The gaming community eagerly awaits June 5th with outstretched thumbs hovering over imaginary A buttons, anticipating Nintendo Switch 2's imminent arrival. But here's a crucial update for IGN readers: Nintendo confirmed there won't be traditional pre-launch hardware access for reviews this time. This unprecedented move means we can't give you our usual timely analysis of Mario Kart World, Welcome Tour, or the enhanced Zelda titles before launch day.

This situation isn't perfect and definitely disrupts our planned coverage strategy - both ours and other gaming outlets like Digital Foundry. Providing insightful hardware evaluations just as consumers need them most is what we pride ourselves on at IGN. It's arguably one of our most valuable services when you're deciding how to invest your money and gaming time.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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While this curveball throws us off our usual routine, we're adapting quickly to give you the best possible alternative. Here's our plan: the moment our personally preordered Switch 2 units arrive, we're hitting the ground running with comprehensive testing. Expect Logan Plant's Mario Kart World review-in-progress, detailed comparisons of upgraded Zelda titles Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, plus third-party ports like Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts Legacy. Tom Marks will tackle the Switch 2 hardware evaluation while Michael Higham tests the new Pro Controller 2 and Joy-Cons - every peripheral will get scrutinized.

We're committing to delivering thorough reviews within a week of launch while monitoring emerging discussions from early adopters worldwide. It's an ambitious timeline but one we're prepared to meet head-on.