World Wrestling Entertainment and 2K are back on the Nintendo Switch 2 for the second installment on the platform with WWE 2K26 looking to build off of the success of last year. At a quick glance, things here seem just as good, if not better than 2K25. However, there are some aspects of the game, particularly some Switch 2 features and the Ringside Pass, that we need to take a closer look at. Let’s get into it.
Gameplay
If you’ve played a WWE 2K game in the past, you are going to feel right at home as not much has changed. If you’re new to the series or haven’t played for a little while, I highly recommend going to the tutorials. They are amazing at breaking down not only basics but also some of the more complex aspects of the gameplay. For a quick break down for general controls, Y is used for light attacks, B for strong attacks, A for grapple, X for (most) reversals and dodges, L2 for run. Like I said, things are more complicated, but this should at least get you started. Again, check the tutorials if you’re not feeling confident.
A few new match types have been introduced in 2K26 - I Quit, Inferno, Three Stages of Hell and Dumpster matches. These are in addition to the packed number of options available already in the game. Inferno was pretty fun. In this match type, attacks increased the temperature of the flames. Once this has reached the “inferno” level, you then have to force your opponent into the flames and catch them on fire. You need to try to avoid getting torched by rapid button presses. Dumpster was also pretty enjoyable. Before the match starts, you’ll see a huge dumpster rolled out to the side of the ring. You’ll have to open the thing up, force your opponent into it and then slam the lid shut. Similar to other modes, you’ll have to press the correct button(s) on screen to take out the trash or to avoid being taken out yourself.
Another addition to weaponry are the good old thumb tacks. These can be pulled out from underneath the ring and then emptied out in the ring (or anywhere, I’m assuming). When your superstars get slammed into these, you will see them wince in pain, however, you won’t see any tacks sticking into their backs or other parts of the body. That’s not a huge deal, but I figured it was noteworthy. Additionally, blood is turned off by default, so if you want to see your opponents busted open, be sure to check this in the settings.
Modes
WWE 2K26 is packed with modes. There are a lot of returning modes, some of which fans have grown to love. Before we get deeper into a few of these, I just wanted to go through a few other briefly. Universe gives you a chance to create storylines, rivalries, match outcomes and more in your very own version of the WWE. This mode offers tons of customization and now the WWE Draft has also been throw into the mix. The card based My Faction also returns with a few new wrinkles, such as chemistry cards and a focus on intergender matches and interactions. I sat down with this mode for a bit, and while it’s not necessarily for me, there are numerous options to improve your lineup of superstars and challenges on offer.
Switch 2 Specific Features
There are a few features that are exclusive to the Switch 2 version of 2K26. Mouse controls in the creation suite are now an option. Actually, the mouse capabilities can even be used outside of this, such as on the main menu, but the real use case comes in the creation suite where you are able to use this for face and body painting. I don’ have any use for that myself, but it’s a good option to have. Outside of this, GameChat support and GameShare, the ability to share WWE 2K26 with your friends who don’t own a copy of the game is available. The online GameShare links up a friend to you via the cloud so they are essentially playing couch co-op, albeit with some hits to the visuals but not the framerate. One other thing to note is that you will not be able to take screenshots or videos of the game with the Switch 2 capture button, which is very disappointing considering how crazy some of the moments in the game can be.
Community Creations
While Community Creations were present in 2K25 on the Switch 2, the community sharing options across platforms and image uploads were not. For 2026, this has changed. This has been limited during the early access period when I’m playing the game and it appears that 2K is still working on implementing the cross-platform sharing. Even with that said, the image upload option is available so I’ve messed around with that just a little bit. Given the numerous creative player base that this series has, I’m looking forward to seeing what superstars and venues they come up with.
The Island
In a new storyline for this year, The Island is known controlled by three competing factions - The Order of Tradition with Cody Rhodes, The Order of Shadows with Rhea Ripley and the Order of Anarchy led by contrarian CM Punk. After choosing a side, you can continue on with story elements by taking on NPCs in matches, chat with superstars (who are have voice overs), face off against others online in ranked matches, tackle PvE towers with random opponents and more. The Scrapyard area, a new environment tied to the story, is pretty crazy with tons of dangers and a lot of verticality. I’ve seen a lot crazier stuff online up to this point compared to what I’ve done myself, but some there are numerous opportunities to absolutely destroy your opponents. Better yet, environment can also be played outside of the mode.
