Nintendo Switch 2 Reviews Delayed Until June 5

Today, the gaming community is eagerly awaiting the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, set for June 5. However, IGN readers need to be aware of a significant change in Nintendo's strategy: there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This means we won't be able to provide our usual timely reviews of key titles like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, and the upgraded Zelda games before the launch.

This shift poses a challenge for us at IGN, as well as for other media outlets and tech analysts like those at Digital Foundry. We pride ourselves on delivering detailed insights into new hardware and games right when you need them most—to help you make informed decisions about your purchases. It's a core part of what we do, and we're committed to maintaining that standard despite these new circumstances.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

View 91 ImagesWhile this isn't the first time we've had to adjust our approach, we're ready to provide you with comprehensive coverage as soon as possible. Once our preordered Switch 2 consoles arrive, we'll dive straight into creating in-progress reviews and detailed impressions. This includes a review of Mario Kart World led by our in-house expert and NVC host, Logan Plant, and in-depth looks at the Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and third-party ports such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy, focusing on performance and comparisons to other platforms.

Simultaneously, our team will evaluate all the hardware, from the Switch 2 console itself, covered by Tom Marks, our expert on Switch and Switch Lite, to the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, and other accessories, with insights from controller specialist Michael Higham.