Nintendo Switch 2 Review Embargo Lifts June 5

The gaming community stands at the edge of its collective seat, metaphorically thumb poised over the A button, eagerly anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2 launch date of June 5. Gamers everywhere are counting down the moments until they can experience the next generation of portable-play innovation firsthand. However, a recent update from Nintendo has shifted expectations for pre-launch coverage—and it’s a change that affects how media outlets like IGN typically prepare for such a major release.

In a surprising move, Nintendo has confirmed there will be no traditional pre-launch review access to the Switch 2 hardware or its initial lineup of games. This means titles like *Mario Kart World*, *Welcome Tour*, and enhanced versions of *Zelda*—alongside third-party ports—are off-limits for early evaluation. For IGN and our readers, this is more than just a minor inconvenience; it disrupts our ability to deliver the in-depth, timely reviews you’ve come to expect right at launch.

Being able to provide you with comprehensive insights into new hardware and software at the moment of release is something we deeply value. It allows us to help guide your decisions about where to invest your time and money—two things no one wants to waste. While this situation isn’t ideal, it’s not entirely unprecedented either. We’ve adapted before, and we’re already working hard to bring you the next best alternative without sacrificing quality or depth.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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As soon as our preordered Nintendo Switch 2 units arrive, we’ll dive straight into hands-on evaluations. Our plan includes publishing a full review-in-progress of *Mario Kart World* led by our in-house expert and Nintendo Voice Chat host, Logan Plant. Additionally, we’ll offer deeper impressions of the enhanced Switch 2 versions of *Breath of the Wild*, *Tears of the Kingdom*, and key third-party titles such as *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Hogwarts Legacy*. We’ll be closely analyzing performance improvements and how these versions stack up against their predecessors on other platforms.

On the hardware side, we’re assembling a full team to evaluate every component of the system. Tom Marks, our seasoned reviewer of the original Switch and Switch Lite, will assess the core console experience. Michael Higham, our go-to authority on controllers, will test the Pro Controller 2, while others will take an in-depth look at the new Joy-Cons, built-in camera, and all additional accessories available at launch.

Our goal is to publish most—if not all—of these reviews within a week of launch. We also intend to address any emerging questions as early adopters around the world begin testing the system under real-world conditions. There’s a lot of work ahead, but our team is ready and committed to delivering the insightful, high-quality content you count on. Stay tuned—we’re just getting started.