NBA 2K18

 Switch
User Score
4.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 180 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 180
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 180
  3. Negative: 98 out of 180
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  1. lifeofbrian
    Sep 17, 2017
    3
    I don't know how anyone can call this an excellent port. There are serious framerate issues in the games cutscenes, to the point where MyCareer is extremely tedious to play through (since the cutscenes cannot be skipped). You basically end up with cutscenes where the audio is about 10 seconds ahead of the video by the time they are done.

    Wait to pick up this game in a few months. Its    I don't know how anyone can call this an excellent port. There are serious framerate issues in the games cutscenes, to the point where MyCareer is extremely tedious to play through (since the cutscenes cannot be skipped). You basically end up with cutscenes where the audio is about 10 seconds ahead of the video by the time they are done.

    Wait to pick up this game in a few months. Its clear its not ready in its current state.    … Expand
  2. mfguevar123
    Sep 15, 2017
    10
    I can't believe how this game can runs there so well in the Switch, it look AMAZING!! I bought de Switch the last week and i was excited for this game, but the truth is that i was worried about the final version of this game, but to see how Nintendo Switch runs this game so well I have been amazed.
  3. tbv121
    Sep 26, 2017
    4
    Pros

    At least it looks nice. TV like presentation on a handheld is unmatched. Cons Input lag even in offline mode (almost half a second!) Good luck defending and timing your shots... Cutscenes and voices don't sync in handheld mode, cutscene audio crackles like popcorn when docked. Career mode with cutscenes not available offline. Save Data corruption bug?! VC, VC,    Pros

    At least it looks nice.

    TV like presentation on a handheld is unmatched.

    Cons
    Input lag even in offline mode (almost half a second!) Good luck defending and timing your shots...

    Cutscenes and voices don't sync in handheld mode, cutscene audio crackles like popcorn when docked.

    Career mode with cutscenes not available offline.

    Save Data corruption bug?!

    VC, VC, VC, VC, VC, VC (you need VC to even wipe your @$$).

    5GB save file as big as Mario Odyssey.

    Netcode designed by half a monkey ensures a nice delay. Pair that with the local input delay and you just might throw your system off the tallest building in your area.

    Occasionally disappearing buildings give Houdini a run for his money.

    If all the above issues don't bother you, then this game just might be for you.

    Otherwise, avoid this like the plague, or a crazy ex if you have one :)    … Expand
  4. zootrop
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really do not liked this port, it looks like a poor limited version of the game. Playng on the go is limited to battery life, i really would like to play more… Expand
  5. Nihelus
    Sep 26, 2017
    0
    Microtransactions ruin the career mode. The predatory way they were implemented is disgusting. Look up the review on Kotaku for a fairly complete list of how they try to force you to give them more money. Do not buy this game. 2K has lost my faith completely and unless they change I will not be giving this company another cent.

    On top of that, the install size for the game is    Microtransactions ruin the career mode. The predatory way they were implemented is disgusting. Look up the review on Kotaku for a fairly complete list of how they try to force you to give them more money. Do not buy this game. 2K has lost my faith completely and unless they change I will not be giving this company another cent.

    On top of that, the install size for the game is literally too big for anyone who hasn't bought a bigger memory stick. Even if you have, the save file is somehow over 5gb in size, and you can only save that to the primary drive.    … Expand
  6. jwalker55
    Oct 8, 2017
    0
    - Microtransactions are outrageous and destroy the fun.
    - Your player starts out barely being able to make a layup, but somehow is able to be signed by an NBA team. But then, you also can barely afford a haircut. Makes total sense.
    - Cutscenes are unbearable. When you're just starting your career, be prepared to sit down like you're watching a movie. And then, in some of the cutscenes,    - Microtransactions are outrageous and destroy the fun.
    - Your player starts out barely being able to make a layup, but somehow is able to be signed by an NBA team. But then, you also can barely afford a haircut. Makes total sense.
    - Cutscenes are unbearable. When you're just starting your career, be prepared to sit down like you're watching a movie. And then, in some of the cutscenes, the audio goes out of sync and you sit there in silence just staring at your characters.
    - Input lag is atrocious. I haven't played this game on any other platform to compare, so I don't know if it's true input lag or just a lack of responsiveness because of the animations, but it makes you feel entirely disconnected from the game.

