The Most Popular NBA 2K Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:44
Fans of basketball video games often debate which NBA 2K game stands out as the best. Each edition brings new features, updates, and excitement, making it difficult to decide which version has had the biggest impact. Having a live ranked list helps gauge current preferences and shows how opinions shift over time as new games are released.
Your participation by voting for your favorite NBA 2K game enriches the accuracy of this ongoing ranking. By casting your vote, you contribute to a broader understanding of what makes a game truly resonate with its audience. This process not only fuels discussion but also guides new players towards the community’s top picks.
What Is the Most Popular NBA 2K Game?
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165votes
NBA 2K21
Visual ConceptsThis is the newest and most up-to-date NBA 2K game, with improved graphics, controls, and gameplay mechanics. It has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike.NBA 2K21 is a basketball video game that simulates the National Basketball Association (NBA) experience. It offers an immersive gameplay experience with realistic graphics and a variety of game modes, including MyCareer, MyTeam, and MyLeague.- Engine: Custom
- Graphics: Upgraded visuals and player models
- Release date: September 4, 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Stadia
- Genre: Sports simulation
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234votes
NBA 2K20
Visual ConceptsReleased in 2019, NBA 2K20 was lauded for its realistic gameplay and stunning graphics. It also introduced a new career mode, which allowed players to create their own basketball player and guide them through their career.NBA 2K20 is a popular basketball video game that simulates the National Basketball Association (NBA) experience. It offers realistic graphics, immersive gameplay, and a wide range of features and modes for players to enjoy.- Release Date: September 6, 2019
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Graphics: Realistic visuals and player models
- Gameplay: Authentic basketball mechanics and controls
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326votes
NBA 2K19
Visual ConceptsConsidered by some to be the best NBA 2K game of all time, NBA 2K19 featured improved player animations, a revamped MyCareer mode, and a new story-driven MyGM mode.NBA 2K19 is a basketball simulation video game that offers an immersive experience of the NBA. With realistic graphics, gameplay mechanics, and a variety of game modes, players can enjoy the thrill of professional basketball on their gaming consoles.- Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: September 7, 2018
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Graphics: High-definition, realistic player models
- Player Customization: Extensive options for creating and customizing player characters
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421votes
NBA 2K16
Visual ConceptsReleased in 2015, NBA 2K16 was praised for its realistic gameplay and deep customization options. It also featured a new MyCareer mode, which allowed players to create and control their own basketball player.NBA 2K16 is a basketball simulation video game that was released in 2015. It is the 17th installment in the NBA 2K series and was developed by Visual Concepts. The game features realistic gameplay, stunning graphics, and a variety of game modes that allow players to experience the thrill of professional basketball. NBA 2K16 also introduced the MyCareer mode, where players can create their own player and guide them through their career in the NBA. The game received positive reviews for its improved gameplay mechanics, immersive presentation, and expansive content.- Release Year: 2015
- Developer: Visual Concepts
- Genre: Sports
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
- Players: Single-player, multiplayer
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510votes
NBA 2K15
Visual ConceptsNBA 2K15 was the first NBA 2K game to feature Kevin Durant on the cover, and it introduced several new features, including a new MyLeague mode and improved graphics.NBA 2K15 is a basketball simulation video game that was released in 2014. It is the sixteenth installment in the NBA 2K franchise and features improved gameplay mechanics, graphics, and presentation compared to its predecessors.- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: October 7, 2014
- Developer: Visual Concepts
- Publisher: 2K Sports
- Genre: Sports
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610votes
NBA 2K14
Visual ConceptsNBA 2K14 was the first NBA 2K game to be released on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and it featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics. It also introduced a new MyGM mode, which allowed players to control every aspect of their team.NBA 2K14 is a popular basketball video game that was released in 2013. It is the 15th installment in the NBA 2K series and was developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports.- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Release Date: October 1, 2013
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Graphics: Realistic player models and animations
- Gameplay Features: Improved dribbling, shooting, and defense mechanics
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710votes
NBA 2K13
Visual ConceptsNBA 2K13 was praised for its realistic gameplay and improved graphics, as well as its new control scheme that made it easier to perform complex moves on the court. It also featured the "Dream Team" as a playable team.NBA 2K13 is a basketball simulation video game released in October 2012. It is the 13th installment in the NBA 2K series, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports.- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Wii U, PSP
- Graphics: High-definition (HD)
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Gameplay Features: MyCareer mode, Association mode, Online multiplayer, All-Star Weekend events
