As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, there's a significant update from Nintendo that IGN readers should be aware of: there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware. This departure from the norm means that we won't be able to provide early reviews of key titles like Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, or the upgraded Zelda games and other ports in time for their launch.
This development is less than ideal and has disrupted the plans of not only IGN but also other media outlets, including our tech-focused colleagues at Digital Foundry. We take pride in delivering comprehensive reviews and insights that help you make informed decisions about your gaming investments. The inability to provide these at the time you need them most is a challenge we're determined to overcome.
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Despite this hurdle, we're prepared to adapt and provide you with the next best thing. We'll be working diligently to bring you detailed reviews and impressions as soon as our preordered Switch 2 units arrive. Our coverage will include an in-progress review of Mario Kart World by our in-house champion and NVC host, Logan Plant. We'll also offer in-depth looks at 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 compare to previous versions on other platforms.
Simultaneously, our team will be evaluating all aspects of the hardware. This includes the Switch 2 console itself, reviewed by our Switch and Switch Lite expert, Tom Marks, as well as the new Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller 2, the camera, and other accessories, with insights from our controller specialist, Michael Higham.
AnswerSee ResultsOur goal is to have the majority, if not all, of these reviews available within a week of the Switch 2's launch. We'll also be ready to address any significant questions that arise as early adopters worldwide begin to explore the capabilities of this new console. We're committed to delivering the quality content you expect from IGN, even if it means working a bit harder and faster.