WWE 2K18 on Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Review of Performance Issues and Roster Highlights

WWE 2K18 on Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Review of Performance Issues and Roster Highlights Since its inception, the WWE video game series has held a cherished place among wrestling fans and gamers alike, evolving from classic titles like WWF No Mercy on Nintendo 64 to modern entries developed by 2K Games.

Anticipation was high when WWE 2K18 made its debut on the Nintendo Switch—marking the franchise’s first entry on Nintendo’s hybrid platform since 2013.

However, despite the rich history of wrestling games and the versatility of the Switch, WWE 2K18’s release was met with widespread criticism, particularly regarding technical performance. WWE 2K18 tries to honor the sport’s legacy, and as a long-standing wrestling game enthusiast who has played nearly every notable release—from the nostalgia-infused days of the NES to the frenetic Attitude Era and onto today’s multiplatform installments—I approached this title with optimism.

Unfortunately, WWE 2K18 on Nintendo Switch is plagued by severe performance setbacks that overshadow its deep content offerings. From the onset, the Switch version suffers from sluggish controls and major frame rate drops, particularly in matches involving multiple wrestlers.

Standard one-on-one matches can be serviceable, but issues quickly multiply in tag team, six-man, and Royal Rumble scenarios, often making these bouts virtually unplayable.

Character responsiveness is lacking, resulting in drawn-out, tedious encounters that fail to capture the vibrant pacing fans have come to expect from high-caliber wrestling games.

In clear terms, the game’s performance on Nintendo’s hardware falls far below expectations for a major release from 2K Games.

Even retro NES wrestling games—despite their simplistic mechanics—are often more enjoyable simply due to their reliability and speed. Beyond the core gameplay, WWE 2K18 contends with additional technical hiccups.

In-game audio sync regularly misfires, wrestler entrances are frequently out of time, and AI behavior is erratic and uninspired.

Compounding these issues, users are required to purchase and install an SD card, as the physical and digital versions exceed 24GB—a significant extra expense for players solely aiming to experience this title on the Nintendo Switch.

The in-game soundtrack is also underwhelming, though with the magnitude of gameplay concerns present, it remains a minor complaint. Despite these drawbacks, WWE 2K18 does boast an impressive selection of content.

The game features a vast roster of over 150 wrestlers, spanning generations—from industry legends like Andre the Giant, Larry Zbyszko, and Lex Luger to Attitude Era icons such as Mankind, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Notably, users can select between multiple iterations of stars like The Undertaker, each with their authentic entrance music and appearances representing key moments in their careers.

This formidable roster, paired with a multitude of match types—including Hell in a Cell, TLC, and 30-man Royal Rumble matches—demonstrates 2K Games’ dedication to capturing wrestling’s breadth and diversity.

Dedicated fans will also appreciate the inclusion of a full array of championship belts, including rarities like the Million Dollar Belt and the Smoking Skull Belt, with wrestlers donning their titles during ring entrances regardless of match circumstances. Nevertheless, these content-rich features are consistently undermined by the game’s problematic performance and unrefined gameplay.

As a passionate follower of both wrestling and its video game adaptations, it is disappointing to see such unrealized potential on Nintendo Switch, especially given the pedigree of previous wrestling classics on Nintendo platforms. While patches and post-launch updates can sometimes remedy technical issues, at present, WWE 2K18’s shortcomings significantly outweigh its strengths.

For Nintendo Switch wrestling fans seeking a satisfying in-ring experience, waiting for extensive improvements or considering alternative titles is highly advisable. Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch Review copy provided by 2K Games.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch WWE WWE 2K18 2K Games WWF No Mercy Attitude Era