    Don't buy this trash.    … Expand
  7. Gurubuzu
    Sep 21, 2017
    2
    Esta saga deja mucho que desear, tiene mucho nombre, pero no es nada merecido. sera porque no hay alternativa.. El modo mi carrera es pésimo, en cada partido hay una cinematica al inicio y final, y no hay posibilidad de saltarla. podria pasar si fueran buenas, pero son malas y una clara perdida de tiempo. al inicio juegas poco tiempo porque las estadísticas són muy bajas, perfectamenteEsta saga deja mucho que desear, tiene mucho nombre, pero no es nada merecido. sera porque no hay alternativa.. El modo mi carrera es pésimo, en cada partido hay una cinematica al inicio y final, y no hay posibilidad de saltarla. podria pasar si fueran buenas, pero son malas y una clara perdida de tiempo. al inicio juegas poco tiempo porque las estadísticas són muy bajas, perfectamente puedes jugar 1 minutos y tener 5 de cinematica / perdida de tiempo por partido. pesimo… Expand
  8. Antharas
    Sep 16, 2017
    9
    Belo jogo, boa jogabilidade, o modo carreira é muito legal, faz você se sentir na pele do jogador, de como é o inicio da carreira. Destaque pra o alivio cômico transmitida pelo agente e pela colega de quarto.
  9. Gio2017
    Sep 26, 2017
    1
    The reason this got a one is because of the portability. Shooting in this game is pure garbage. Look it up on youtube and you'll see multiple people complain on this issue. Their attempt to make this game realistic have failed tremendously. How many NBA centers can make a 3 pointer? In this game if there open its automatically going in but if you try to make a 3 pointer with steph curry heThe reason this got a one is because of the portability. Shooting in this game is pure garbage. Look it up on youtube and you'll see multiple people complain on this issue. Their attempt to make this game realistic have failed tremendously. How many NBA centers can make a 3 pointer? In this game if there open its automatically going in but if you try to make a 3 pointer with steph curry he doesn't even make 30% of his shots. Lay ups are terrible, it still incorparates the shot meter but for some dumb reason they do not display the shot meter. Since when has the NY Knicks blown out the Golden State Warriors in real life? Because in this NBA "Simulation" it is constantly happening. Congratulations to 2K games for sucking the fun out of their Basketball title. This game is Trash #SteerClear #Worst$65I'veEverSpent… Expand
  10. Trax6267
    Sep 18, 2017
    5
    After that terrible CAP creation and Prologue, I jumped right into a Play Now game and was pretty amazed by how good looking of a port this was. The game started and though the level of detail in players dropped a bit in the gp camera ( though better on broadcast low ) and the FPS was at 30, the game looked incredible. Knowing that the game was at 30fps, i got used to the responsivenessAfter that terrible CAP creation and Prologue, I jumped right into a Play Now game and was pretty amazed by how good looking of a port this was. The game started and though the level of detail in players dropped a bit in the gp camera ( though better on broadcast low ) and the FPS was at 30, the game looked incredible. Knowing that the game was at 30fps, i got used to the responsiveness and saw all the anims from the PS4 version and got even more amazed. The GP itself was fun and improved ( though really just more organic and free ) from 17, so I was ready to come on here and give this a solid 8 or 9. Seeing all the modes intact was even more jaw dropping. I then went back to My Career and the Hood was there, fully intact. Incredible......but then reality set in and just like the PS4 version that I also have, this game came loaded with gamebreaking bugs. My Career player lost 3!!!! times after hours of play, VC lost, crashes left and right ( 15 + right now ), cutscene issues in My Career ( the half speed plays, the lost of audio, the LOD on faces popping in and out, etc ) the load times, the lag in pro am, the times when a ton in the Hood is not playable ( walk over ready UI to not get any "start game" button prompt, etc ), and those are just some of the technical issues. Then the issues with the game itself also started to settle in. Really? Gonna take me 3 minutes to walk to this barbershop where i cant even preview a cut without buying it for a crazy amount of VC that I have to play 40 games for to get a haircut because they skimp on the VC. VC is as bad, if not worst, then it was back on 14.....but really ? lol Just to get a haircut if I have enough VC, will take bout 7 minutes.....ONE haircut!!! lol. This takes seconds in other games, but its "cool" cause I walked there? GTA / 2K concept is intriguing and one that almost EVERYONE started wondering about when GTA first went 3D, but this was NOT the way to execute it. It takes all remedial tasks from previous games and makes them 100000 times more remedial. How long until you want to shoot someone because you have to walk to footlocker to preview 10 shoes ( complete with try on shoe animations for 1 minute ) for near an hour?? Why not just focus on the basketball 2K!? The GP is better then 17, but not by much, and there are other areas directly related to BASKETBALL that you guys completely ignored to try and be "first" with this concept. Then, you release a game that appears to be about a month early.....Unbelievable man, but I am sticking with Switch 2K ( going NBA Live on PS4 ) since it is a robust and amazing port......or it will be, once its patched to a ship able state...If this happens again though, adios basketball on my Switch, until Live comes back to Nintendo… Expand
  11. music_is_
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This port is so glitch, few online player and have worse visual compared to other plataforms. Playing during travel could be nice, but the battery life avoids me playing more. Very upset… Expand
  12. riverkev95
    Sep 26, 2017
    7
    Los de Take-two han logrado hacer un port en condiciones del NBA 2k18, sinceramente para ser un juego de baloncesto que puede llevarse portátil no se nota una gran diferencia con las versiones de consolas de sobremesa.
    Si se trabaja en la consola híbrida se pueden lograr grandes cosas, ojalá Electronic Arts aprendiera algo de como hacer buenos ports.
    Sin embargo hay algo que se carga los    Los de Take-two han logrado hacer un port en condiciones del NBA 2k18, sinceramente para ser un juego de baloncesto que puede llevarse portátil no se nota una gran diferencia con las versiones de consolas de sobremesa.
    Si se trabaja en la consola híbrida se pueden lograr grandes cosas, ojalá Electronic Arts aprendiera algo de como hacer buenos ports.
    Sin embargo hay algo que se carga los buenos juegos y ese algo son las políticas abusivas y en ese aspecto NBA 2k18 peca de agregar micropagos necesarios para tener una experiencia jugablemente digna.    … Expand
  13. joshrowin2000
    Sep 15, 2017
    10
    Excellent port that has the only caveat of being locked at 30fps other than that and the 720p portable resolution it is an amazing, feature complete 2k title, a great addition to the current roster of games on the switch which is quickly becoming the real pleasant surprise of 2017
  14. Dumpstereater
    Sep 16, 2017
    9
    Other than the fps I think this is a great port of this series. I primarily bought this game on my Switch rather than my Xbox One because of the portability playing with my friends at the park or lunchroom at the school with 2 separate joycon controllers is going to be awesome.
  15. theNivda
    Sep 20, 2017
    1
    One of the worst ports I've ever played. It seems like they didn't make any adjustments to make it work for the switch platform.
    The game suffers from amazingly long loading times. Horrible frame rate, especially in the cutscenes during myCareer mode which you can not skip (it is so bad, that the audio loses sync from the video after 5 seconds and then you have to watch 10 minutes of    One of the worst ports I've ever played. It seems like they didn't make any adjustments to make it work for the switch platform.
    The game suffers from amazingly long loading times. Horrible frame rate, especially in the cutscenes during myCareer mode which you can not skip (it is so bad, that the audio loses sync from the video after 5 seconds and then you have to watch 10 minutes of slow-motion cutscene without sound). If you decide to put the switch into sleep mode when in-game when you log back in, the game kicks you out from the mode you were in, because it can't connect back to the server (and in many times you have to watch the last cutscene you watched all over again). Tons of connection problems when you try to play against another player.

