NBA 2K25: Release Date, Preorder Bonuses, Cover Athletes, and New Features

The first details for NBA 2K25 have emerged, revealing its release date and a slew of exciting new features. As the latest entry in the iconic basketball video game series, NBA 2K25 not only celebrates the 25th iteration but also marks the 25th anniversary of the NBA 2K franchise, which began in 1999. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect from NBA 2K25.

Release Date and Pricing

NBA 2K25 is set to launch on September 6, 2024, and will be available across a range of platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Notably, the game will be offered on previous-generation consoles like PS4 and Xbox One, unlike some other sports titles that are exclusive to current-gen systems. While the game will be accessible on PC, crossplay features will be limited to console versions only.

The Standard Edition of NBA 2K25 is priced at $69.99 USD for all platforms, with no special discounts for PS4, Xbox One, or PC users this year. For details on the pricing and bonuses associated with premium editions, see the sections below.

Edition Variants and Preorder Bonuses

NBA 2K25 is available in four different editions: Standard, WNBA, All-Star, and Hall of Fame, each offering a unique set of bonuses and pricing.

- Standard Edition ($69.99): Includes 5,000 VC, the in-game currency, with additional perks for preordering. Players who download and play the game before October 17 will receive an extra 15,000 VC, an 89 OVR Jayson Tatum player card, a MyTEAM Promo Pack, two-hour XP boosts for MyTEAM and MyCAREER modes, a Trendsetter Green Animation, and an Exclusive Trendsetter Cosmetic Set.

- WNBA Edition: Exclusively available at GameStop and for PlayStation and Xbox versions, this edition features WNBA cover star A'ja Wilson. Bonuses include the same as the Standard Edition.

- All-Star Edition ($99.99): Offers a significant upgrade with 100,000 VC, Skill Boosts, Gatorade Boosts, and three Takeover Boosts. Additionally, players get Jayson Tatum’s cover jersey, an Electric Skateboard Skin, a 2K25 Cover Stars t-shirt, three Diamond Shoe Cards, ten MyTEAM player cards (including three 89 OVR cards), and an Amethyst Coach Card. Preordering this edition or the Hall of Fame Edition via the PlayStation Store includes two extra MyTEAM Promo Packs, a MyPLAYER gamerplate, and 5,000 VC.

- Hall of Fame Edition ($149.99): The most premium edition, featuring all All-Star bonuses plus a 12-month NBA League Pass subscription and a Pro Pass for NBA 2K25’s first season, including four automatic Pro Pass rewards.

Cover Athletes

NBA 2K25 features three distinct cover athletes depending on the edition:

- Standard Edition: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, known for his record-setting performance in NBA All-Star Games and recent Olympic gold medal win.

- WNBA Edition: Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, celebrated for her achievements including two WNBA championships, Olympic gold, and being the Aces' all-time leading scorer.

- Hall of Fame Edition: Vince Carter, renowned as one of the greatest dunkers ever, whose illustrious career spanned over two decades and eight teams. Carter was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Major Updates and NewFeatures

NBA 2K25 brings several exciting updates:

- MyNBA Mode: Introducing the new Eras feature, players can now experience pivotal moments in NBA history, from Magic vs. Bird to Kobe Bryant’s legacy.

- MyGM Revamp: Players can now craft their own backstories that influence resources and negotiation stats, plus interact with team members in an upgraded office environment with branching dialogue options.

- Redesigned City: The free-roam map returns with enhancements, featuring street game courts, the Proving Grounds, and events reminiscent of 2K15’s MyPARKS. Players can also customize their apartments, including basketball courts, through the MyCOURT feature in MyCAREER mode.

Additional improvements include new face scans, updated graphics and UI, and 9,000 new ProPLAY animations that enhance realism by incorporating actual NBA footage.

With these extensive updates and features, NBA 2K25 is poised to be a standout release in the franchise’s history. Stay tuned for more details leading up to its September 6 launch.