I’ve actually enjoyed The Island more than I thought I would, however, it feels a little bit disconnected from the rest of the game when it comes to creating your superstar. Even if you created someone in the creation suite that you are using in My Rise or elsewhere, you cannot import them into the Island. It can be pretty annoying, but I kind of understand why - not all of the gear and moves are necessarily unlocked or available (yet) on The Island. 2K wants players to make use of VC to improve their superstars and buy online doodads. It’s still fun, and you don’t have to go down the VC rabbit hole to enjoy this mode if you don’t want to.
Showcase
This year’s Showcase features none other than CM Punk letting fans relive some of the biggest victories of his career, overturn some of the losses and face off in dream matches that never took place. There are a few ways that you can tackle these. You can opt to go through them in a Match Timeline or via a Gauntlet where you’ll take on all of the opponents one after another. That latter sounded like a bit too much for me, but for those of you out there looking for a no nonsense kind of way to get all of the unlockable characters and extras, this might be for you. I’ll be totally honest - I have a severe wrestling gap in my life from around 2001 to 2022. With that being said, I pretty much missed out on CM Punk outside of his return to AEW in 2023 before…well, you know the story. Regardless, what I like about modes like these is that they can give fans a glimpse at the history of the sport, this time with on of its biggest stars.
My Rise
My Rise once again lets players take control of their own custom wrestler, male or female, in a storyline called “The Comeback.” Basically, your superstar has been out of wrestling for a number of years and is looking to make a proper comeback. After being granted a championship match, you get embarrassed and have to think of another way to make a come back. You’ll be able to choose to be a heel or baby face and work your way back up to the WWE roster by wrestling in various promotions. Of course, you’ll wrestle matches, chat with former starts, do press conferences and more. 2K highly encourages replays of the mode to get the most of the story content and unlockables. I really like the story here and appreciate the ability to choose your own path. While it is a little bit limited, it’s well crafted and funny.
Ringside Pass
One of the biggest talking points for WWE 2K26 this year is the newly added Ringside Pass. This is essentially a battle pass that incentivizes people to play more of the game to unlock in-game items. Some of these are cosmetic, while others are playable characters. When it’s all said and done, 2K26 will feature six seasons in the game this year. There is a free tier and a premium tier which also includes the DLC wrestlers for the game this year. There are experience (RXP) boosts that you can get with the free tier which grants a certain RXP for set intervals of time. If you don’t finish a season by the time another one comes out, you are able to choose to move on to the next or continue on with where you currently are.
To be honest, going through tiers and earning RXP is a slog. I don’t have a problem with the pass providing other consumables like VC or maybe even gear…to an extent. If you’re a player who has limited time and want to play as a character locked behind 30 tiers (like my favorite iteration of the Heartbreak Kid, “Shawn Michaels ‘94), you’ll have to grind it out. 2K does give you a way out of this, and it is one that I would not recommend, via level passes that you can purchase from the eShop. These run ¥275 each (around $1.74 USD, sorry my primary account is here in Japan), or you can spend ¥10,725 ($68). Take into consideration that there are going to be six seasons and that adds up quickly. It’s scummy and I hate it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this, alongside the pass, are the new norm going forward no matter how much core fans hate it.
Visuals, Audio & Performance
WWE 2K26 is a fantastic looking game. The character models sport a lot of detail and do a great job at portraying their real life counterparts. Not only this, but other touches, like sweat appearing on their bodies during matches, realistic blood flowing from cuts, blood splatters on the mat and more. The audio is also fantastic, featuring voice work in some of the modes from the superstars themselves, authentic themes, brutal hits and more.
Things aren’t always perfect, though. The game takes a bit of a visual hit when playing in The Island. While walking around outside of matches, you’ll notice that textures and character models don’t sport as much detail. Given the fact that there are other real life players accessing the mode at the same time, I don’t have too much of a problem with this given the circumstance, though. Outside of this small complaint, 2K26 looks, runs and sounds great on Nintendo’s platform.
Conclusion
WWE 2K26 on the Switch 2 is just as good if not better than 2K25. The gameplay is still great, there are a ton of awesome modes and it looks and runs well on the platform. The biggest issue isn’t a Switch 2 problem - it’s the Ringside Pass. Locking some basic costumes and characters behind this is just annoying. Still, the sheer scope of what’s on offer from Showcase, Universe, The Island, My Rise and more can make some players too busy to care. This game isn’t flawed. It’s just a great game that’s hampered by an unfortunate addition by bean counters.
But, let’s turn it over to you guys. What do you think of WWE 2K26? Have you picked it up? Are you thinking about it? Sound off with any and all comments down below. We’d love to hear from you.
Final Score: 8.0
by Danny Bivens
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