    The only good thing is when you finally manage to enter a game (after a lot of frustrations and rage quits during the loading times and cutscenes), it plays pretty well (other than the lock for 30 fps which is pretty big in a sports game).

    Overall, if you have a ps4 or an Xbox, don't buy the switch version or at least wait a couple of months that they'll hopefully update the game.    … Expand
  16. Tenacidad963
    Oct 13, 2017
    0
    Es un abuso de las empresas poner micropagos para todo. Se fijan en los usuarios que no se informan por x motivos que aun son miles. El próximo juego vendrá con otra aberración más.

    In English:
    It is an abuse of companies to put micropayments for everything. They focus on users who are not informed by x reasons that are still thousands. The next game will come with another aberration.
  17. Bulwerka
    Sep 17, 2017
    5
    Was really excited to play 2k on the road, but while the games are fun and look good, there's a lot of bugs and the fact that you can't put it in sleep mode and come back is a crime
  18. westkent
    Sep 22, 2017
    0
    When I payed for a full priced triple A game, I did not expect to be hit with the fact the game has more micro transactions than my mobile games, to add insult to injury, 2K is removing tons of fair reviews of the game to try and boost up their metacritic review. Its really a shame as the gameplay was fun and I would have loved a portable sports game. Buying this game at the current stateWhen I payed for a full priced triple A game, I did not expect to be hit with the fact the game has more micro transactions than my mobile games, to add insult to injury, 2K is removing tons of fair reviews of the game to try and boost up their metacritic review. Its really a shame as the gameplay was fun and I would have loved a portable sports game. Buying this game at the current state is agreeing to the shadiest business practice in a long time, if you are truly a fan of NBA2K and games in general, DO NOT BUY THIS GAME or this will be what NBA2K looks like many years down the road.… Expand
  19. derekn210
    Sep 19, 2017
    1
    This is the absolute worst game I have ever played. The graphics look like NBA 2k10. The game plays like NBA Live 2001. The game modes are too confusing and it feels like a maze trying to navigate through it. I hate everything about this game. I wish I had my $60 back so I could get it for PS4 and at least enjoy it a little more.
  20. stingrayBR
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    Definitely, the size is the main issue about this game. Switch will suffer during all its life cycle because of storage. The looks ok (not better than xone S or PS4 pro version).
  21. supermariodude
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    the day has come. NBA 2K plays great on switch, but size matters... SD cards is now becoming an issue. Others plataforms have hard drive. And Playstation 4 pro version look way better
  22. februaryson
    Sep 17, 2017
    4
    When I first fired this game up I was blown away by the graphics. Super crisp, not fuzzy at all. I fired up the My Career mode first and had a blast....until...THE FPS DIPS, hence my low score. My Career is unplayable unless you like being extremely frustrated. The FPS during cut scenes takes a nose dive and all you're left with is a volumless (oh yeah, the volume disappears too) jankyWhen I first fired this game up I was blown away by the graphics. Super crisp, not fuzzy at all. I fired up the My Career mode first and had a blast....until...THE FPS DIPS, hence my low score. My Career is unplayable unless you like being extremely frustrated. The FPS during cut scenes takes a nose dive and all you're left with is a volumless (oh yeah, the volume disappears too) janky mess. The server failures are also extremely annoying. It seems like they still have tons of bugs to work out on the switch version. I would hold off on buying for now unless you have no intention on playing My Career. As far as i can tell, the rest of the modes are unaffected.… Expand
  23. somanymatts
    Sep 16, 2017
    9
    Been playing NBA2K since dreamcast days and this game is a joy to play. I have not played a 2K game since 2K13 and it wasn't as good as my NBA 2K6-9 experiences on the ps3 but was better than 2k10 which was the second to last 2K game I played before this. That set things feel good but I would like doing crossovers and drives to the basket easier and shooting should be easier. It feelsBeen playing NBA2K since dreamcast days and this game is a joy to play. I have not played a 2K game since 2K13 and it wasn't as good as my NBA 2K6-9 experiences on the ps3 but was better than 2k10 which was the second to last 2K game I played before this. That set things feel good but I would like doing crossovers and drives to the basket easier and shooting should be easier. It feels purposely difficult for like pro esport potential which I am not into. 2K TV is not playing properly either and it took 20 hours to download are the main issues keeping this from being a 10. Also, I got the Gold edition, I want a gold themed thumbnail for the switch home screen and a gold themed main page when the game starts, with like Shaq.(and a code to get a Rodman themed main page to troll Shaq) but this game is sick, looking forward to having to travel and having this on call for when I get bored on a plane or in an airport.… Expand
  24. moripi
    Sep 26, 2017
    8
    Totally recommended as sports game for the Switch. Great gameplay and technical section. 30 fps are mostly solid and the sense of realism is well achieved during matches. All of other versions content, except the compatibility with the companion mobile app. Only a few bugs in the unskippable My career cinematics that turn this mode into a headache and the excessive reliance on online inTotally recommended as sports game for the Switch. Great gameplay and technical section. 30 fps are mostly solid and the sense of realism is well achieved during matches. All of other versions content, except the compatibility with the companion mobile app. Only a few bugs in the unskippable My career cinematics that turn this mode into a headache and the excessive reliance on online in several of the modes, take away this game from the best score.… Expand
  25. NichRigga
    Oct 7, 2017
    3
    Everything is wrong with this trash ass game. It's boring asf and not fun to play and everything is so **** expensive. Dribbling is stiff, shooting is ass, missing open layups, game freezes, lagouts. Server's are the **** worst. Most money hungry **** game and worst than nba2k17.
  26. theshazam
    Sep 17, 2017
    2
    Was super excited to play 2k on the switch wherever i wanted to, but the port is rushed and buggy. The first problem with 2k is its size, the download is 22.5 GB! For perspective zelda is less than 8, mario vs rabbids is 1.8, and mario odyssey is only 5.5 GBs. And since nintendo moved up the release date random as hell, good luck finding a physical copy yet. Now the start of the game wasWas super excited to play 2k on the switch wherever i wanted to, but the port is rushed and buggy. The first problem with 2k is its size, the download is 22.5 GB! For perspective zelda is less than 8, mario vs rabbids is 1.8, and mario odyssey is only 5.5 GBs. And since nintendo moved up the release date random as hell, good luck finding a physical copy yet. Now the start of the game was fine, I started myplayer, made my dude, and played through the intro just fine. But about 30 minutes in the cut scenes become unbearable. The animation runs at half speed, while the audio runs regularly, so you're left watching 30 seconds of slow motion silence every cut scene. These are unskippable cut scenes btw. So i went to MyGM, which was pretty fun for the ten or so hours i played it, until i hit a game breaking bug. When the owners son told me about the team moving to Seattle , I chose to lash out, and then got a loading screen of death. Every time i start the save now, i get a loading screen that never ends. I have more criticism of the actual game, which i still enjoy playing, but all the bugs and unplayable single player modes take precedent.… Expand
  27. Luckithroe
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    Absolutely amazing port. Why I purchased this game for PS4 Pro, Xbox One, and the Switch, is a long story which I won't go into now. Though the important piece of information is, that after trying them all. The Switch version is the version in which I will be spending all of my time. No the graphics aren't quite up to par with the other systems, but it's portability, and similar breadth ofAbsolutely amazing port. Why I purchased this game for PS4 Pro, Xbox One, and the Switch, is a long story which I won't go into now. Though the important piece of information is, that after trying them all. The Switch version is the version in which I will be spending all of my time. No the graphics aren't quite up to par with the other systems, but it's portability, and similar breadth of scope as the other consoles makes it the winner for me.

    Update: This was already my favorite version, minus the horrible delay during the locker room cut scene. But with patch 3 , not only did they fix the cut-scene lag, the rest of the game runs buttery smooth. My park plays 100% better even. I seriously hope people update their reviews, because as things stand, this will probably be the best and only mobile nba2k we see on a handheld in a loooooong time. The fact that this is nearly feature complete compared to the other consoles and it runs as well as it does, I'm REALLY hoping to see more next year. Thank you Take Two! This is an amazing game, and bringing it to this platform takes it to a whole new level.

    As for those experiencing problems with cut-scenes, please be sure you power off your Switch all the way (not sleep mode) then turn it back on before playing following the download of the game. This will clear up 80% of performance issues.

