It’s official: NBA 2K21 Next Gen will debut alongside the highly anticipated next-generation consoles, Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S.
The benchmark basketball video game will follow the respective launch dates of the new consoles — November 10 for the Xbox Series X/S and November 12 (select markets) and 19 (global) for the PS5.
NBA 2K21 debuted for PC and current generation gaming systems on September 4, but it has been met with mixed reviews. Players pointed out a variety of issues, from the questionable shot meter redesign to a general lack of significant gameplay innovations from NBA 2K20 — leading many to believe that the Current Gen version of NBA 2K21 is just filler until Next Gen arrives.
Still, fans are eager to see what next-generation consoles will bring to the NBA 2K experience, given the inherent computing prowess that these new platforms offer. Trailers have teased notable graphical improvements, from dramatic shadows to more realistic creases on players’ jerseys and sweat on their bodies. Time will tell how the new consoles impact gameplay, as well.
NBA 2K21 Next Gen will support cross-progression within the same console family (PS4 to PS5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S), but only for MyTeam mode. The VC Wallet will also be shared between console generations.
Progress from MyCareer and MyPlayer in Current Gen will not carry over because “the experience will be different” in Next Gen, according to 2K Sports.
NBA 2K21 Next Gen is priced at US$70 for the Standard Edition, with a special Mamba Forever Edition priced at US$100. You can still pre-order the title here.
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