on.

Our goal is to have the majority, if not all, of these reviews ready within a week or so after the launch. We're also prepared to address the big questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin to explore the capabilities of this new console. There's a lot to do, but we're ready to hit the ground running and deliver the quality coverage you expect from IGN.