    P.S. Please any of you who are rating the game based on performance, PLEASE consider updating your review. It's clear that Take Two put a lot of love into making this THE GAME to have for Switch owners.. Let's help ensure they do it again.
    Best port, way to go 2k sports!    … Expand
  28. snydaddy
    Sep 21, 2017
    2
    2/10 score b/c the game has a good soundtrack, other than that there is nothing that I like about this game. First let me start out by saying all in all it is between 28-29 GB of total necessary storage space for this game. A Nintendo Switch only has 32 GB of internal storage, so b/c of this you are required to have an SD card to play this game. My second gripe is that this game locks at2/10 score b/c the game has a good soundtrack, other than that there is nothing that I like about this game. First let me start out by saying all in all it is between 28-29 GB of total necessary storage space for this game. A Nintendo Switch only has 32 GB of internal storage, so b/c of this you are required to have an SD card to play this game. My second gripe is that this game locks at 30 FPS on the Nintendo Switch. This is UNACCEPTABLE for a game released in the year 2017. The low FPS is clearly reflected in the fluidity of game play. This alone makes me never want to play this game again. Hitting the shot meter on time is so difficult at half of a normal framerate. Passing feels slightly delayed and defense is no longer fun to play. Lastly, the greed of 2K studios is pitiful...Microtransactions EVERYWHERE!! Don't even bother playing myCareer if you're not going to spend an extra $100 on their Virtual Currency, as it won't be worth the grind. To merely get your player to an 80 overall rating will take you hundreds and hundreds of hours of grinding, and if you decide to spend your VC on customization, it'll take even longer. Don't bother buying this game, spend your $60 on FIFA as it'll be the first major sports release for Switch that will actually run at 60 FPS.… Expand
  29. Crazyorloco
    Sep 25, 2017
    8
    Great game. Gameplay is fun and varied and there's a ton of replay value here. The grind for virtual currency is hard and annoying, but feels rewarding when your player starts improving. It takes awhile for that to happen that that is an issue because the game is pretty much pushing you to purchase VC. It isn't like other games with currency (Hearthstone) where you don't feel the needGreat game. Gameplay is fun and varied and there's a ton of replay value here. The grind for virtual currency is hard and annoying, but feels rewarding when your player starts improving. It takes awhile for that to happen that that is an issue because the game is pretty much pushing you to purchase VC. It isn't like other games with currency (Hearthstone) where you don't feel the need to purchase to progress. Presentation is probably my favorite thing about the game. Announcers are so talkative. It feels real. You really feel like you're watching a live telecast of a basketball game.

    Music is good. I'm a old Bulls fan and I love that they have the Sirius by the Alan Parsons Project song in the game. Graphics are missing cloth physics and sweat effects from the other home consoles, but everything else is in. Feature wise it has all of the features from the console versions included. I'm so use to portable games getting getting diluted in some way. For the switch version, I do not notice the 30 frames per second.

    There are some very apparent things 2k Games needs to address: There are currently some audio popping glitches (switch) which thankfully do not happen during gameplay, sleep mode disconnections (switch), and myplayer file corruption (effecting the console versions as well). Once these issues are patched up this will be a better game for me. Having this game in portable form is great and being able to play with someone on the go at all times is the cherry on top.

    This is the best portable basketball game to date. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  30. TheexxpertT
    Sep 29, 2017
    8
    Great game but fps where are you??

    Pros:

    Excelent graphics similar ps4/xb1
    Players movements equaly ps4/xb1
    Great playlist after nba 2k13
    Have all modes of play

    Cons:

    Poor frame rate
    No quick play online with friend (they do in the park)
  31. picacrazy
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    The game looks ok, but HDR and better resolution is not the case here. I really prefer visual improvements like xbox one s and pS4 pro do, but nintendo dont
  32. jj72
    Sep 19, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. oh boy, i really hated this port. Ugly compared to my ps4 version, controls are laggy and the game is preetty glitchy. And I had to buy an SD card just to download the rest of the content… Expand
  33. nedyken
    Sep 16, 2017
    6
    Lots of bugs early on. Have experienced a freeze and a crash. Audio skips, stuttering/slowdowns in cutscenes, etc, but I imagine a lot of that will likely be resolved in patches. Graphically the Switch version it's definitely a step down from ps4/xbone. Lots of fans are complaining about controller input lag impacting their shots - they think it's due to 30fps, but it might just be aLots of bugs early on. Have experienced a freeze and a crash. Audio skips, stuttering/slowdowns in cutscenes, etc, but I imagine a lot of that will likely be resolved in patches. Graphically the Switch version it's definitely a step down from ps4/xbone. Lots of fans are complaining about controller input lag impacting their shots - they think it's due to 30fps, but it might just be a system-wide problem.

    Should be noted you'll see a LOT more people complaining in user reviews for the ps4 and xbone version. Meanwhile there's (currently) a ton of positive reviews of the Switch. I think that just shows Nintendo fans are just happy to have a port. This game isn't without problems.

    As far as the game itself, I've primarily focused on MyLeague early on. There's some pretty major glitches impacting my enjoyment (I'm in year 5 and the upcoming draft class has duplicates of guys who were drafted over the last couple years), but it's a decent mode.

    I'm avoiding MyPlayer, because of dozens of complaints about framerate dropping to 15fps in cutscenes (will likely be fixed), but also in general, I think how the NBA2k series deploys "play to play" tactics with their "VC" currency thing is somewhat deplorable and deserves a lot more scrutiny than it gets. It would require playing about 400 games to grind enough "VC" to upgrade our player to an 85 overall. That's ridiculous. And this game conning people into dropping an extra $50-100 every year just to get VC is kind of disgusting. If you pay $60 for a game, you shouldn't need to pay extra money to enjoy it - especially a game that is essentially the same every year with very minor tweaks.

