One of the most anticipated games of the year is on its way to being released in less than ten days. Yes, NBA 2K21 is expected to be released on September 4, 2020. However, both the next gen versions will be released with The Xbox SeriesX and the PlayStation5. Over the years, 2K has become one of the greatest video game franchises ever. Here is everything you need to know about this year’s NBA 2K21.

Different Editions

This year there will be four editions of the game (two being dedicated to the memory of the late Kobe Bryant), each edition bringing something different to the table. There is the Standard Edition – Current Gen, the Mamba Forever Edition – Current Gen, Standard Edition – Next Gen, and the Mamba Forever Edition – Next Gen. So, what is each version offering and what is their price?

Standard Edition – Current Gen/ Standard Edition – Next Gen

This year’s Standard Edition – Current Gen cover athlete is Damian Lillard. This version of the game is retailed at $59.99 and offers 5,000 virtual currency, 5,000 MyTEAM Points, 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs, 9 MYCAREER Skill Boosts, 5 pair Shoe Collection, and a Damian Lillard Digital Collection. You get everything included in the Standard Edition – Next Gen as you do in the Standard Edition – Current Gen except you get a Zion Williamson Digital Collection not a Damian Lillard Digital Collection. (His applies to the Mamba Forever Edition – Next Gen as well)

Mamba Forever Edition – Current Gen

This year’s Mamba Forever Edition – Current Gen has a lot more to offer than the Standard edition – Current Gen, but it comes with a greater price. This year’s Mamba Forever Edition – Current Gen retails at $99.99. So why is the price so high, it’s only a video game? Well, this edition of the game offers 100,00 virtual currency, 10,000 MyTEAM Points, 10 MyTEAM Tokens, 60 MyCAREER Skill Boosts, 30 Gatorade Boosts, 40 MyTEAM Promo Packs, Sapphire Damian Lillard and Zion Williamson MyTEAM cards, MyPLAYER Shoe collection, MyPLAYER backpack and a Kobe Bryant Digital Collection.

The New Shot Meter 

One of the most talked about changes to the game this year is the new shot meter. Most 2K players are accustomed to the meter positioned on the side of their player’s head. In 2K18, 2K19 and 2K20 you would just have to fill up the meter. Now, the new 2K21 meter’s positioning is right on top of the player’s head. To shoot you simply pull down the right stick. You release the stick once the indicator hits the yellow zone on the meter. If you release at the right moment you should get a green animation, meaning the shot will go in. However, there has been some controversy over this new meter. Many people aren’t very fond of it. Finally, when talking to a fellow student, Tai Kryger ’23, he told me that “This year’s meter is too complicated, I feel like the game would run smoother if the meter was the same as the one 2k20.” 

Platforms 2K21 is available on…

2K21 will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation4, and Nintendo switch. The game will also be available on PC through Steam. With the PlayStation5 and Xbox Series X releasing later this year, 2K21 will be available on those consoles as well.

Check back up to The Roundup for more information about upcoming video games