WWE 2K25is indeed coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later this month, but not without a major catch for its physical version. Back in April,WWE 2K25publisher 2K revealed that this year’s wrestling title would eventually be ported to the Switch 2 during a major Nintendo Direct livestream dedicated to the new console and its games. Earlier this week, members of The Judgment Day hinted at a major announcement related to the Switch 2 version ofWWE 2K25, and this was revealed to be the port’s official release date.
WWE 2K25will release on the Nintendo Switch on July 23 and feature all the frantic in-ring action and pulse-pounding gameplay modes of its previous console iterations. This includesWWE 2K25’s The Island, the online multiplayer mode that was left out of the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC versions due to hardware limitations. At this moment,WWE 2K25is available to pre-order on the Nintendo Switch 2 in its Standard, Deadman, and The Bloodline Editions, and anyone who pre-orders the game will have access to the Wyatt Sicks DLC character pack.
However, there is one aspect ofWWE 2K25’s impending Nintendo Switch 2 releasethat fans might be less than thrilled about. As pointed out by Wario64 on Twitter, the physical version ofWWE 2K25will still require an internet connection to download, as the game case only contains an online code. This can be seen towards the end of the recentWWE 2K25Switch 2 reveal trailer, with small text explaining that the game will need to be downloaded despite being a physical release.
WWE 2K25 Has No Physical Game Cartridge on Switch 2
Oddly enough, the text shown during theWWE 2K25trailer claims that aKey-Card might be requiredto download and play the game, while the fine print on the physical game’s box just says that there is a full game download included without any mention of a card. Over the past couple of months, there has been controversy over the planned use of special Game Key-Cards, which don’t contain any actual game data but instead act as proof of purchase for physical Nintendo Switch 2 games.
This has sparked a debate among gamers and industry insiders alike overthe future of physical mediaand game preservation, and the release of a physical game box without a copy of the game in question is a choice that leaves many scratching their heads. Regardless, fans will have to keep the lack of a physical game cartridge in mind if they plan to buyWWE 2K25for the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23.
WWE 2K25
WHERE TO PLAY
Celebrate The Bloodline in Showcase. Compete online in MyGM. Expanded gameplay includes intergender wrestling, chain wrestling, barricade diving, the return of Promos + much more!A ROSTER FOR THE AGESWWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers. The 300+ stacked roster spans multiple generations and features Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Undertaker, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, and more.2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE’S DYNASTYThe all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.A UNIFIED MyRISEYour Superstar takes center stage in an all-new intergender storyline with new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, objects and more.MyGM GOES WORLDWIDETake your show on the road with MyGM 4-player online multiplayer! Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAYNew upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience. Promos are back with multiple types and outcomes featuring new cutscenes and branching choices.EXPANDED GAMEPLAYIntergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! Additional features include the return of chain wrestling, the Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, plus much more.