    Portability is great on the switch. My criticism is more about the game in general. I do not recommend this game for people who aren't fans of the NBA. I'm a hardcore fan and doubt there's enough here to keep the interest of people who aren't into the league    … Expand
  34. Spaceman1
    Sep 17, 2017
    7
    Whilst i'd like to give this game a 10 its unfair on those that are going to buy it. The game is definitely great. To have a proper AAA game on the go is phenomenal but .....
    As said before the single player mode is simply broken in HANDHELD mode. The cutscenes run so slow and the audio breaks up leaving a complete mess that also takes an age to load. Mind you that seems to go away when    Whilst i'd like to give this game a 10 its unfair on those that are going to buy it. The game is definitely great. To have a proper AAA game on the go is phenomenal but .....
    As said before the single player mode is simply broken in HANDHELD mode. The cutscenes run so slow and the audio breaks up leaving a complete mess that also takes an age to load. Mind you that seems to go away when DOCKED, so thats some peace of mind. A bit of shot lag, audio stutter, Freezing and single player issues aside this is still one hell of an achievement as i play my team and my league which are perfect. Once patched,which it will be, it's a 10 out 10 easy..    … Expand
  35. paolylo
    Oct 22, 2017
    7
    I can't rate this game higher than 8/10 just because it's 30 frames per second and it feels as if the graphics could have used lesser detail and quality (as it looks very crisp until the animations kick in) to achieve 60 fps if it weren't for the need to compromise between handheld/tabletop mode and TV mode... so timing jumpers and free throws with these frame rates takes a lot of skillI can't rate this game higher than 8/10 just because it's 30 frames per second and it feels as if the graphics could have used lesser detail and quality (as it looks very crisp until the animations kick in) to achieve 60 fps if it weren't for the need to compromise between handheld/tabletop mode and TV mode... so timing jumpers and free throws with these frame rates takes a lot of skill and feels like NBA 2K12 using a mid-tier Fermi/Northern Islands GPU on medium settings. It's very playable, but if you're used to seeing games on 144Hz monitors at 100-150 fps... the gaming experience can be very frustrating. I personally don't mind because I understand the Switch's limitations and people get it for the portability.

    That said, the loading times are just like any other Switch game, the game modes suffer from the same problems with the other platforms (the entire story of MyCareer is boring and yet the game doesn't allow skipping the cut scenes, the rewards are way too frugal when it comes to VC's and MT's as you need to buy more this time), other than that... it's basically the same game with a lower frame rate. I'll definitely play NBA 2K18 when I'm bored somewhere with Wi-Fi. 7/10 because being able to play a full game on a device as weak as the Switch is already a huge accomplishment. Your move, EA.    … Expand
  36. dphin8313
    Oct 6, 2017
    6
    What happened to the NBA games? I remember back in the day you could pick up an NBA game and just play and have fun. I don't enjoy these new versions. They are so needlessly complicated. I can't drive past defenders. I can't make wide open shots when i get a good release on my shot. When i'm trying to defend my player just runs right past the defenders like he's drunk or something. I can'tWhat happened to the NBA games? I remember back in the day you could pick up an NBA game and just play and have fun. I don't enjoy these new versions. They are so needlessly complicated. I can't drive past defenders. I can't make wide open shots when i get a good release on my shot. When i'm trying to defend my player just runs right past the defenders like he's drunk or something. I can't seem to stick to the player i'm trying to defend. It's just not fun. It seems like more of a chore than a fun game.… Expand
  37. Bosthian
    Oct 16, 2017
    5
    Ok, at least we have basketball game on switch. However 30 fps is not the best way to play it. Also the size of the game (including save game file) is a problem. But the most negative thing is micro-transactions. If you want to build-up your player you will spent a lot (too much! ) time. It's crazy and it's greedy from developer (Gamers should not support such behavior! )

    My advice,    Ok, at least we have basketball game on switch. However 30 fps is not the best way to play it. Also the size of the game (including save game file) is a problem. But the most negative thing is micro-transactions. If you want to build-up your player you will spent a lot (too much! ) time. It's crazy and it's greedy from developer (Gamers should not support such behavior! )

