Reviewing a new video game console is usually an isolating experience. You get a device in the mail, hook it up to your television, and then play a bunch of games on your own or, occasionally, with the small handful of other people who have one in for review. You have to quickly test everything you can think of, then race to get an article ready to publish ahead of launch to help readers understand what they’re getting into.
That’s how things went when Tom Warren and I covered the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in 2020. But with the Nintendo Switch 2, things aren’t quite so simple – and it’s going to take a lot more people.
Almost everything about the Switch 2 ahead of launch has been a little weird, from the confusing messaging and high pricing to the unfortunately timed connection with spiking tariffs. Intent to keep that strange energy going, Nintendo has decided to not send out early review units to The Verge or other outlets, citing the need for day-one software updates. (This was not the case with the original Switch.) As a result, I’ll be getting my hands on the device at the same time as everyone else. So what does that mean for our review?
Well, things will be a littl …
