NBA 2K21 is weeks away from launching on current-gen platforms. Gaming's top basketball sim will also be the only new one available this year. EA Sports' NBA Live will be taking another season off as they try to catch up to 2K's hardwood behemoth.

While the NBA 2K series on-court action remains unrivaled, its take on DLC and microtransactions remains controversial. Will 2K21 follow in those footsteps or make amends to players left jaded by previous entries, as well as other disastrous 2K launches like WWE 2k20? Here's what we know about the next game in the series, including its launch on the next-gen consoles.

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Trailer

The game's current-gen gameplay trailer, "Everything is Game," was released on August 6th feating cover star Damian Lillard. Lillard hits a game-winning buzzer-beater to open the trailer. Other current star players are also highlighted, as is Kobe Bryant, who is the cover star of the game's special edition.

Release Date

The game will arrive on current-gen consoles, including the Switch and Google Stadia, and PC on September 4th, and comes in Standard and Mamba Forever Editions. Beyond featuring exclusive content and being a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, the Mamba Forever Edition will allow players to upgrade their copies of 2k21 to the next-gen console editions within the same console family. A digital code will be bundled with copies of the special edition.

That move isn't without controversy, as the Mamba Forever Edition costs $99.99. That's not the end of controversy surrounding the game. 2k21 is set to be a launch title for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. For those who forgo purchasing the game on current-gen systems and upgrading, the game will cost $69.99.

It's unclear whether this signals a change in-game prices across the board in the next console generation or if 2K's gone into business for themselves at this point. It certainly doesn't help 2K's reputation. Neither does the fact that the game's MyCareer and MyPlayer modes won't transfer between console generations.

Plot

NBA 2K MyCareer mode has featured a cinematic story for years. Along with current and legendary NBA players, it has featured actors like Michael B. Jordan and Rosario Dawson in starring roles. Details are scarce about what 2K21's MyCareer mode at this point. There should be an announcement with further details about the mode before launch.

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News

The game's demo had a surprise release on Aug 24 and featured four teams: the current incarnations of the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, and the All-Time versions of the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. Players can try out the game's updated control scheme, which includes a revamped shooting system and ball-handling mechanics via the Pro Stick.

The demo also gives players their first chance to experiment with the new MyPlayer Builder. Players can carry their builds over to the full release when it launches, whether they opt for a gigantic 6'8" point guard or a more traditional player.

Changes to the MyTeam Mode have been announced, such as the introduction of Seasons. Seasons last for six weeks at a time introduce new content, features, and rewards.

Competitive MyTeam players can take part in weekend challenges called MyTeam Limited. Players will have to complete themed challenges, like having a line-up with no players over the age of 25, to earn championship rings. Anyone who collects the full set of rings will get the best set of rewards at the end of the season.

There will also be an Unlimited Mode, which will feature nine tiers for players to advance through. Each tier will require a certain number of wins to advance through. Records will be reset every Season, with a new grand prize for players to chase in each season.

Other additions to MyTeam will upgrade the way cards are used in the mode. The Exchange will allow players to trade cards in their collection for new ones. The Ascension is a prize mechanic that allows players to flip over cards in three vertical tiers, with prizes changing every season.

Badge cards are also making their return. They can be upgraded to Hall of Fame level, with branching choices to make each player unique. There will also be Idol Card Packs featuring some of the best players in NBA history to be collected.

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