The Switch 2 Better Get More Wrestling Games

by

The Nintendo Switch will be remembered as a groundbreaking portable gaming device that revolutionizes console play, enabling top-notch gaming experiences on-the-go. Despite its relative hardware limitations, enthusiasts can still savor premium games, ranging from role-playing games like Persona 5 Royal to expansive adventures such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

On the Nintendo Switch, gamers have access to numerous game genres. However, one specific area that’s noticeably lacking is wrestling games. To enhance the gaming experience on the potential next generation of the Switch (Switch 2), there should be more emphasis placed on improving the wrestling game offerings, as it currently lags behind its predecessor in this niche category.

Do you know what the best wrestling game on Switch is? AEW Fight Forever. Yikes.

The game Fight Forever for Switch is actually quite good when it comes to wrestling games. The controls are straightforward, matches are exciting and enjoyable, and the Story Mode offers enough replay value. However, there’s been a bit of a letdown since AEW initially promised ongoing updates post-launch. Unfortunately, DLC has ceased, which means players now have an outdated roster and fewer game modes to explore.

Fight Forever is not great, but at least it runs decently. We can’t say the same for WWE 2K18.

If you own WWE 2K18 for PS4, Xbox One, or PC, you’ll find it’s a solid wrestling game. However, the performance on Nintendo Switch is far from satisfactory. Although singles matches can be played, entrances are sluggish and often pause, and multiplayer battles are unplayable. Here’s to hoping that the power of Nintendo Switch 2 will accommodate a WWE 2K game, as WWE 2K18 has unfortunately set a low bar for this series on Nintendo.

2K18’s disappointing performance on the Nintendo Switch led 2K Games to overlook porting other games onto this platform, which is unfortunate because wrestling games offer enjoyable pastimes for solo sessions or friendly gatherings. The absence of follow-up efforts from 2K and WWE in this area is regrettable.

However, one more WWE game made it to the Switch, and some fans wish it never did.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds aimed to resurrect the larger-than-life, exaggerated wrestling style of WWE All-Stars on contemporary platforms. In theory, this sounds fantastic, but unfortunately, Battlegrounds didn’t live up to its predecessor’s standards. The gameplay is decent, however, it lacks submission moves, and most matches end up being chaotic Extreme Rules brawls. Additionally, Battlegrounds has been criticized for its aggressive approach to microtransactions, with numerous wrestlers only accessible through in-game currency that can be quickly obtained with real money.

In recent times, there have been numerous indie wrestling games available on Switch, yet they’ve failed to create a lasting impression. RetroMania Wrestling boasted some well-known talents from independent promotions and legends, but it seems that the gaming community isn’t talking much about it. Action Arcade Wrestling faced a similar outcome, despite fans appreciating its over-the-top special moves and the ability to download custom wrestlers.

It seems that the writer’s fondness for wrestling games on PSP may have influenced this perspective, but it’s disappointing that the Nintendo Switch hasn’t been a suitable platform for portable wrestling games. Here’s hoping there will be a greater focus on such titles when the Switch 2 eventually comes out. Perhaps WWE 2K25 for PC lacks The Island, so a comparable version for the Switch 2 could be appealing.

Read More

2025-03-20 18:12