Advertisements for NBA 2K18 on Switch have suggested a release alongside with the PS4 and Xbox One versions, but according to recent 2K pipeline screenshots on Twitter, that isn’t the whole story. The digital version will be available Sept. 19, but those who want a cart will have to wait until the fall.
NBA 2K18 on Switch will be digital only on Sept. 19, physical release in Fall for both NBA 2K18 & WWE 2K18 on Switch (via @ZhugeEX) pic.twitter.com/n0ijt3oOK2
— Steve Noah (@Steve_OS) August 2, 2017
While unrelated to NBA 2K specifically, it’s also worth noting that the Switch version of WWE 2K18 will be subject to delays as well. In contrast to the PS4 and Xbox One versions set to arrive Oct. 17, the Nintendo-optimized build will ship on an unspecified date in the fall. In this particular case, the delay applies to both physical and digital versions and has been known since the port was revealed.
Devoid of an official announcement from 2K or the NBA 2K18’s developers at Visual Concepts, we can only speculate as to why the physical release will arrive so late. The simplest explanation is some kind of cartridge-ordering snafu between 2K and Nintendo.
It also seems plausible that maybe the Switch version of the game will be in development right until the very last minute and, thus, a cartridge can’t be pressed. More cynically, there’s also a chance the Switch version of the game may be too buggy for 2K to feel comfortable pressing it to a cartridge. As a result, the publisher might wait to make some patches and release the more stable build to a wider audience.
NBA 2K18 was one of the first games to be announced for the Nintendo Switch shortly after the console’s reveal last October. However, despite possible showcases at the Nintendo Presentation in January, E3 in June and several PAX conventions, press have yet to go hands-on with the game. As such, it’s unclear how feature-complete the Switch build will be. We recently learned about the in-depth MyGM story mode. Will all of that be available on Switch? Most of NBA 2K18’s biggest reveals thus far have focused on the realistic player models found on PS4 and Xbox One.
One thing that’s assumed to be consistent between ports, however, are player ratings. So far, we know D’Angelo Russell and Lonzo Ball have an overall of 80. The licensed soundtrack has been fully revealed as well, and you can read more about that here.
NBA 2K18 comes to PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch and PC Sept. 19. Switch physical cartridges will be shipped to stores this fall.
Do you plan on buying NBA 2K18 for Nintendo Switch? Does this cartridge delay worry you about the state of the game? Tell us in the comments section!
