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WWE 2K26 Gets CM Punk Cover, Launch Date, And A Host Of New Features

WWE 2K26 Gets CM Punk Cover, Launch Date, And A Host Of New Features

WWE 2K26 is coming in March, and after revealing the covers for its special Attitude Era and King of Kings editions, we finally know who the primary cover superstar is. That would be The Best in the World and current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, who graces the cover of a WWE game for the first time since 2012. In a virtual preview event with developer Visual Concepts, we learned all about what the next WWE 2K game has in store. In addition to being the first WWE 2K game this generation to leave PlayStation 4 and Xbox One behind, it also boasts highly requested new match types and weapons, reworked gameplay mechanics, its largest superstar roster yet, and much more. The Roster WWE 2K26 boasts over 400 superstars, both current and legends, at launch, the biggest day one roster to date. While we only know of a small handful of names currently, the roster includes a host of new talent. Here are the confirmed superstars so far: Andre the Giant Bret Hart Blake Monroe Bron Breakker Charlotte Flair CM Punk Cody Rhodes Drew McIntyre Eddie Guerrero Iyo Sky Izzi Dame John Cena Kane Liv Morgan Logan Paul Myles Borne Naomi Penta Randy Orton Randy Savage Rey Fénix Rhea Ripley Roddy Piper Roman Reigns Rusev Seth Rollins Stephanie Vaquer The Undertaker Additionally, former TNA World Champion and recent WWE signee Joe Hendry will be included as a pre-order bonus. When asked if Lucha Libre AAA, which WWE acquired in 2025, would have any representation in WWE 2K26, Visual Concepts coyley replied, “Maybe. Stay tuned.” It’s worth noting that the game’s website features a teaser of a desk laden with WWE easter eggs and one suspiciously prominent photo of an iguana, potentially a nod to AAA star Mr. Iguana. New Match Types And Gameplay Updates WWE 2K26 will introduce four new match types: Inferno, I Quit, Three Stages of Hell, and Dumpster. Like 2K25, every match can be contested under intergender rules, so male and female wrestlers can compete against each other. The commentary teams now include Wade Barrett and Booker T as well. Before the match starts, you can spice up and have more agency during introductions thanks to more interactive entrances. As superstars make their way to the ring, you can now toggle one of three pre-set special animations and interactions based on superstar face/heel alignment (such as offering/rejecting pre-match handshakes). You can similarly trigger pyro on the stage or in the ring. Players can also now choose to start matches in different ways, such as hyping the crowd before initiating contact or rushing an opponent before the bell rings. As for gameplay updates, thumbtacks and shopping carts can now be used as weapons. Tables can also be stacked on top of each other in another much-requested addition. Visual Concepts touts improved reactability to falling/getting slammed on weapons, where superstars behave more realistically and take more damage from weapon offense. They also tout smaller touches, such as how thumbtacks will visually stick to the bodies of characters to display damage. 2K26 also features improved and expanded crowd and barricade combat features. Other presentational touches include the addition of championship belt podiums at ringside during title matches. The reversal and stamina systems have been revamped, and physics interactions have been upgraded. Visual Concepts compared 2K26’s physics as being akin to Smackdown vs. Raw 2011, for reference. Ringside Pass Visual Concepts is ditching its usual DLC pack model to introduce its version of a traditional battle pass. Called the Ringside Pass, it consists of 60 free tiers and 40 premium (paid) tiers where players can earn XP to unlock new content simply by playing the game. The team describes this as an "added value upgrade to DLC" in that players will pay the same amount of money they normally would for the old DLC packs, but the Ringside Pass rewards more content. Players earn XP across all game modes, and players who reach tier 40 of the Ringside Pass Premium Season can unlock Superstars, cosmetics, customization items, VC, and more. Visual Concepts also confirms that unlockable DLC superstars are available in the first section of the Ringside Pass, so it seemingly won’t take as long to gain new faces. The studio points out that Superstars and Legends that used to be part of the Supercharger, which is no longer a thing in 2K26, will instead be obtainable in the Season 1 Ringside Pass' free tier. Six Seasons of Ringside Pass will be released throughout the year, with the Season 1 pass launching alongside the game. Showcase Mode 2K26’s Showcase Mode will center on the career of cover star CM Punk. Narrated by the champ himself, this interactive documentary lets players relive Punk’s biggest matches and moments as well as engage in “What If?” style fantasy matches. For example, Visual Concepts says Showcase will explore the feuds and matches that could have happened if Punk hadn’t left WWE for nearly a decade in 2014. The Island The Island, the explorable quest-filled hub that debuted in 2K25, makes its return in improved form. This mode is available on all platforms this year (including PC, where it was absent last year). The mode’s story builds upon last year’s iteration, with a player choosing one of three factions battling to fill the power vacuum left after Roman Reigns’ fall as the tribal chief. The Island’s progression system has been reworked, and it features a new environment: Scrapyard Brawl. It also features more immersive quests with cutscenes and dialogue screens. The Island boasts new Towers, shops, and branded gear for players to purchase using in-game and paid currency. My Rise The story-driven campaign is back with two new division-based storylines, and Visual Concepts says the babyface/heels decisions have a larger impact this time. My Rise is also more replayable, as players can continue engaging with the mode after wrapping up the main story to earn additional unlockables and achievements. My GM The popular general manager simulation mode features more match types, more possible matches, and more outcomes. Players can book intergender matches as well as bouts pitting 5, 6, and 8 superstars against each other. My GM now has more shows per season, the option to play a 50-week season, more cross-brand PLEs, and new management challenges to test would-be showrunners. My Faction WWE 2K’s collectible card game has new intergender lineups and the ability to “Quick Swap” cards during battles for more instantaneous and strategic play.  New My Faction chemistry allows players to boost card performance and run-in support. Of course, you can now collect new card designs and enjoy a regular release of new themed card packs and seasonal content throughout the year. Universe & Creation Suite The simulation-based Universe Mode features the WWE Draft as the big new addition. Money in the Bank cash-ins have been improved, and more promo types have been added. Furthermore, Universe Mode has a new Watch Show Mode. The Creation Suite fulfills a long-time fan request by doubling the number of custom superstar slots from 100 to 200. The same goes for Create An Image slots, which have been increased from 1,000 to 2,000. Body and face-morphing sports deeper tools, and two-tone hair color blending have been implemented. As for cross-platform creation sharing, Visual Concepts is still looking into whether this can be made possible, but does not make any promises. The Editions WWE 2K26 launches on March 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC. Those who pre-order or purchase the more expensive editions can play early, starting on March 6. For the first time, WWE 2K26 comes in four different editions instead of its usual three. Here's what each version has to offer: Standard Edition  - $69.99 King of Kings Edition - $99.99 Joe Hendry Pack Ringside Pass Premium Season 1 + 32,500 VC King of Kings Pack (Triple H '98, Stephanie McMahon '00, Triple H signature taunt for The Island) Attitude Era Edition - $129.99 King of Kings Edition content Ringside Pass Premium Season 1-4 Attitude Era Edition Pack (The Rock '99, Kane '98, Chyna '97, Stone Cold Steve Austin "Rattlesnake" and The Rock "People's Champ" MyFaction EVO cards, Raw is War '98 arena, Undertaker "Thumb Across the Neck" and Shawn Michaels "DX Crotch Crop" emotes for The Island) Superstar Mega-Boost (200 MySuperstar attribute points for MyRise) 100,000 VC Monday Night War Edition - $149.99 Attitude Era Edition Content Ringside Pass Premium Seasons 1-6 Monday Night War Edition Pack (Shawn Michaels DX, Macho Man Randy Savage '98, WCW Thunder '98 arena, Diamond Dallas Page "Bang" emote for The Island. Entitlement for the WrestleMania 42 Pack, which includes the WrestleMania 42 arena and three WrestleMania 42 Superstar Persona Cards

