2K has revealed WWE 2K23 for a March 17 release date, with future half-of-famer John Cena to appear as the game’s cover star and showcase wrestler.
Developed by Visual Concepts, the annual graps game will be hitting PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC with new modes, updated visuals and advancements to existing features. Accompanying his cover appearance, John Cena will also be the featured wrestler in this year’s Showcase Mode, allowing players to take part in some of the biggest matches and moments throughout the leader of the Cenation’s 20-year career.
The other major addition to this year’s entry is the inclusion of the War Games match type. Featuring two rings surrounded by a double cage, players can participate in 3v3 or 4v4 brawls like the one seen in the most recent Survivor Series. 2K23 will also see updates to the fan-favourite MyGM mode, the story-based MyRISE mode and the stable-based MyFACTION Mode. We’ll also see the return of the Creation Suite and Universe Mode for those who like to fantasy book Raw, Smackdown and NXT.
We can expect to see a rather deep roster, with Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Bobby Lashley, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Hulk Hogan, Drew McIntyre and Batista all revealed to be playable.
Four editions will be available for purchase, each with its own set of benefits and add-ons. Here are the four different editions of 2K23 that will be available for purchase:
- The Standard Edition will be available for $99.95 AUD on previous-gen platforms (PS4, Xbox One consoles), $89.95 AUD for PC and for $119.95 AUD on current-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) in both physical and digital formats.
- The Cross-Gen edition will be available digitally for $119.95 AUD on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The Cross-Gen edition includes the Standard Edition across previous and current-gen platforms within the same console family and the same PlayStation or Xbox account.
- The Deluxe Edition will be available for $149.95 AUD for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One in both physical and digital formats, and on PC in digital format. The Deluxe Edition includes the Standard Edition, Bad Bunny Bonus Pack, plus a Season Pass to all five post-launch DLC content packs; the MyRISE Mega-Boost and SuperCharger; Ruby John Cena MyFACTION Evo Card, Gold Edge MyFACTION Card, Emerald Bianca Belair MyFACTION Card, Gold Asuka MyFACTION Card, and three Basic Premium Launch MyFACTION Card Packs. The Deluxe Edition will be available from March 14, 2023 – three days ahead of Standard and Cross-Gen Editions.
- The Icon Edition will be available for $179.95 AUD for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, featuring original cover art by renowned WWE-inspired artist Rob Schamberger. In addition to the Standard Edition and all bonus content included in the Deluxe Edition, the Icon Edition includes the Ruthless Aggression Pack, celebrating 20 years of John Cena’s WWE career by featuring John Cena’s early “Prototype” character, as well as “Leviathan” Batista, developmental rookie versions of Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton, the John Cena Legacy Championship and WrestleMania 22 Arena. Additional bonus content includes an Emerald Paul Heyman MyFACTION Manager Card, and three Deluxe Premium Launch MyFACTION Card Packs. The Icon Edition will be available from March 14, 2023 – three days ahead of Standard and Cross-Gen Editions.
The first trailer for 2K23, titled Even Stronger, is set to debut during Monday Night Raw today, so be sure to tune in if you’re keen to see some hustle, loyalty and respect shown towards the new title.
After a few shakey entries, WWE 2K came back strong with 2K22 last year, with our review saying, “Kicking out at 2.9 and coming back to win the match, 2K22 hits the ring with a huge amount of content and a revamped control system that welcomes newcomers and rewards the dedicated.” We gave WWE 2K22 an 8.
Are you a WWE fan? What would you like to see from WWE 2K23? Let us know in the comments or on our social media.
