WWE 2K25 on Switch 2: A Triumphant Return to Form for Nintendo Wrestling Fans

For a generation of gamers, the pinnacle of wrestling games resided on the Nintendo 64. Titles like WWF No Mercy and WWF WrestleMania 2000 set a high bar for gameplay, customization, and fun. In the decades since, Nintendo console ports of wrestling games have often been a mixed bag, plagued by cut content, graphical downgrades, and technical issues. However, with WWE 2K25 on the new Nintendo Switch 2, that era of compromise is over. 2K and Visual Concepts have delivered a stunning port that not only brings the full-fat, current-gen experience to a handheld for the first time but also redeems the genre on a Nintendo platform, creating the best wrestling game on a Nintendo console since the N64 glory days.

The core of this achievement is the game’s impressive technical performance. WWE 2K25 on Switch 2 runs at a mostly rock-solid 60 frames per second, even in hectic, multi-person matches. This is a monumental step up from previous ports and is crucial for a game that relies on split-second reversals and timing. The character models are surprisingly detailed, and while there are some expected cutbacks in background details like crowds and arena reflections compared to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions, the overall presentation is top-notch. It’s clear that the developers took the Switch 2’s hardware seriously, ensuring that the visual trade-offs didn’t come at the expense of a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.

All the Features, All the Fun

What truly sets this port apart is its content parity with the current-gen versions. WWE 2K25 on Switch 2 is not a stripped-down experience. It includes all the major game modes, from the cinematic “Showcase” mode that chronicles the history of The Bloodline to the extensive “MyRISE” career mode and the fan-favorite “MyGM.” The inclusion of “The Island,” a new open-world social hub, is a testament to 2K’s commitment to the platform. While this mode has been criticized on all platforms for feeling a bit empty, its presence on the Switch 2 is a significant win, showcasing that the console is being treated as a priority, not an afterthought.

The gameplay itself has been refined, with welcome additions like the return of chain wrestling, new match types, and, for the first time in franchise history, intergender wrestling. This opens up countless new matchup possibilities across multiple modes. The creative suite, a hallmark of the WWE 2K series, is fully featured, allowing players to create custom wrestlers, arenas, and more. While the game does suffer from a major drawback—the lack of cross-platform Community Creations, which limits players to a Switch-only pool of user-created content—the sheer amount of base content and the robust in-game creation tools still provide countless hours of entertainment. This is a noticeable miss, but one that hopefully can be rectified in future installments.

Handheld Excellence and a Promising Future

The biggest selling point of the Switch 2 version is undoubtedly its handheld mode. The ability to take a full-fledged, graphically impressive wrestling game on the go is something that has been missing for a long time. The game shines on the Switch 2’s high-definition screen, making every punch, slam, and high-flying maneuver feel impactful. The developers have even included multiple control options, including support for individual Joy-Con 2 for out-of-the-box multiplayer, which is a fantastic feature for impromptu matches with friends. While the online multiplayer and custom creations are not cross-platform, the local multiplayer and solo offerings are so rich that this version still stands on its own.

WWE 2K25 on Switch 2 is more than just a good port; it’s a statement. It proves that major third-party developers can and will deliver complete, high-quality experiences on Nintendo’s new console. For wrestling fans, it’s a dream come true and a long-overdue return to a level of quality not seen since the glory days of the Nintendo 64. It is a must-buy for any wrestling fan with a Nintendo Switch 2, and it sets a promising precedent for the future of sports games on the platform.