NBA 2K19 Reviews

NBA 2K19 is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Sep 17, 2018

NBA 2K19 is another impressive outing from Visual Concepts and 2K with just about everything you can think of included. It's a real shame that there is still a heavy reliance on purchasing VC in the modes that matter, but it's plausible to play without giving in to the temptation. Aside from the microtransactions and occasionally tedious load times NBA 2K19 has all the modes, polish, challenges and value you've come to expect from the franchise. It's the annual release that truly lasts a year and if you're a fan, there should be no doubt as to whether or not you should get this year's game.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2018

A review code was provided by the publisher.

Read full review

9 / 10
Sep 13, 2018

While the heavy emphasis on microtransactions is still front and centre in NBA 2K19, progression has been improved enough to make this a far more attractive prospect for both rookies and seasoned vets. With a vastly superior MyCareer story, a revamped social hub, a suitably tweaked MyGM mode and all the presentation-focused bells and whistles you expect from the premiere basketball sim, NBA 2K19 continues to cement itself as one of the Switch's strongest sports offerings. If you needed any more proof that Madden, NHL and the like can work on Nintendo's hardware, this is it.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Sep 17, 2018

NBA 2K19 continues the series' legacy for offering the best basketball simulator on the market thanks to refined gameplay and a truly immersive presentation.

Read full review

90 / 100
Sep 18, 2018

NBA 2K19 continues its dominance over sports games with a new entry that provides substantial improvements both in the gameplay and its multiple game modes, although the predominance of microtransactions negatively affects the overall experience.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2018

The most well-rounded sports game on the market once again

Read full review

Game Rant
Kyle Sledge
Top Critic
Oct 1, 2018

NBA 2K19 greatly improves upon its predecessor with refined core mechanics, stunning graphics, and a plethora of solid game modes that offer nearly endless replayability.

Read full review

9.1 / 10.0
Sep 22, 2018

It might not feel that different from last year, but NBA 2K19 continues to be the best there is in terms of sports simulation games with neat updates. A definite pick for fans!

Read full review

Generación Xbox
Javier Bassols
Top Critic
9.1 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2018

With a renewed My Team, a smarter AI and displaying realism in every detail, NBA 2K19 is pure basketball.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9.2 / 10.0
Sep 12, 2018

Despite the microtransactions, the new masterpiece of Visual Concepts rules on and off the court. NBA 2K19 is full of features and details and it's one of the best basketball sims, ever.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9.4 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2018

Year after year 2K shows how is possible to improve one product which is near perfect. Jab dropping graphics and realistic mechanics join to make NBA 2K19 the best sports game in the market.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Forbes
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2018

Because of the way NBA 2K18 fell off last year, I tried to find the potential for major problems further into NBA 2K19's release cycle, but I couldn't. Whether you're a person who plays single-player, multiplayer, offline or online, this is the most complete sports game I've ever played. There is no such thing as a perfect sports game, but this is as close as it gets.

Read full review

Unscored
Sep 20, 2018

Barring a massive rethink from 2K in regards to their microtransaction focus, I think NBA 2K19 is the last NBA 2K game I will be excited for. It is clear the developers only see its consumers as a walking pile of cash so why would I willingly subscribe to that philosophy.

Read full review

Luke Plunkett
Top Critic
Unscored
Oct 4, 2018

2K19's MyCareer represents some of the very worst in exploitative, money-hungry design in all of video games.

Read full review

Polygon
Top Critic
Unscored
Sep 15, 2018

There seems to be a stronger foundation in place this time around, and for fans, that may be enough to keep their basketball season from ending early.

Read full review

Yes
Sep 20, 2018

The biggest question mark on NBA 2K19 is if the game can be separated from its economy? And the answer is no, definitely not. Your character can’t both look cool with baller swag and be good at the game unless you’re willing to put in hundreds of hours or spend a significant amount of money. However, can the game be enjoyed despite its economy? Absolutely. Despite the dire circumstances of 2K going all-in on VC, NBA 2K19 has seen a return to form for MyCareer mode as well as a solid showing across every single game mode. But when 50% of your game is heavily reliant upon a “pay-to-win” system, there is something fundamentally flawed about the product and message that you’re putting out to your players and potential audiences. I understand the need for video games to make money, but there are more ethical ways of doing so without ruining the experience along the way. Please buy NBA 2K19 because it’s a great game, but don’t give in to the pressure of the non-existent shiny gold coins – they’re just not worth it.

Read full review