Last year’s jump from current-gen to next-gen consoles basically created two versions of NBA 2K21. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions were fine. However, their next-gen counterparts on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S took full advantage of the jump to better hardware. NBA 2K21 is optimized and even redesigned for next-gen consoles. Today, Visual Concepts released yet another version of NBA 2K21 for Apple Arcade: NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition.
NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition is in @AppleArcade 🕹️ Play today on your Apple devices at home or on the go.
More info ➡️ https://t.co/8zFo6a2nRv pic.twitter.com/XBmniRGbPX
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) April 2, 2021
NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition
It has a name that’s reminiscent of a mid-lifecycle CAPCOM fighting game. However, NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition is not just an expensive patch for NBA 2K21. Visual Concepts says in a press release that Arcade Edition is fully optimized for Apple devices, down to the graphics engine. While the game sure does look like a mobile game, it looks pretty smooth in the trailer posted on NBA 2K’s Twitter.
NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition will feature at least four game modes. Most notably, Arcade Edition will feature MyCAREER, including a custom player creator. Players will be able to play street ball in Blacktop Quick Match, join each other in Online Multiplayer, and play as any current NBA roster in Arena Quick Match. The game features on-screen touch controls, but folks who want a tighter controlling experience can use a compatible Xbox or PlayStation controller.
The only downside here, honestly, is that the game is locked behind Apple’s subscription gaming service Apple Arcade. An Apple Arcade subscription will run you $4.99 a month, or $49.99 a year. That’s not a high price to pay for an optimized NBA 2K on the go. You’ll get access to some other great games as well, like Grindstone and Sayonara Wild Hearts. It’s worth noting, though, that both have come to other systems since Apple Arcade’s release.
NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition is available now on iPad, iPhone, Apple TV and on certain Mac devices though Apple Arcade.
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