Reviewing a new game console is usually a solitary affair. You receive the device, connect it, and then play games – often alone – before racing to publish a review before launch. That was the case with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X reviews. But the Nintendo Switch 2 is different. Nintendo’s decision not to send out early review units, citing the need for day-one software updates, changes everything. This means *The Verge* team, including myself, will be experiencing the Switch 2 alongside everyone else.
This unconventional approach will lead to a unique review process. Instead of the usual single, comprehensive review followed by smaller articles on specific features, we’re starting with in-depth explorations of various aspects. Many *Verge* staff members have pre-ordered the console and will be diving into the hardware, interface, menus, and game updates immediately upon receiving their units. This will provide a diverse range of perspectives, offering a more holistic understanding than a pre-release review could provide.
Our full review will follow these individual deep dives. I’ll be personally testing every aspect of the device, including the flagship title, *Mario Kart World*. My review, along with the game review, will not be published on launch day. While I aim for speed, accuracy and real-world experience are paramount. This delay allows for a more realistic assessment of the Switch 2, unhurried by the pressure of a launch-day deadline.
This approach is especially important given the Switch 2’s emphasis on multiplayer features, particularly the GameChat service. Testing this aspect requires a real-world environment and interactions with other players, rather than the isolated testing of a pre-release period. I’m looking forward to experiencing the console’s multiplayer features firsthand, and I’ll share my detailed thoughts in the full review.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant event; the first major console launch in years. While timely reviews are important, a truly comprehensive and accurate assessment of the console’s real-world performance is even more crucial. Therefore, we’ll be taking a slightly different, more thorough approach to ensure a complete and insightful review for our readers.