    My advice, wait for version 2k19 if there will be any. This one is not worth to buy it, at least not at full price.    … Expand
  38. JRiv10
    Oct 30, 2017
    9
    I've played the last 3 games in the series on PS4 until now when I got 2K18 for the Switch. Other than it being 30 fps, I can't see any major differences or drawbacks that outweigh being able to take 2K wherever you want. 30fps looks fine in handheld, but it does look a little choppy in docked mode. There was a bug where the audio would be ahead of the video in my career cutscenes, butI've played the last 3 games in the series on PS4 until now when I got 2K18 for the Switch. Other than it being 30 fps, I can't see any major differences or drawbacks that outweigh being able to take 2K wherever you want. 30fps looks fine in handheld, but it does look a little choppy in docked mode. There was a bug where the audio would be ahead of the video in my career cutscenes, but they have fixed this in an update. Battery life is very short in portable mode, so if you are going to take this on the go, bring a battery pack or some kind of charger with you.… Expand
  39. leburn98
    Jun 2, 2019
    7
    A solid port of NBA 2K18 for the Nintendo Switch that, like it's brethren, is hampered by predatory microtransactions.
  40. anderugarte
    Oct 13, 2017
    7
    El juego luce genial y la jugabilidad es exactamente igual a la de otras plataformas como ps4 y Xbox, además trae todos los modos de juego así que se puede decir que es un gran port del juego para la portátil de Nintendo.
    Obviamente el tema de las micro-transacciones es un gran problema, este año si que se han pasado, aún así, el mayor problema que le veo al juego es su conexión. No    El juego luce genial y la jugabilidad es exactamente igual a la de otras plataformas como ps4 y Xbox, además trae todos los modos de juego así que se puede decir que es un gran port del juego para la portátil de Nintendo.
    Obviamente el tema de las micro-transacciones es un gran problema, este año si que se han pasado, aún así, el mayor problema que le veo al juego es su conexión. No porque cuando se conecte sea mala del todo, sino porque le cuesta mucho encontrar jugadores para jugar online. No se si es que aún no hay muchos jugadores en esta versión de Switch o si es que va realmente mal de serie, pero hay veces que me paso un buen rato y aún así no llego a conectar con nadie.
    Aún así, como aficionado a la NBA, poder disfrutar de este juego en cualquier lado es una gozada.    … Expand
  41. PaperStarNinja
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    It's the full game. Runs at a stable framerate and all of the cutscene framerate issues have been fixed with a patch. This is the best portable basketball sim you could ever hope to play. It is literally the exact same version as the PS4/XBONE version, and that, in portable form, is freaking amazing.
  42. DrAdamX
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    Considering the hardware limitations, the game looks great and i have been playing it both docked and portable mode (mostly portable). It is amazing that this game can run on the Switch so well. Was waiting for this title since day 1 of the Switch! Great stuff!
  43. JamTrini
    Dec 29, 2017
    6
    I picked this up on Boxing Day because it was on sale. I already own NBA 2K18 for the PS4. Keeping that aside I knew not to expect a port of the same graphical quality. Graphics are good especially for being a handheld port. What keeps this game from getting a higher score is the frame rate issues which directly affects the shooting mechanics of this game. For a basketball game timing isI picked this up on Boxing Day because it was on sale. I already own NBA 2K18 for the PS4. Keeping that aside I knew not to expect a port of the same graphical quality. Graphics are good especially for being a handheld port. What keeps this game from getting a higher score is the frame rate issues which directly affects the shooting mechanics of this game. For a basketball game timing is everything, and being unable to get your shot off and your timing correct takes the fun out of this game. Defensively the game is good but trying to contest a shot again because of button delay is frustrating as well. As a sports title for the switch I would say this is a buy but only if it’s on sale or on a deep discount. Hopefully because it runs 30 FPS 2K can release a patch to adjust.… Expand
  44. NovaRx
    Nov 28, 2017
    10
    love it plays good and portable you can play it anywhere and the graphics or ok better then ps3 or xbox 360 i say if you love nba 2k its a must buy for the switch
  45. sukari
    Dec 3, 2017
    0
    Buyer Beware: if you decide to get the Legend Edition you will not get your 20 weekly MyTeam packs. I have an ongoing case and 2K Support is unable to resolve it. So essentially I just paid more money for some in case items and a poster. Keep that in mind if you're going to get that edition! The support staff is terrible too unfortunately.