- Soundtrack: Featuring Jay Z as executive producer
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88votes
NBA 2K12
2K SportsNBA 2K12 was the first NBA 2K game to feature multiple covers, with Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson each getting their own cover. It also introduced the "NBA's Greatest" mode, which allowed players to relive some of the greatest moments in NBA history.NBA 2K12 is a basketball simulation video game that was released in 2011 by 2K Sports. It is the thirteenth installment in the NBA 2K series and has been widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential entries in the franchise. The game features realistic gameplay and graphics, offering players an immersive basketball experience.- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Wii, PSP
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Cover Athlete: Michael Jordan
- Historic Teams: 15 iconic NBA teams featuring legendary players
- Legends Showcase: A mode allowing players to compete with legends and participate in challenges
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914votes
NBA 2K11
Visual ConceptsNBA 2K11 was the first NBA 2K game to feature Michael Jordan on the cover, and it introduced several new features, including improved graphics, a revamped MyPlayer mode, and the ability to play as classic teams.NBA 2K11 is a basketball video game that was released in 2010. It is considered one of the most popular entries in the NBA 2K series, offering a realistic simulation of the NBA experience. The game features improved graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a variety of modes for players to enjoy.- Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: October 5, 2010
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Cover Athlete: Michael Jordan
- Gameplay Features: Improved dribbling and shooting mechanics, enhanced AI, signature player animations
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104votes
NBA 2K10
Visual ConceptsNBA 2K10 was praised for its improved graphics, realistic gameplay, and new features, such as the ability to play as classic teams and the addition of the Jordan Challenge mode.NBA 2K10 is a popular basketball video game released in 2009. It is the eleventh installment in the NBA 2K series and is known for its realistic gameplay and improved graphics. The game features various modes including the MyCareer mode where players can create their own basketball player and lead them through their career. The NBA 2K10 was developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports.- Release Year: 2009
- Gameplay: Realistic
- Graphics: Improved
- Modes: MyCareer, others
- Developer: Visual Concepts
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Ranking factors for popular game
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Reviews and ratingsTaking into account the critical reception of the game, looking at both professional reviews and user reviews on platforms like Metacritic and Steam. This will give you an idea of the overall quality of the game and how well it was received by players and critics.
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Gameplay improvements and featuresComparing the gameplay improvements and new features added to each NBA 2K game gives an indication of how well the game has evolved and how it adds to the overall experience for the player.
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Graphics and presentationAnalyzing the graphical improvements and presentation aspects, such as commentary, crowd interaction, and overall game atmosphere. A game that excels in these areas adds to the immersive experience for the players.
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Online community and game modesA popular NBA 2K game typically has a strong online community, with a wealth of game modes and options that keep players engaged for longer periods. A game with a more robust online offering is likely to be more popular.
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Post-release supportA game that continues to receive updates, patches, and improvements post-release is likely to maintain a dedicated player base and generate continued interest.
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LongevityThe length of time that a game remains popular and played by a significant number of people can indicate its overall popularity.
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eSports presenceThe prominence of the game in the eSports scene, such as being featured in tournaments and having a strong competitive community, can be a sign of a popular NBA 2K game.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular NBA 2K game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2276 views
- 198 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular nba 2k game
The NBA 2K franchise has been a staple in the world of sports video games for over two decades. Developed by Visual Concepts, the series has consistently delivered high-quality basketball simulation experiences to gamers around the world. With each new release, the game has evolved, offering more realistic graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and expanded features.
Over the years, NBA 2K has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of players and fans alike. The game has even made its way into the world of esports, with professional players competing for big prizes in tournaments around the globe.
With so many iterations of the game, it can be challenging to determine which version is the most popular. While opinions may vary, some titles stand out as clear favorites among fans. From the original NBA 2K in 1999 to the latest release, NBA 2K21, each game has its own unique features, making it a favorite among gamers.
So, what is the most popular NBA 2K game? Join us as we explore the history and evolution of the franchise and discover which version of the game has captured the hearts of fans the most.
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