2K has confirmed to Slam Wrestling that their plans for the physical release of WWE 2K25. It will be a code in a box release, a game box containing a piece of paper with a downloadable code in it.
With the Switch 2, Nintendo’s approach to physical media is much different. Instead of including an actual game cartridge, a cartridge with the actual game on it, Nintendo is shipping “game-key cards” which allows buyers to download the full game to their consoles via the internet and once downloaded the game is playable when you insert the card.
This controversial decision has frustrated many gamers who want an actual physical copy of the games they buy.
According to a statement on the actual WWE 2K25 box when you pre-order WWE 2K25 for the Nintendo Switch 2: “Full Game Download. See back. Full Game Card NOT included” although the actual trailer though states there is a Game-Key Card inside the case.
Many gamers are not pleased with that:
I have a better idea, Sickr. How ‘bout 2K Games DON’T release WWE 2K25 as a Game Key Card and actually put the game on a physical cartridge.https://t.co/iCUTZ3SbRw#WWE2K25#WWE#gaming#NintendoSwitch2@MyNintendoNews
— KMR Studios (@KMR_Studios) July 2, 2025
The Switch 2 subreddit is calling out WWE 2K25 for anti consumer practices
The physical copy of the game comes with just an “empty case with a slip of paper in it” (no cartridge or Game Key Card) pic.twitter.com/VM9xxuY68X
— yeet (@Awk20000) July 2, 2025
If its a code in a box that is so so dirty😂🤣
— Chaos_Mayhem (@GuiltySiNz) July 2, 2025
Will just play it on a better platform. Anyone picking switch as the go to for this is wild.
— 8-Bit Eric (@8biteric) July 1, 2025
Damn, too cheap for a game key card?
Welp, guess we still ain’t buying them.
— JD (@Call_me_J_D) July 1, 2025
what is the point of going to the store and buying a case, when you could stay home and download the game anyways
the ONLY point is if the full game is on the cart…
— gosuprime (@gosuprime022) July 1, 2025