Apple Check Signed by Steve Jobs Sells for 4,800× Its Original Value

Apple Check Signed by Steve Jobs Sells for 4,800× Its Original Value

RR Auction has announced that an Apple check signed by the company's co-founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak fetched a whopping $2.4 million at auction this week. The check was for $500, meaning that it sold for 4,800× its original value. According to RR Auction, the $500 check was issued to printed circuit board designer Howard Cantin, shortly after Jobs and Wozniak opened Apple's first bank account. Cantin was responsible for translating Wozniak's Apple-1 schematic into a manufacturable printed circuit board, leading to Apple's first commercial product. Dated March 16, 1976, the Wells Fargo check is marked "No. 1." It was issued a few weeks before Apple Computer was officially founded on April 1, 1976. “This is the most important financial document in Apple history," said Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction. "It captures Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak's first true business transaction, and the final result shows that collectors recognized its significance above any other Apple material ever brought to market." Tag: Steve Jobs This article, " Apple Check Signed by Steve Jobs Sells for 4,800× Its Original Value " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Taiwan's GDP rose 12.68% in Q4 2025, its fastest quarterly growth since 1987; full-year GDP grew 8.63%, topping the 7.5% forecast on AI demand for tech products (Bloomberg)

Taiwan's GDP rose 12.68% in Q4 2025, its fastest quarterly growth since 1987; full-year GDP grew 8.63%, topping the 7.5% forecast on AI demand for tech products (Bloomberg)

Bloomberg : Taiwan's GDP rose 12.68% in Q4 2025, its fastest quarterly growth since 1987; full-year GDP grew 8.63%, topping the 7.5% forecast on AI demand for tech products —  Taiwan's economy expanded at the quickest pace for a quarter since 1987, propelled by unquenchable demand for the tech goods needed to develop AI.

