WWE 2K25 Comes Digitally to Switch 2 in July

Fans of professional wrestling and portable gaming are in for a major treat this summer. 2K Games has officially announced that WWE 2K25 will launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2025, bringing the full next-generation experience to the new handheld console. But the news isn't without controversy, especially when it comes to how the physical edition will be delivered.

Is it a physical edition for real?

Unlike previous iterations on older Nintendo systems, WWE 2K25 won't be a stripped-down version. Instead, Switch 2 owners can expect the complete feature set that PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players enjoy. This includes flagship modes like MyRISE, Universe, MyGM, and the brand-new Island mode. The game will also feature the "Bloodline’s Dynasty" Showcase, spotlighting the rise of Roman Reigns and his iconic faction.

The title will be released in three editions: the Standard version, the Deadman Edition celebrating The Undertaker, and the Bloodline Edition, which includes special content themed around Roman Reigns. All editions will be priced at full retail value, showing 2K's confidence in the Switch 2's hardware being able to handle the full console experience.

However, a decision by 2K regarding the physical version has generated a controversy. Despite early trailer footage hinting at a traditional "Game Card," the final product won't contain any cartridge at all. Instead, buyers of the physical edition will receive a cardboard box with a printed download code. This move has been criticized by collectors and gamers who prefer owning tangible game media.

According to 2K, the reasoning comes down to sheer data size. At over 73 GB, WWE 2K25 surpasses the 64 GB maximum capacity currently available for Switch 2 game cards. As a result, the publisher opted to go fully digital inside the physical packaging. This makes WWE 2K25 the first Switch 2 game to release physically without any actual game media included. It's just a code in a box.

For players who value convenience and performance, the digital nature of the release might not be a dealbreaker. But for physical game collectors, the lack of a cartridge means no resale value, no archiving, and no ownership in the traditional sense. It also raises concerns about long-term accessibility, especially for those with limited storage or internet bandwidth.

As the countdown to July 23 continues, the game is already generating buzz across both the wrestling and gaming communities. Whether the backlash over the physical edition will hurt its momentum remains to be seen, but in terms of gameplay content, WWE 2K25 is shaping up to be a heavyweight title for the Switch 2. Remember to use our comparator to keep track of the cheapest deals for WWE 2K25 on your favourite platform.