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NBA 2K24 tipped off on September 8, 2023, with Kobe Bryant on the cover, cross-play between current-generation consoles for the first time in the series, and a new animation system called ProPLAY. Three years later, the basketball sim has been replaced twice over: NBA 2K25, NBA 2K26, and now NBA 2K27 have followed it, and 2K shut down NBA 2K24’s online servers on December 31, 2025. This NBA 2K24 review looks at what the game did well, where it fell short, what still works today, and which NBA 2K game you should buy instead.
Quick verdict: NBA 2K24 was a strong basketball game on PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X|S, held back by aggressive microtransactions and a weak personal computer (PC) version. With its servers offline, MyCAREER and MyTEAM no longer work, so it’s only worth a few dollars for offline Play Now and MyLEAGUE. Most players should buy NBA 2K27 or, on older consoles, NBA 2K26. Check the NBA 2K27 price on Amazon.
NBA 2K24 at a glance
| Detail | NBA 2K24 |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 8, 2023 |
| Platforms | PS5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC (Steam) |
| Developer and publisher | Visual Concepts; 2K |
| Cover athlete | Kobe Bryant (Kobe Bryant Edition and Black Mamba Edition) |
| New features | ProPLAY animation technology, Mamba Moments mode, and PS5 and Xbox Series X|S cross-play |
| Server shutdown | December 31, 2025 (MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and all online modes) |
| Still playable offline | Play Now and MyLEAGUE |
| Successors | NBA 2K25 (2024), NBA 2K26 (2025), and NBA 2K27 (2026) |
| Rating | Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB): Everyone |
Sources: Sports Gamers Online, NLSC on the server shutdown, Video Games Chronicle, and 2K’s NBA 2K27 announcement.
NBA 2K24 has been superseded
2K releases a new National Basketball Association (NBA) game every September, and support for the old one fades fast. Here’s where the series stands in November 2026:
- NBA 2K25 (September 6, 2024) left digital stores on October 30, 2026, and its servers, including the single-player MyCAREER story, are scheduled to shut down on December 31, 2026.
- NBA 2K26 (September 5, 2025) features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Angel Reese, and Carmelo Anthony on its covers. It’s the newest NBA 2K game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the original Switch.
- NBA 2K27 (September 4, 2026) is the current game, with Victor Wembanyama on the $69.99 Standard Edition, Caitlin Clark on the $99.99 Deluxe Edition, and Derrick Rose on the $149.99 Ultra Edition. It runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
What NBA 2K24 did well
ProPLAY and gameplay
ProPLAY was NBA 2K24’s headline feature. Visual Concepts converted real NBA game footage into in-game animations, so dribble moves, jump shots, and defensive slides looked closer to the real thing. Signature styles, such as Stephen Curry’s quick release and Kevin Durant’s smooth jumper, felt distinct, and player artificial intelligence (AI) on both ends of the floor made smarter decisions than in NBA 2K23. Reviewers widely praised the on-court gameplay on current-generation consoles.
Mamba Moments
As a tribute to its cover athlete, NBA 2K24 included Mamba Moments, a mode that let you relive key games from Kobe Bryant’s career. It was a smaller follow-up to NBA 2K23’s Jordan Challenge, but fans appreciated the attention to detail.
Cross-play
NBA 2K24 was the first game in the series to support cross-play, linking PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players. The PC version didn’t join in because it used the older console build.
Deep franchise modes
MyNBA and MyGM gave management fans full control over rosters, trades, and finances, and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) returned with The W, its own career mode. The WNBA wasn’t new to the series, since 2K has included it since NBA 2K20, but it remained a highlight.
Where NBA 2K24 fell short
- Microtransactions: MyCAREER and MyTEAM pushed players to buy Virtual Currency (VC) to upgrade their players and open card packs, the most common complaint in player reviews.
- The PC version: Steam players got the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version, with weaker visuals, a smaller MyCAREER world, and no MyNBA or The W modes. Video Games Chronicle reported that it briefly became the second worst reviewed game on Steam, with about 11% positive reviews.
- Repetitive commentary: The broadcast team sounded great at first but repeated lines over a long season.
Is NBA 2K24 still worth buying in 2026?
For most people, no. After the December 31, 2025, shutdown, NBA 2K24 lost MyCAREER, MyTEAM, the online Neighborhood and City social spaces, all online play, and roster updates. 2K pulled the digital version from stores at the end of October 2025, so you can only buy it as a used disc or cartridge, or as a Steam key from a reseller.
What’s left is Play Now, which runs quick exhibition games with frozen 2023 to 2024 rosters, and MyLEAGUE for offline franchise play. Community uploads for MyLEAGUE also stopped working. If you find a used copy for a few dollars and only want couch games against a friend, it still plays well. Anyone who wants current rosters, online play, or a working MyCAREER should buy a newer game.
Whatever version you play, a television with low input lag and a 120 hertz (Hz) refresh rate makes fast breaks feel smoother. Our guide to the best gaming TVs for PS5 and Xbox lists strong picks.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Realistic ProPLAY animations on current-generation consoles
- First cross-play in the series
- Mamba Moments tribute mode
- Deep offline MyLEAGUE mode that still works
Cons
- Servers shut down December 31, 2025
- MyCAREER and MyTEAM no longer work
- Heavy VC microtransactions
- Weak last-generation PC version
- No longer sold digitally
Which NBA 2K should you buy instead?
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries the current NBA 2K games along with the controllers and headsets that make online play better. Prices change often, and older editions frequently drop in price.
Shop related picks on Amazon
| Product | Platforms | Online support | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBA 2K27 Standard Edition | PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 | Current game | Most players | Check price |
| NBA 2K27 for Nintendo Switch 2 | Switch 2 | Current game | Portable play | Check price |
| NBA 2K26 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and newer consoles | Active until 2K announces a shutdown | Older consoles and bargain hunters | Check price |
| DualSense Edge Wireless Controller | PS5 | Not applicable | Competitive online play | Check price |
| HyperX Cloud III gaming headset | PS5, Xbox, Switch, Windows PC | Not applicable | Team chat in Pro-Am and Rec | Check price |
- NBA 2K27: It’s the only NBA 2K game with long-term online support ahead of it, so it’s the safest buy for MyCAREER and MyTEAM players. See NBA 2K27 on Amazon.
- Gaming headset: A comfortable headset with a clear microphone makes team play in Pro-Am and the Rec much easier. Browse gaming headsets on Amazon.
Shopping for a hoops fan? Our guide to unique gifts for gamers has more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Are NBA 2K24 servers still online?
No. 2K shut down NBA 2K24’s servers on December 31, 2025. MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and all online modes stopped working.
Can you still play NBA 2K24 offline?
Yes. Play Now and MyLEAGUE still work offline, but rosters no longer update.
What is the newest NBA 2K game?
NBA 2K27, released September 4, 2026, is the newest game. NBA 2K26 remains the latest version for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the original Switch.
Who was on the NBA 2K24 cover?
Kobe Bryant appeared on both the Kobe Bryant Edition and the Black Mamba Edition.
Final verdict
NBA 2K24 was a good basketball game wrapped in frustrating monetization, with a fitting tribute to Kobe Bryant and gameplay that pushed the series forward. Now that its servers are gone, it’s a museum piece: fine for offline exhibition games, but missing the modes most players care about. Skip it and pick up the newest NBA 2K game for your console instead. Check the current NBA 2K27 price on Amazon.