Taiwan's GDP rose 12.68% in Q4 2025, its fastest quarterly growth since 1987; full-year GDP grew 8.63%, topping the 7.5% forecast on AI demand for tech products (Bloomberg)

Taiwan's GDP rose 12.68% in Q4 2025, its fastest quarterly growth since 1987; full-year GDP grew 8.63%, topping the 7.5% forecast on AI demand for tech products (Bloomberg)

Bloomberg : Taiwan's GDP rose 12.68% in Q4 2025, its fastest quarterly growth since 1987; full-year GDP grew 8.63%, topping the 7.5% forecast on AI demand for tech products —  Taiwan's economy expanded at the quickest pace for a quarter since 1987, propelled by unquenchable demand for the tech goods needed to develop AI.

Top Stories: Apple Creator Studio, AirTag 2, and More

Top Stories: Apple Creator Studio, AirTag 2, and More

It was a busy week with Apple's first real launches of 2026, led by the release of the Creator Studio app bundle and the second-generation AirTag. We also got some rumors about Apple's plans for Mac updates in 2026, timing on the more personalized Siri finally arriving, and a significant acquisition by Apple, so read on below for all the details! Top Stories Apple's 'Creator Studio' App Bundle Now Available for $12.99 Per Month Apple this week launched the new Creator Studio bundle that was initially unveiled earlier this month, providing content creators with access to six Apple apps for $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Creator Studio includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro on Mac and iPad, along with Motion, Compressor, and MainStage on the Mac. Final Cut Pro is Apple's video editing software, Logic Pro is for audio editing and creation, and Pixelmator Pro is an image editing app that Apple purchased in 2024. The Creator Studio bundle unlocks AI features that are not otherwise accessible in these apps, plus it adds new features to free apps like Keynote, Pages, and Numbers, with Freeform coming later. Be sure to check out our initial hands-on overview if you're thinking about subscribing to the bundle. Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple this week introduced the second-generation AirTag , with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. The new AirTag is equipped with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling the Precision Finding feature to work up to 50% farther away from an item compared to the previous-generation model, according to Apple. The new AirTag also has an upgraded Bluetooth chip for improved overall range outside of Precision Finding mode. Apple also introduced this year's Black Unity band for Apple Watch , a Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop featuring the red, green, and black colors of the Pan-African flag. iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch Apple released iOS 26.2.1 this week to support the new second-generation AirTag, but the company also released a slew of other iOS updates for older devices that can't run iOS 26. That includes an iOS 12.5.8 update for the iPhone 5s and 6 , which is remarkable considering the iPhone 5s will turn 13 years old later this year. The iOS updates released this week for older devices extend a certificate required for device activation, iMessage, and FaceTime, allowing these aging devices to remain functional for those who are still using them. Apple Reportedly Aiming to Upgrade the MacBook Pro Twice This Year Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display models in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter this week, Gurman added that redesigned MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen "should be hitting toward the end of 2026," meaning that the MacBook Pro line would be upgraded twice this year. It would be a rare but not unprecedented move for Apple to update the MacBook Pro twice in a year, but while previous rumors had indicated the M6 generation could arrive in either late 2026 or early 2027, Gurman now seems to be leaning more heavily toward the update arriving before the end of this year. Meanwhile, the wait for the M5 Pro and M5 Max models continues. Here's When Apple Plans to Unveil a New Siri Powered by Google Gemini A more personalized version of Siri powered by Google Gemini is expected to be introduced next month , according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman. "The company has been planning an announcement of the new Siri in the second half of February, when it will give demonstrations of the functionality," he wrote, in the latest edition of his weekly Power On newsletter. The interim improvements to Siri will come ahead of a much bigger upgrade to include chatbot functionality and significantly more capabilities in iOS 27, which will be introduced at WWDC in June. Apple Just Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever After Beats Apple has been criticized by some observers for slow-rolling its entry into AI technology, with some suggesting the company needs to make a major acquisition to try to catch up to rivals already establishing themselves in the space. Apple made a bit of a splash this week with its acquisition of Q.ai , which uses AI to analyze facial expressions to understand "silent speech." It's not nearly a deal on the scale of acquiring one of the major chatbot players, but at a valuation of nearly $2 billion, according to reports, it appears to stand as Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever behind Beats in 2014. MacRumors Newsletter Each week, we publish an email newsletter like this highlighting the top Apple stories, making it a great way to get a bite-sized recap of the week hitting all of the major topics we've covered and tying together related stories for a big-picture view. So if you want to have top stories like the above recap delivered to your email inbox each week, subscribe to our newsletter ! Tag: Top Stories This article, " Top Stories: Apple Creator Studio, AirTag 2, and More " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums