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