The launch of NBA 2K21 on PS4 and Xbox One has prompted many a question and query regarding the game’s next-gen launch on Xbox Series X, Series S and PlayStation 5. So far, 2K Sports has been relatively tight lipped about the release, which has frustrated gamers and NBA 2K fans, especially with the next consoles set to launch in less than two months time.
In past generations, NBA 2K games have seen a rather significant upgrade with the launch of a new console. NBA 2K6 way back in 2005 saw a launch on Xbox 360, and was a significant upgrade (at least graphically) over the PS2 and Xbox versions. Then back in 2013 for the Xbox One and PS4 launches, NBA 2K14 was yet another huge leap over its generational predecessor on Xbox 360 and PS3.
This year’s release, however, isn’t getting quite as much fanfare as the aforementioned titles. We haven’t seen any next-gen gameplay, nor any additional details as to how game modes will carry over and change across the different console generations. It goes without saying that we should expect more — and that will come — but it’s just strange that 2K hasn’t really detailed much about the Xbox Series X and PS5 versions of NBA 2K21.
What we do know now, however, is that it will be a launch title on both consoles: November 12 for the PS5, and November 10 for the Xbox Series X/S.
We know this, because NBA 2K digital brand manager, Ronnie Singh, confirmed it in response to a fan on Twitter.
“We will announce exact release day for both consoles when we announce them,” Singh quipped, “but it’s a launch title as we have said many times.”
That’s not much to go on — and it’s not widely known — but nonetheless it appears to lock NBA 2K21 away as a launch title for both PS5 and Xbox Series X/S later this year.
Fingers crossed for a smoother launch than on Xbox One and PS5. Hoards of players have been experiencing issues with their Mamba Forever edition of the game, which grants a host of additional VC and in-game bonuses, alongside access to the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions of the game with no additional cost.
