NBA 2K25
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for NBA 2K25
A handful of improvements mean NBA 2K25 has a few tricks up its sleeve to be pleasantly surprised by this year, even as many long-term issues continue.
Despite the persistent pressure to spend on microtransactions, NBA 2K25 shows the long-reigning dynasty might still have some gas left in the tank. Each mode delivers a different experience, truly delivering a targeted mode for nearly every basketball fan. Though some modes are bogged down and bloated, once the team steps on the court, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that does it better.
At the same time, everything else it does is so impressive, both as a basketball sim and when stacked next to any other sports game, that it's a delicate balance to find with words. It does so much so well, and much of it is done uniquely. But its refusal to decouple its marquee features from its virtual currency keeps this championship contender from reaching its full potential.
It’s a huge enough game that you’ll have more than enough to do if even if you just stick to one or two modes you prefer, but if 2K’s strength is in the entire humongous package, it’s setting itself the goal of being King in every area, and I don’t think NBA 2K25 quite achieves that.
NBA 2K25 is still geared more towards its community but the devs have made it more approachable for casual players than in recent years.
Pared-back gameplay options, outdated visuals, and lengthy loads are par for the course for 2K on Switch, but the fact that NBA 2K25 feels like a lessened experience on even last year's disappointing entry is a real turnover for the series. Sound the buzzer and call for a substitution, it’s time we brought ‘Switch 2’ on.
NBA 2K25 has improved greatly on the court thanks to Pro Play and the new dribbling mechanics, with some nice tweaks to various modes.
Micro-transactions aside, NBA 2K25 is one of the best sports games to date. With its variety of game modes and stunning realism, it offers more than its predecessors. This game is a true delight for basketball fans, and if you're willing to overlook a couple of flaws, you're almost guaranteed to get hooked.
Industry Coverage
NBA 2K25 Reveals New Update Patch Notes
2K reveals the patch notes for a newly released NBA 2K25 update as the developers prepare for the imminent launch of Season 6.
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NBA 2K25 Adding Wild New Gravity Ball Mode
NBA 2K25 is adding a futuristic and wild new gravity ball mode to the basketball sports game that brings a chaotic twist to regular basketball.
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NBA 2K25 Releases Update 1.5
NBA 2K25 unveils the patch notes for its Update 1.5, fixing a bunch of issues and improving the overall user experience for basketball lovers.
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NBA 2K25 Gives Record-Breaking Rating to Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark's debut in NBA 2K25 is already breaking a franchise record with her first appearance in the annual basketball series.
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