WWE 2K25 Review: A Stellar Wrestling Experience on Switch 2

In a significant leap for wrestling games on handheld consoles, WWE 2K25 has made its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing impressive performance and gameplay enhancements. Released on July 23, 2025, WWE 2K25 marks a return to form for the franchise, particularly after the mixed reception of its predecessors, WWE 2K18 and WWE 2K Battlegrounds. This review will explore the game's technical performance, gameplay mechanics, and the overall experience for players.

Upon launching WWE 2K25 on the Switch 2, players are immediately greeted by a fluid interface and responsive menus, a stark contrast to the lagging experiences typical of previous Nintendo hardware. According to PJ O'Reilly, a reviewer for Nintendo Life, the game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second, making it one of the best-performing titles available on the new console. "As soon as you boot into this year's action, you can tell things have changed in a very meaningful way," O'Reilly stated in his July 2025 review.

The game features a plethora of modes, including WWE Universe, MyGM, and MyRise, each returning with significant improvements. The addition of intergender matchups has been a much-anticipated feature, adding new dynamics to gameplay. O'Reilly noted, "It also let me pit The Rock against Glasgow's very own Isla Dawn, so I'm very happy right now."

While the core wrestling mechanics are robust, allowing players to enjoy intricate button timings and responsive controls, certain features have raised concerns. The new mode, The Island, was described as "a bit of a mess" by O'Reilly, who compared it unfavorably to similar features in other franchises. The narrative involving Roman Reigns may entertain some, but its execution fails to engage players fully.

Notably, the game does not currently support community creations, a feature that many players consider vital for customizing their gaming experience. This omission has disappointed some fans, particularly those who enjoyed creating unique characters and storylines in previous installments. "The image uploading issue will be a bigger negative for some," remarked O'Reilly, highlighting the community's mixed feelings regarding this aspect.

In terms of graphics, WWE 2K25 delivers impressive visuals, achieving a level of quality that rivals its PS5 counterpart, despite some minor texture reductions. The game has also reintroduced the chain wrestling mechanic, which adds depth and strategy to matches. "It enables you to pull off some really fancy stuff!" O'Reilly commented, emphasizing the return of this beloved feature.

Overall, WWE 2K25 is positioned as the best wrestling game on the Switch platform, providing a significant upgrade for fans of the genre. It blends detailed graphics, smooth performance, and engaging gameplay mechanics, making it a worthy addition to the library of any wrestling aficionado. As O'Reilly concluded, "This port brings it all home in fine form," and it is clear that WWE 2K25 has set a new standard for wrestling games on Nintendo consoles. With plans for further updates and potential expansions, the future looks bright for this franchise on the Switch 2.