  46. FrankSpain
    Jan 1, 2018
    5
    Infame versión con numerosos fallos y con menos opciones que en las otras versiones. La resolución en modo consola es pobre, luce como un juego de la pasada generación. Animaciones robóticas. Es un viaje al pasado. En modo portátil mejora, aunque los controles en este modo hacen al juego más simple y arcade. Divertido pero mejorable en muchos apartados. No lo recomiendo en absoluto siInfame versión con numerosos fallos y con menos opciones que en las otras versiones. La resolución en modo consola es pobre, luce como un juego de la pasada generación. Animaciones robóticas. Es un viaje al pasado. En modo portátil mejora, aunque los controles en este modo hacen al juego más simple y arcade. Divertido pero mejorable en muchos apartados. No lo recomiendo en absoluto si tienes opción de comprar las otras versiones.… Expand
  47. epp40
    Jan 16, 2018
    5
    I want so bad to like this game but it's way too inconsistent. If another player breaths on you, you're going to miss the shot. you can shoot a free throw 100 times the exact same way and get 100 different results. there's too much play from the ball off the rims, seldomly does it bounce in. Too many shot go in an come right back out. Way too many missed layups by NBA players, and i'm notI want so bad to like this game but it's way too inconsistent. If another player breaths on you, you're going to miss the shot. you can shoot a free throw 100 times the exact same way and get 100 different results. there's too much play from the ball off the rims, seldomly does it bounce in. Too many shot go in an come right back out. Way too many missed layups by NBA players, and i'm not talking difficult layups. just because the game makes it difficult to make a wide open shot you shouldn't get penalized as a "poor shot selection". i think if a patch is put out so you can make the shots that should be impossible to miss it's be ok.… Expand
  48. plantoon
    Jan 18, 2018
    0
    I created an account here just to say how horrible I think this game is. I've been gaming recreationally for 20 years and just felt I had to say something. First, the micro-transactions are appalling. That is the main issue. Add the un-skipable cut scenes and long load times to this, and the game is unplayable. It would take 1000 hours to level up, grinding through 30fps and lagged shotI created an account here just to say how horrible I think this game is. I've been gaming recreationally for 20 years and just felt I had to say something. First, the micro-transactions are appalling. That is the main issue. Add the un-skipable cut scenes and long load times to this, and the game is unplayable. It would take 1000 hours to level up, grinding through 30fps and lagged shot meters. Meanwhile, everything costs "VC" ($$$). Everything. And it's not cheap. This game is literally just a way to fleece consumers. Unless you only want to play with friends in the same room, do not buy this game; it will only irritate you.… Expand
  49. nkcrothers
    Feb 9, 2018
    4
    Looks fine, biggest problem with the game is a slowdown that happens after long plays sessions that lead to game crashing. I don't think it's fps because that shouldn't lead to hard crashes. if it is fps, this game runs at about 5 fps sometimes.
  50. JellyFishy
    May 10, 2018
    5
    I love how 2k got the game running on switch. The game play from play now is not as good as consoles or pc but at least you get to play a full NBA 2k on the go. The introduction to the neighborhood is a good idea but it didn't go well for me. It takes so long to go your court to other places which I really hate because it is already a grind to play the my-career because upgrading yourI love how 2k got the game running on switch. The game play from play now is not as good as consoles or pc but at least you get to play a full NBA 2k on the go. The introduction to the neighborhood is a good idea but it didn't go well for me. It takes so long to go your court to other places which I really hate because it is already a grind to play the my-career because upgrading your player takes a large amount of time. The VC is just too much for me this year. Everything is expensive and getting it is just a pain. Buying it also costs a lot and it's sad to hear when you're already paying for a full priced game that you are probably buying each year.… Expand
  51. Tzortzis
    Dec 10, 2018
    9
    i actually had really fun with it...neither bugs nor big loading times that is game crushing...pretty pretty decent basketball game both on the go and on the screen
  52. GreenMenace
    Sep 28, 2022
    1
    I keep trying to like 2k basketball games. With the lack of sports games on the Switch (and a 98 percent discount) I really really hoped to like this game.

