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 decided not to provide traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This departure from the norm means that we won't be able to offer our usual timely reviews of key titles such as Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and the upgraded versions of Zelda games and other ports before the console hits the market.
This unexpected change has disrupted the plans of IGN and other media outlets, including our colleagues at Digital Foundry, who were prepared to provide comprehensive coverage at or before the launch. At IGN, we take pride in delivering detailed insights into new hardware and games right when you need them to make informed decisions about your gaming investments and time. It's a core part of what we do and what we're passionate about.
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Despite this challenge, we're ready to adapt and provide you with the next best thing. While it will require more effort than usual, we're committed to delivering quality content as soon as possible. Once our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive, we'll dive right in. Our coverage will include an in-progress review of Mario Kart World by our in-house champion and NVC host Logan Plant, as well as 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. We'll focus on how these games perform and compare to their previous versions on other platforms. Simultaneously, our team, including Switch and Switch Lite reviewer Tom Marks, will evaluate the Switch 2 console itself, the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2 (analyzed by controller expert Michael Higham), the camera, and all other available accessories.
