Published on: July 12, 2023
AEW: Fight Forever Delivers Classic Wrestling Fun on Nintendo Switch
Since the launch of AEW: Fight Forever on Nintendo Switch, fans of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have been treated to a unique blend of arcade fighting action and authentic pro wrestling spectacle.
Developed by the seasoned team at Yuke’s Co.—the studio known for its acclaimed WWE games—the title marks AEW’s first foray into console gaming and has quickly become a conversation piece among wrestling game enthusiasts.
Released on June 29, 2023, via the Nintendo eShop and retail channels, AEW: Fight Forever aims to rekindle the fast-paced, pick-up-and-play feel reminiscent of classic wrestling titles from earlier generations.
A Robust Roster with Room to Grow
AEW: Fight Forever comes loaded with a roster of nearly 50 wrestlers at launch, featuring major AEW stars like Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Jon Moxley, along with several talents who, due to the game's extended development cycle, are no longer regulars in the promotion—such as Yuka Sakazaki, Lance Archer, and even Cody Rhodes, who has since moved to a different league.
While some recent additions like Claudio Castagnoli and Jamie Hayter are notably missing, post-launch downloadable content (DLC) offers options for fans who wish to further expand their playable lineup.
However, building your dream stable through DLC can become costly, with packs like Matt Hardy and FTR available at different price points.
Gameplay and Modes: Accessible Yet Deep
The accessible design of AEW: Fight Forever welcomes both newcomers and veterans.
Players can jump straight into the action, experimenting with various wrestlers and move sets—from the high-flying antics of the Young Bucks or Lucha Bros to the more grounded powerhouses like Miro and Kris Statlander.
Yuke’s includes several match types, ensuring that nearly every type of AEW contest is represented—singles, tag team, three-way, ladder matches, and even Casino Battle Royale and the exploding barbed-wire death match make the cut.
While the training mode could be more engaging, the real draw comes from the Road to Elite story mode.
Here, players choose a wrestler—or create their own from a fairly robust suite of customization options—and guide them through a year on the AEW calendar, facing rivals, taking part in backstage segments, and accumulating points and AEW cash.
These rewards unlock new content such as historical videos and special character models, offering progression incentives even after the story mode ends.
Though not lengthy, Road to Elite efficiently showcases the diversity and tone that define AEW's product.
Performance and Presentation
Despite capturing the spirit and humor of AEW, Fight Forever isn’t without technical hiccups.
On the Nintendo Switch, players may notice frame rate drops during online or handheld play and encounter occasional visual glitches—especially when foreign objects come into play.
Load times could benefit from added engagement, while in-game commentary, though sporadic and sometimes inaccurate, does bring an extra AEW flavor.
These issues are balanced by the game's charm and the abundance of enjoyable content for both single-player and multiplayer sessions.
AEW Experience: Fun with a Few Flaws
AEW: Fight Forever ultimately succeeds at distilling the energy and unpredictability of All Elite Wrestling into an accessible, arcade-style package.
While some wrestling purists may find the offbeat backstage antics jarring, fans of AEW will appreciate its faithful recreation of their favorite brand’s tone.
Whether embarking on Road to Elite solo or throwing down in local and online multiplayer, players will find plenty of action to keep them entertained—at least until the next update or follow-up title hits the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch AEW: Fight Forever All Elite Wrestling Yuke’s Co. Metacritic Cody Rhodes Yuka Sakazaki Lance Archer Claudio Castagnoli Jamie Hayter Matt Hardy FTR Young Bucks Lucha Bros Miro Kris Statlander Road to Elite Stadium Stampede Here Comes Hiner AEW Dark AEW Collision Aubrey Edwards