Game review: WWE 2K25 (Switch 2 version)

FutureFive NZ already reviewed the Xbox Series X version of WWE 2K25, and we gave the game a respectable 8.5/10. Now that the Switch 2 version is released, does the game still hold up on a weaker system? Let's dive in and find out. 

Switch 2's performance is way better than Switch 1's

One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it's far more powerful than the Nintendo Switch 1 console. Although the Switch 1 was able to handle most first-party exclusives, it wasn't a good system when it came to third-party AAA video games. Lots of people remember how horrible the Switch 1 version of Mortal Kombat 1 looked in 2023. 

Another game that failed horribly on the Switch 1 was WWE 2K18. This was the first and only WWE 2K video game released for the Switch 1, and for good reason. The Switch 1 wasn't powerful enough to handle eight wrestlers on the screen at one time. The framerate and performance of WWE 2K18 were so horrible, the WWE 2K series was never released on the Switch 1 ever again. 

However, Switch 2 owners don't have anything to worry about because WWE 2K25 mostly performs really well on the newer console. To test out the Switch 2's capabilities, I first played a War Games match. 

A War Games match consists of eight wrestlers, two wrestling rings, and a steel cage with weapons all over. I am happy to say the Switch 2 version of WWE 2K25 was able to handle this match type with ease! I didn't notice any slowdown or lag while playing the War Games match with eight wrestlers in the ring simultaneously. 

WWE 2K25 Switch 2 visuals

In terms of graphical fidelity, most of the wrestlers in WWE 2K25 look realistic, much like they do on the more powerful PS5/Xbox Series X/S versions. The loading times are quite fast on the Switch 2, and every wrestler's entrances are added in full without any cuts or edits. Wrestlers like Roman Reigns and The Undertaker still have entrances that last a lifetime on the Switch 2!

Visually, the game is able to play at 60fps at all times, both in handheld and dock modes. As I mentioned above, the framerate is consistent no matter how many wrestlers are on the screen at the same time. I played this game in handheld mode mostly, and I did not notice any performance dips whatsoever. 

Most modes are included

Switch 2 owners will be happy to know their version of the game is feature-rich, like the PS5/Xbox Series X/S versions. For gamers on PC/PS4/Xbox One, they were missing the new 'The Island' mode. 

'The Island' is a new mode in WWE 2K25 where you create your own wrestler and you can free roam on a cool-looking island. It's similar to 'The City' in the NBA 2K video games. The Island allows you to compete in various match types to impress Roman Reigns, who is the current 'Tribal Chief'. 

Not to mention, all of the other modes are here, such as Showcase Mode, Universe Mode, GM Mode, and lots more. 

Gameplay

There's not much else I can say about the gameplay because it's identical to the Xbox Series X version I reviewed earlier this year. WWE 2K25 strives for realism compared to the arcade nature of the SmackDown series from two decades ago. There are loads of match types to play, such as War Games, Elimination Chamber, Steel Cage, Hell in a Cell, and more!

Only minor flaws 

The only flaws I can find in the Switch 2 version are some minor graphical pixilation when the game zooms out. Some objects, such as lighting rigs, ring poles, and other equipment, can have jagged edges. This is something I did not notice while playing the Xbox Series X version of the game. 

That being said, the Switch 2 version is still pretty much superior to the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game. The loading times are surprisingly fast, and it has one extra game mode, as mentioned above. 

Another minor flaw is that the game is outdated, with some old entrance music and several missing wrestlers in the current roster. Users have also highlighted that the Switch 2 version lacks community creations and image uploading, which is a bummer...

Overall

It goes without saying that WWE 2K25 on Switch 2 mostly works like a charm. It's far better than the atrocious WWE 2K18 on the original Switch. It is worth getting if you want to play a decent portable wrestling game with the official WWE license. 

Verdict: 8.5/10