The release of WWE 2K25 on the Nintendo Switch 2 marks a significant leap forward for 2K Sports’ flagship wrestling series on handheld hardware. Following a troubled history on the original Nintendo Switch, the game has returned to the platform with a version that not only resolves long-standing issues but also impressively holds its own against current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 Pro.
WWE 2K25 was launched across most major platforms on March 14, 2025, and arrived later for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23. The delay appears to have been worthwhile, as the latest Switch build offers a surprisingly competent experience both visually and in terms of performance. According to a side-by-side comparison between Switch 1, Switch 2, and PS5 Pro versions, the new Switch 2 release delivers a vastly improved gameplay experience.
Visual fidelity has undergone a substantial overhaul when moving from the original Switch to the newer model. Where WWE 2K18, the series’ last outing on Nintendo’s first hybrid console, suffered from blurry textures, capped player limits, and unstable frame rates that dipped below 20 frames per second, WWE 2K25 on the Switch 2 now runs at a mostly steady 60 FPS. This upgrade includes full support for 8-player matches and nearly all features present on other versions, except for an image uploader used for custom logos.
In terms of load times, the Switch 2 even surpasses expectations. Reports indicate that docked mode results in loading times of approximately 11 seconds, slightly faster than the PS5’s 19 seconds, while undocked mode clocks in at around 13 seconds. Despite operating at a lower resolution, the Switch 2 version maintains strong visual parity with the PS5 Pro, particularly in character models and entrance cinematics. Some expected compromises are evident, including reduced reflections, slight aliasing, and background crowd blurring.
The PS5 Pro version, as expected, remains the definitive experience in terms of high-end graphical features such as enhanced lighting, resolution, and visual effects. However, the fact that Switch 2 can deliver similar visuals in critical areas such as wrestler entrances and in-ring animations points to a major generational improvement.
The file size of the Switch 2 build shows just how big this technical jump is. At 76.7 gigabytes, the game has uncompressed 4K video content, which shows Visual Concepts wants to give players all the same features without cutting anything out. For fans who’ve been playing the series on Nintendo systems, this is a real change from the earlier versions that weren’t optimized very well.
WWE 2K25 has generally been well-received by critics and players alike, with improvements in chain wrestling and gameplay mechanics being acknowledged. Nevertheless, not all additions have been praised equally. The new “The Island” mode, modeled after NBA 2K’s “The City,” drew criticism for its microtransaction-driven progression and underdeveloped features.
Still, with this newfound performance on the Switch 2, WWE 2K25 demonstrates that the series can now offer a consistent and competitive experience across a broader range of platforms. For Nintendo fans, it could very well mark the start of a more reliable future for WWE games.
