“Is NBA 2K24 worth it?” This is the question that many are asking about the latest installment of the series. In this article, we attempt to answer that question by summarizing and breaking down the pros, the cons, and the differences between new gen and last gen for NBA 2K24.
Is NBA 2K24 Worth It?
Overall, your satisfaction with NBA 2K24 and whether you think it’s worth buying will likely come down to which game modes and generation you play, your tolerance level of spending real money on virtual currency, and how realistic you want the gameplay to be. With NBA 2K24 being the only simulation basketball game on the market, this annually becomes a must-buy for hoop fans by default for the fact alone. NBA 2K24 portrays the sport in a mostly realistic fashion, and the addition of crossplay and ProPLAY represent major improvements to the franchise.
Main New Features
ProPLAY
- NBA 2K24 introduced “ProPLAY” – a groundbreaking new technology that directly translates NBA footage into NBA 2K24 gameplay.
- NBA 2K24 ProPLAY delivers animations and movements via on-court NBA action for a generational leap in authenticity. Jumpshots, dunks, layups, dribble moves, pass animations, and signature movement (on offense and defense) all got a facelift.
- Exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Crossplay
- PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are united at last
- Exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
New Badge System
- Tiered badges (S, A, B, and C tiers)
- “Use it or lost it” badge system where you have to use the badge or it will regress
More Gameplay Improvements
- Dribbling, defense, post moves, and more have all seen improvements, including changes to the Adrenaline Boosts system.
Rep System
- In addition to “Seasons“, 2K brought back the rep system that progresses throughout the entire game and that doesn’t reset at the end of a season
The Pros
- Tons of game modes
- Crossplay
- ProPlay
- Improved gameplay
- New Badge system that reflects playstyle
The Cons
- Pay to play for online modes
- The City has gotten a bit stale
- Graphics could use a boost
New Gen vs Last Gen
| New Gen | Last Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| GAME MODES | The City | Neighborhood |
| The W & WNBA | WNBA | |
| Mamba Moments | Mamba Moments | |
| MyTEAM | MyTEAM | |
| Play Now off/online | Play Now off/online | |
| MyNBA Eras | ||
| The Theater | ||
| FEATURES | Crossplay | Coastal Neighborhood |
| ProPLAY | 1v1 VR simulator | |
| Basketball-focused MyCAREER | Redesigned Neighborhood, Rec Center, Stage | |
| Salary Cap mode in MyTEAM | 3v3 and 1v1 matchmaking | |
| LeBron and Simple Eras in MyNBA | 5v5 court and change server option | |
| XP counts for both MyTEAM and MyCAREER | Basketball-focused MyCAREER | |
| The Theater | Salary cap mode in MyTEAM | |
| GAMEPLAY | ProPLAY | Mocap |
| Improved Interior Defense and Dribble Combo Controls | New Controller Settings | |
| New Controller Settings | More Accessible | |
| More Accessible | No More Quick Drops / Limitless takeoff | |
| No More Quick Drops / Limitless takeoff | ||
| Shot Meter whites go in more, not at all on HOF | ||
| MyCAREER / MyPLAYER | Badge Level Progression | Coastal Neighborhood |
| Beachfront | REP is back | |
| Streetball | Park | |
| Affiliations | Pro-AM | |
| REP is back | Basketball approach | |
| Park | ||
| Pro-AM | ||
| Basketball approach | ||
| GRAPHICS | 4K @ 60 fps | 1080p @ 60 fps |
| PLATFORMS | Xbox Series X/S | Xbox One |
| PlayStation 5 | PlayStation 4 | |
| Nintendo Switch | ||
| Steam / PC |
||
| EDITIONS & PRICES | 25th Anniversary Edition $149.99 | 25th Anniversary Edition $149.99 |
| Black Mamba Edition $99.99 | Black Mamba Edition $99.99 | |
| Kobe Bryant Edition $69.99 | Kobe Bryant Edition $59.99 |
|
| WNBA Edition $69.99 |
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you determined if NBA 2K24 is worth buying for you! Check back here for more NBA 2KW guides in the future.
