"WWE 2K25" is coming officially to the Nintendo Switch 2, and for fans of the wrestling game, this is a huge announcement considering that the last installment on the console is "WWE 2K18."
Considering that "WWE 2K18" wasn't a disaster, Nintendo could allow other WWE games to launch on Switch. However, since "WWE 2K25" is already confirmed to be a Switch 2 game, it's time for "AEW" (All Elite Wrestling), its rival game, to step up.
'WWE 2K25' Launch Sets the Bar for AEW's Next Move
2K Creative director Lynell Jinks told 411 Mania that both "WWE" and "NBA 2K" franchises will be released on Switch 2 this year. There's no "WWE 2K19" until "2K24" on Switch after fans criticized 2K for releasing an extremely buggy game. Now, the wrestling game franchise was given a chance to impress the fans and hope it won't disappoint them this time.
"AEW," while gaining steam in professional wrestling, has lagged when it comes to gaming. Its debut title, "AEW Fight Forever," received mixed reviews and has yet to see a sequel.
With the Nintendo Switch 2's imminent release—and backward compatibility on the line, "AEW" stands a chance to take advantage. A heavy-hitting, well-timed reveal for an "AEW Fight Forever" sequel would make some real waves, particularly if timed with the hype of the Switch 2 release.
How Can 'AEW' Turn Things Around For Switch 2
The hype over the Switch 2 cannot be denied. With speculated specs offering a huge upgrade over the original, third-party devs are already queuing up. However, controversy over pricing and hardware availability may tarnish the initial launch.
That's where "AEW" can pounce. If "AEW" reveals or drops a sequel to "Fight Forever" within the first year of the Switch 2, it can ride the wave of a new console cycle. Doing so, according to GameRant, might provide the smaller wrestling promotion with a fighting chance to catch up with WWE in the gaming arena.
AEW's Underdog Status Could Be Its Greatest Strength
Whereas "WWE" benefits from deep pockets and worldwide name recognition, "AEW's" meteoric increase in popularity demonstrates it's no small-time operator. "AEW" has shown its grit and flexibility, cultivating a devoted fan base in a comparatively brief span.
Now, the company needs to double down on interactivity. WWE's gaming presence gives fans a constant way to engage with its brand outside the ring. For "AEW' to compete, it must treat video games as an essential part of its growth strategy, not an afterthought.
It might take some time before we see this development from "AEW." While the game is not that impressive according to some fans, it still has a chance to be the number one wrestling game on Switch 2. That will change if it finds a new developer who will take care of its visuals, storyline, and gameplay.