    It's hard to pass the ball. It's hard to shoot. Games should not be this tacky, be this hard to play, and take up this much space. It takes a TON of gbs to have this game, and it just isn't worth it to even keep it downloaded. I've    I keep trying to like 2k basketball games. With the lack of sports games on the Switch (and a 98 percent discount) I really really hoped to like this game.

    It's hard to pass the ball. It's hard to shoot. Games should not be this tacky, be this hard to play, and take up this much space. It takes a TON of gbs to have this game, and it just isn't worth it to even keep it downloaded. I've tried earlier and later renditions of the game and nope. Just not worth it. I was willing to shell out a couple bucks on a hope for something enjoyable so I suppose it was worth my purchase. But I didn't like a single thing about this game.

    To get me to like 2k in the future, I need smoother, more forgiving controls. I want the game to do a lot of the thinking for me. And I really don't like sports games that have their players standing around. Let my players play basketball    … Expand
  53. Boomahly
    Aug 11, 2023
    1
    No, just no. This game was the start of the fall of the NBA 2K series. Its a shame that they took to this direction. Though I liked the new graphics and new mechanics, but it doesn't justify their action to choose this direction.
  54. weSaa
    Jul 11, 2022
    5
    This is not a good port and not as good a version as in other platforms, but still playable
  55. Lktyk
    Sep 14, 2022
    5
    this version is not a good port at all, the developers should release a patch to fix this
  56. Oliver213
    Nov 8, 2022
    5
    My first NBA 2K game ever. Had a great time with it. the game alone can be considered a great game with enormous features and modes. However, considering that the NBA 2K franchises has always been the same every year with little improvement ( not to say the high price on switch and very much compromised gameplay experience), I would leave it with a 5.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best Switch Game of 2017
29
#29 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
26
#26 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Switch Player
    Nov 2, 2017
    80
    As part of a wave of sports sims to be hitting the Switch right now, it's once again a great time to be a sports fan who just plays Nintendo systems, like me. Just like FIFA, WWE and the like, NBA's absence has been sorely felt by Nintendo fans, so you ought to go out and add this stellar entry to your shelves.
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  2. Cubed3
    Oct 12, 2017
    70
    Teased as a prime title for the demographic aimed at in the Nintendo Switch reveal trailer, NBA 2K18 achieves that goal of serviceable console play in the portable space, but with notable compromises. Questionable micro-transaction placement and downloadable requirements aside, NBA 2K18 is the truly authentic basketball experience, and a strong sign of things to come.
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  3. 4P.de
    Oct 12, 2017
    78
    Unlike with FIFA 18 you’ll get an almost complete package with NBA 2K18. Visually of course scaled down and with the “Neighborhood” as well as the story career confined to an online environment, Visual Concepts did their best to port the best basketball game on Nintendo’s hybrid system.
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