Nintendo Switch 2 reviews could be limited, system getting big day one patch

A new report claims that reviews for Nintendo Switch 2 could be limited leading up to launch, which is at least in part due to a significant day one patch that is required.

Nintendo has been informing some journalists that they will not have access to a unit until launch day. The Game Business spoke with four such media members, including two described as “very, very senior journalists in the games industry”.

Also throwing a wrench into things is Summer Game Fest. The big media event is happening during the same week as the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, with many congregating in Los Angeles to preview upcoming titles. That means some will need to cover the new console while also working at that event. All of this doesn’t mean there won’t be any reviews at all, but perhaps they could be more limited.

The Game Business says some third-party publishers supporting the new system at launch have been “stunned” by the situation with reviews. An unnamed PR boss believes they have “something special” for Nintendo Switch 2’s debut for those that “want something else in addition to Mario Kart”. However, that person said “the lack of independent critical validation is going to make it very hard for us” and wondered whether they “would have been better off waiting a few weeks.”

You can keep track of all the big Nintendo Switch 2 news as it drops here.