Today, the gaming community is eagerly awaiting the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5. However, there's a crucial update for IGN readers: Nintendo has announced that there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This decision impacts our ability to provide timely reviews of key titles like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and the upgraded Zelda games, as well as other ports.

This development is less than ideal and disrupts our usual approach to covering new console launches, not just at IGN but across the media landscape, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry. We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive insights into new hardware and games right when you need them to make informed decisions about your time and money.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 ImagesHowever, this isn't the first time we've faced such a challenge. We're prepared to adapt and bring you the next best thing. While it will require more effort than usual, we're committed to providing you with quality content as soon as possible. As soon as our preordered Switch 2 units arrive, we'll dive into a variety of content, including an ongoing review of Mario Kart World by our in-house expert 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 performance and comparisons to previous versions on other platforms. Additionally, our team will evaluate all aspects of 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 other accessories.