Fans of the NBA 2K series may not be having the best time with NBA 2K21 on the current-gen console,s with glitches making various game modes nearly unplayable, players online using hacked controllers to rig the shot system and easily win games, and MyLeague/MyGM getting no significant updates. For some players NBA 2K21 on the current-gen is just a placeholder until NBA 2K21 on the next-gen releases. However, not everyone has the luxury of getting a next-gen console immediately, leaving players who won’t buy a next-gen console to grind and improve their MyPlayers in a game that needs improvements. Sports games are known to release every year, but with the next-gen consoles releasing soon, it seems 2K put the bulk of their time and effort into making sure NBA 2K21 on next-gen is a whole new game.
Given the circumstances of this year and the limitations that have come with it, 2K managed to release the latest version of NBA 2K21 on time, as scheduled. While the rosters are virtually the same as NBA 2K20 due to the NBA season being suspended in the spring and resumed in the summer opposed to being finished in June as usual, 2K21 did make some improvements to the game. The most significant improvements included the inclusion of new online parks and the new MyCareer mode which brings back the MyPlayer’s basketball journey of playing in high school and college before making it to the NBA. Another big addition to the game was inclusion of real colleges in MyCareer instead of a made-up one like in NBA 2K20.
When the NBA 2K21 PS5 trailer was revealed, it gave only a glimpse of what the next generation of consoles are capable of. On the NBA 2K21 FAQ page 2K reveals that NBA 2K21 will be “…built from the ground up for next-gen and will feature new additions and improvements only possible on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.” While no specific details have been revealed yet, 2K also shared on the FAQ page that MyCareer on next-gen will be a totally different experience from that of NBA 2K21 on current gen when answering if purchased MyPlayer accessories and MyCareer progress would transfer over onto next-gen, “…your MyPLAYER Inventory and progress will not transfer, as the experience will be different for NBA 2K21 on next-generation consoles.”
How Different NBA 2K21 On Next-Gen Will Be
While MyPlayer and MyCareer progress won’t be transferred to the next-gen consoles, MyTeam progression will, allowing players to keep all of their MyTeam points, tokens, and cards. However, cross-progression will only be available within the same console family. This means players of NBA 2K21 on PS4 won’t be able to regain their MyTeam progress if they buy an Xbox Series X, and Xbox One players won’t be able to buy a PS5 and regain their progress. 2K also confirms for the first time in the 2K series female MyPlayers can be made on the next-gen version of NBA 2K21. It is unknown if a female MyCareer or a full-fledged WNBA MyLeague/MyGM will be included.
The last noticeable known change in next-gen version of NBA 2K21 is the $70 price tag. This is the first time games have seen an increase of price since the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, which saw games increase from $50 to $60. With the newest generations of consoles coming right around the corner, the price increase was bound to happen. While fans are unhappy about the price increase, perhaps the new additions and improvements made in the next-gen version of NBA 2K21 will show players whether it's worth the price.
NBA 2K21 players won’t have to wait long to get their hands on the next-gen version of the game, as it will be a launch title release for both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Given the issues within the current-gen version, player expectations are likely to be high for next-gen. As players wait for the release of the next-gen consoles, they should probably start planning their player builds and ways to progress their MyPlayer so they can be ready to hit the park online when the next-gen consoles come.
Source: 2K