Nintendo Switch 2 Review Units Withheld Until Launch; Mario Kart World Early Access Limited

Nintendo Switch 2 Review Units Withheld Until Launch; Mario Kart World Early Access Limited Nintendo has confirmed that it will not be sending out early review units for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console, nor for upcoming key titles such as Mario Kart World, prior to the hardware’s launch date on June 5, 2025.

This strategy, which deviates from typical industry practice, may alter the timing and coverage of reviews and first impressions from gaming media. Background: Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World Nintendo’s follow-up to the massively successful Nintendo Switch, originally released in 2017, has been generating significant anticipation across the gaming industry.

Mario Kart World, the newest entry in the best-selling racing franchise, is set to be a flagship title for the new platform.

As Nintendo prepares for the next generation, industry observers are closely monitoring the company’s approach to hardware launches and media relations. Review Units to Arrive at Launch According to a report from The Game Business, the majority of media outlets will not receive Nintendo Switch 2 review units, or copies of Mario Kart World, until the official release date.

Only a select few major outlets are scheduled to obtain their units just a handful of days before launch, with the wider press expected to receive consoles and games on launch day itself.

Nintendo has attributed this decision to the necessity of a substantial day-one software update, which the company says is essential for reviewers to experience the console and its games as intended. A Nintendo spokesperson, as reported by The Game Business, explained that the presence of a significant day-one patch makes it impractical to distribute review hardware and software in advance, as early coverage might not accurately represent the final product. Press Reaction and Limited Early Impressions Some editors, speaking anonymously, have expressed concerns regarding this decision.

They note that withholding review hardware and software until launch makes it challenging for outlets to deliver comprehensive and timely analysis, especially compared to potential leaks or unofficial sources that might surface ahead of the official release.

Concerns were also raised over the risk of third-party retailers breaking street dates, thereby enabling unofficial early access to Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World. Despite these limitations, Nintendo has organized preview events where select members of the press can experience Mario Kart World ahead of the launch, providing an opportunity for initial impressions and hands-on reports.

However, full reviews and in-depth coverage are not likely to appear until after the console and game become publicly available on June 5, 2025. Looking Ahead Nintendo’s approach to managing the rollout and coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World reflects a desire to control the narrative around its next-generation launch.

While this may delay detailed reviews, fans and industry analysts can still look forward to reputable first impressions from authorized preview sessions before launch day. Stay tuned to our site for ongoing coverage, official updates, and early impressions of Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart World as more information becomes available.

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