NBA 2K21 (PlayStation 5, 2020)

On PS5, NBA 2K21 is basically “next-gen basketball, previous-gen ethics” – gorgeous visuals, smooth animation, and then a mountain of VC grinding lurking in the background. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K in 2020, this is a full-on simulation hoops game with ultra-detailed arenas, realistic player models, and that classic “why did my perfectly timed shot brick?” frustration that every modern basketball fan secretly signs up for anyway.

You get the usual big modes: a story-driven MyCareer where you drag your player from nobody to superstar, a franchise-style season setup, and the infamous MyTeam card-collecting rabbit hole. On PS5, the big flex was all the flashy presentation upgrades: faster load times, better lighting, and a more realistic broadcast package that makes every game feel like a TNT primetime matchup. Just important note time: the online servers were shut down on December 31, 2022, so anything that needed servers – ranked online, MyTeam progression, VC-based online features, and The City-style social spaces – no longer works. What you’re getting now is offline play: exhibition games, offline seasons, local multiplayer, and offline MyCareer you can grind without worrying about some 12-year-old cooking you from half-court.

On the court, the PS5 version leans hard into skill-based shooting with its new shot meter and Pro Stick tweaks, so timing and spacing actually matter instead of just holding turbo and praying. You’ll feel weighty drives, contested finishes, and fatigue as the game wears on, especially with the DualSense haptics making every screen and collision feel a bit more brutal than your thumbs were ready for. There’s even a dedicated WNBA experience with its own players and style of play, which is a seriously cool extra if you’re into exploring different rhythms of basketball instead of just spamming stepback threes with your favorite star. It’s not perfect, but as a single-player and couch-competitive time capsule of early PS5 hoops, this version of NBA 2K21 still gets the job done — and you can buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange.

1. Next-gen presentation and feel: Sharper character models, improved lighting, smoother animations, and fast loading make every game feel like an actual broadcast instead of a slideshow.
2. Offline MyCareer focus: Build your custom player, sign with a team, and run through seasons without worrying about online metas or seasonal events disappearing on you.
3. Skill-based shooting and controls: The updated shot meter and Pro Stick tweaks reward good timing, smart shot selection, and actual basketball IQ instead of pure button mashing.
4. DualSense haptics and triggers: Adaptive triggers and controller vibration sell the impact of contact, fatigue, and defensive pressure in a way older versions can’t touch.
5. Lesser-known bonus – The W: The PS5 build includes a dedicated WNBA-focused experience, letting you run a women’s pro career with its own flavor of basketball and strategy, which is a seriously underrated part of the package.