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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. Lktyk
    Sep 14, 2022
    5
    this version is not a good port at all, the developers should release a patch to fix this
  5. weSaa
    Jul 11, 2022
    5
    This is not a good port and not as good a version as in other platforms, but still playable
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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!
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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)
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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