In a move that is both surprising and, to be honest, has been expected, publisher 2K games has just announced that they will be releasing NBA 2K21 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X this holiday for $69.99, a $10 price increase from the typical $59.99 price point for most AAA titles over the past eight or nine years, back when the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were released.
The upcoming installment of the popular basketball simulation game series NBA 2K21 will still be released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia for the typical $59.99. However, the $10.00 bump in its price may be setting a precedent that could cause other publishers to follow suit. So far, based on the news that we have gathered these past few months regarding the upcoming next-gen consoles, the outlook is positive. Xbox Series X’s Smart Delivery System has already guaranteed a free upgrade from Xbox One copies of games for most of its AAA titles and even some launch day titles such as Scarlet Nexus (which is reported to be released in late 2020 to early 2021. A listing on Amazon is currently showing Scarlet Nexus' price to be $59.99 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X). There is still much speculation whether this price increase is just a 2K Games move or will set the tone for this generation of consoles.
Debate online regarding the game’s pricing has already been heated, with people both against and indifferent to 2K’s decision. People are both bringing up its predecessor’s predatory practices (unskippable ads in the game, microtransactions that are verging on a pay-to-win situation, loot boxes and gambling mechanics) with those indifferent citing that most NBA 2K players only ever play NBA 2K, and can therefore be justified in spending close to $70 per year for what can be simplified as minute graphical and roster changes.
NBA 2K21 will also release with a Mamba Forever Edition that includes a unique cover showcasing the late, great Kobe Bryant with both his #8 and #24 jerseys, for both current and next-gen consoles. This is the only edition that will include dual-access to both consoles generations, which will utilize the game’s MyTeam Cross Progression and Shared VC Wallet. The standard version of NBA 2K21 for current gen consoles will have All-Star Trailblazers point guard Damian Lillard as its cover athlete while the next-gen version will have rookie standout and 2019 1st overall pick Zion Williamson gracing its cover.
