We are approaching the end of the current console generation with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X still slated to release Holiday 2020. Because of this we have entered the strange zone between console generations where games still need to release on current generation consoles.
Some developers have made steps to bridge that gap.
In February, Microsoft announced their Smart Delivery system, a process through which people who buy a first-party game on the Xbox One will also receive the game on Xbox Series X, free of charge. Other developers have jumped on the Smart Delivery system, as well. CD Projekt Red announced in February that Cyberpunk 2077 would be joining the Smart Delivery system, and would be offering a free upgrade from PlayStation 4 to PS5 as well. Third-party games like Destiny 2 and Yakuza: Like a Dragon have followed suit. If developers continued to buy into Smart Delivery, the anxiety around buying a current-gen game before a next-gen launch might be history.
Developer 2K Gaming made several announcements about its upcoming basketball game NBA 2K21 today. Among them is the inclusion of a cross-generation buy. However, the path to cross-generation ownership will be a bit pricey.
NBA 2K21 will be releasing in multiple versions, which is common for modern AAA sports games. You can buy NBA 2K21 for PS4 and Xbox One on September 4th. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of NBA 2K21 are listed as a Holiday 2020 release. Neither of these versions of the game support cross-generation buy. Players who want own NBA 2K21 now and when the PS5 and Xbox Series X release will have to pay $99.99 for the 2K21 : Mamba Forever Edition.
2️⃣4️⃣ Legend. Leader. Champion. We honor Kobe Bryant as our Cover Athlete for the Next Gen Mamba Forever Edition 💜💛 #NBA2K21 pic.twitter.com/OOONVibhvX
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) July 2, 2020
Pre-order listings have current-gen NBA 2K21 priced at $59.99, and next-gen at $69.99. The Mamba Forever Edition is effectively the price of both games, for both games (you will save a cool $29.99!).
Microsoft Smart Delivery lets plays carry over their save data between consoles as well. In this regard, NBA 2K21 : Mamba Forever Edition will follow the industry’s suit. Players’ MyTeam progression and VC wallet currency will carry over between generations.
NBA 2K21 will be releasing September 4th for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Stadia. If you want to skip straight to the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, you’ll be waiting until Holiday 2020.