2024 brings another iteration of the NBA 2K series to the Nintendo Switch with NBA 2K25. While the game has seen some pretty significant updates on current generation platforms, just how much is left out of the Switch version this year and is it worth your time? That’s exactly what we’re here to talk about in this review. Let’s get into it.
Gameplay & Modes
As with last year, while NBA 2K25 is getting “another leap in gameplay” with ProPlay, that is not the case for the Switch version of the game. That’s not to say things are bad in this version of the game. Shooting still feels pretty solid and defense feels almost identical. The shooing mechanics do have a bit of a different visual indicator in My Career, but again, nothing has changed all that much from what I can tell.
While 2K25 doesn’t feature all of the modes found on PS5, Xbox Series S | X or PC (such as The W and others), here is what is on offer:
- My Career
- My Team
- Play Now
- My League
I spent most time with My League and My Career. I will say, that for those that are into it, My Team is here for those that want to collect player cards and build the team of their dreams. As for My GM, there is a surprising amount of depth. Players can choose to do the following:
- My League - for up to 80 seasons, ability to customize the entire league
- My GM - take on the role of GM, maintain relationships and build a championship roster
- Season - single season version of My League
- Start Today - continue the NBA season from today (when it starts), including roster updates and injuries
- WNBA Season - control all 12 teams for a single season
- WNBA Playoffs - customizable WNBA playoffs
- NBA Playoffs - customizable NBA Playoffs
This mode is perfect for those looking for a deep NBA experience that can easily last for dozens and dozens of hours. You’ll have control over signing players, trades and so much more. Of course, you can also choose to play all or none of the games and focus mainly on the management side of things. It’s completely up to you.
My Career
This mode is always one of my favorites, but starting with 2K24 on the Switch, My Career has really taken a step back. As with last year, 2K25 doesn’t feature any of the storylines or cutscenes available on more powerful hardware. Here you get thrown right into the NBA season as a starter on any team of your choosing, regardless of the current roster. As a no nonsense kind of mode, this could be appealing to some, however, I think this just feels cheap.
Part of the fun of this mode for me and many others is working your way up to the starting roster, or in some of the previous games, working your way from high school, college or elsewhere to becoming an NBA legend. These earlier stages (high school, college, etc) served as a great introduction to the game, especially if you are just building up your My Player from playing the game. Going toe to toe with NBA stars with a player ranked at 60 can be tedious. There will be lots of missed shots and bad passes. Progression feels about on par with past titles, or maybe a bit slower.
While the story elements are taken away, you are still encouraged (or maybe forced) to play key games throughout the season. These key matchups essentially serve as challenges to see if you’re a better player than the competition. It’s nothing too special, but it might serve as a highlight to some. Overall, this is a microcosm of the mode (and maybe this year’s version of the game) - this mode is functionally okay and there is some fun to be had. It just lacks anything special.
Other Thoughts
In lieu of The City, 2K25 on the Switch features The Neighborhood, which serves as the online hub for the game. This is also the place where you can your My Player around for some training as well as play other folks competitively online. I’ve mentioned this in my reviews before, but I’m not really into the online competitive aspect of the 2K series, so I didn’t really touch that. It’s worth noting that it IS here for those that are looking to play others around the globe.
While 2K24 and 2K23 at least had SOME parity with the other platforms, that is not the case here. I can understand 2K moving away from adding some of the more marquee experiences to a platform like the Switch. Essentially the lack of modes here makes this a “legacy edition,” similar to what EA was doing with the FIFA series on Switch. When it boils down to it, NBA 2K25 on the Switch is a roster updates with a few tweaks here and there.
Visuals, Audio & Performance
NBA 2K25 looks almost identical to previous titles released on the Switch over the years. That’s not to say things look bad, but the team at 2K has obviously gotten everything that they can (or or willing to) get out of Nintendo’s system. Character models still sport quite a bit of detail, the arenas look great and the game runs smoothly. For the most part. While playing in handheld, I did notice some slowdown during the gameplay. I don’t recall this happening in previous versions, to at least not to this extent. When playing on the TV, I rarely ran into these kind of issues. For the record, the game runs at a pretty consistent 30 frames per second on the big screen. Sound design here remains great, with fully featured commentary, familiar jingles and a robust soundtrack. Again, what’s on offer here isn’t going to blow you away, especially if you’re coming from a more playing on more powerful hardware.
Conclusion
NBA 2K25 on the Switch doesn’t really bring anything new to the table and finally shows that 2K is ready to move on from the platform. I can understand that, especially with the possibility of Nintendo’s next console releasing at some point in 2025. Functionally, this is still a solid game, but this one can only be recommended to NBA super fans who don’t have access to newer platforms. Before biting on 2K25, I would suggest trying to pick up 2K23 or 2K24 for at the addition of Jordan Challenges / Mamba Moments. If you find this game in the bargain bin or on a fire sale on the eShop for less than $10 USD, it might be worth it.
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