As the gaming world collectively hovers a metaphorical thumb over the A button, all eyes are fixed on the Nintendo Switch 2 launch date—June 5—anticipating that crucial head start. Yet, just as anticipation peaks, a notable update arrives from Nintendo: there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware or its games. This marks a departure from the norm for console launches and means titles like *Mario Kart World Welcome Tour*, enhanced versions of *Zelda* games, and other key ports won’t be available for testing in time for IGN’s usual early review coverage.
Needless to say, this isn't ideal. The absence of hands-on access ahead of launch has disrupted our standard process—and that of many media outlets, including Digital Foundry—for delivering timely insights you rely on when making decisions about your next big purchase. At IGN, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, real-time evaluations of new hardware and software experiences, especially at launch. It's one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do: helping you understand what a new platform truly feels like before you commit.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Still, this isn’t uncharted territory. We’ve adapted to similar challenges before, and we’re committed to bringing you the next best alternative. While it’ll require more hustle than usual, rest assured—we're not cutting corners on quality. As soon as our preordered Nintendo Switch 2 units arrive, we’ll dive straight into producing detailed content, including:
- A full “Review in Progress” of *Mario Kart World*, led by in-house racing expert and NVC host Logan Plant;
- Comprehensive impressions of the Switch 2 editions of *Breath of the Wild* and *Tears of the Kingdom*;
- Performance comparisons of third-party heavyweights such as *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Hogwarts Legacy* against their prior iterations;
- In-depth hardware reviews covering the Switch 2 console (by longtime Switch reviewer Tom Marks), Joy-Cons, Pro Controller 2 (reviewed by controller specialist Michael Higham), and every peripheral we can get our hands on.
Our aim is to publish most—if not all—of these deep-dive reviews within a week of launch. Additionally, we’ll be monitoring early user feedback globally and responding to any emerging questions or concerns that arise during those first few days of gameplay. It’s a tall order, but we’re up for the challenge. Stay tuned—we’ll bring you everything you need to know about the Nintendo Switch 2 just as soon as we know it ourselves.
