Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Despite microtransactions, a solid NBA/WNBA game for fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
NBA 2K25
What's It About?
NBA 2K25 is the latest iteration of the biggest NBA (and WNBA) game, letting you play as or against your favorite pro team. Billed as the most realistic NBA game to date, it features the return of ProPlay, now with 9,000 new animations, including dribbling and signature shots, digitized directly from actual NBA footage. The City has been revamped and now serves as an interactive hub, offering easy access to all game modes and experiences. It includes the Boulevard of the Stars, a street lined with various activities, and a Walk of Fame that showcases every NBA championship team—leaving one blank spot for players to work toward in MyCareer mode. As with previous games, players can climb the Dynasty rankings or play MyPlayer mode, which follows the story Heart of a Dynasty and focuses on the journey to the NBA. The City is now more connected than before, featuring the all-new ranked mode Proving Grounds, along with the return of MyCourt and the iconic NBA 2K15 MyParks. One of the biggest upgrades is MyTeam, which offers both single and multiplayer matches and introduces three new game modes—Breakout, Showdown, and King of the Court—each with its own set of rules. MyTeam also sees the return of the Auction House, making it easier to search, buy, and sell in one place. Players can also access the WNBA and play as Legends of the Game. The revamped MyNBA mode introduces The Steph Era, celebrating Stephen Curry and allowing players to take the court as the 2017 Golden State Warriors. For those who want to manage a team, MyGM mode lets players step into the role of an NBA general manager, offering a full role-playing experience.
Is It Any Good?
While it still includes optional-but-recommended microtransactions—requiring real money to boost your player's stats—this latest version remains a strong pick for basketball fans. NBA 2K25 introduces a number of improvements, particularly ProPlay animations, which make player movements more realistic than ever. However, if you already own NBA 2K24, the differences might not feel significant enough to justify an immediate upgrade. That said, once you jump in, the broadcast-style presentation, immersive audio, and smooth player controls quickly draw you in. A standout new addition is Learn 2K, a mode designed for beginners that teaches everything from basic mechanics to advanced moves. Rhythm Shooting also enhances realism by letting you replicate signature shots—players hold the analog stick in a specific direction and time their release to match the on-screen action. There are also new run drills, practice scenarios, and mini-games to help refine your skills. For those who enjoy Seasons, NBA 2K25 delivers fresh rewards and unlockable content every six weeks, with each season offering 40 levels of rewards. The Season 1 Pro Pass (sold separately) adds another 40 levels of premium content, starting with 61 new tracks. Additionally, the Hall of Fame Pass offers even more perks, including up to 45,000 in earnable virtual currency (VC), 15% XP boosts, and 10 level skips. While you don't need to spend money to enjoy NBA 2K25, as in past years, the fastest way to improve your player's attributes is by purchasing VC. All versions of the game deliver a solid experience, though the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC versions offer the best visuals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the MyCareer mode in NBA 2K25. Did you like being able to create a character from scratch, choosing what they looked like? Why, or why not?
How did the game teach you the importance of teamwork? Why is teamwork such an important character strength? Can you think of a time when you've demonstrated good teamwork?
The game has a number of options to spend real money on upgrades. Do you think this is fair, or should the cost of the initial game itself be enough?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Switch , Windows , Xbox One , PlayStation 4
- Pricing structure : Paid ($69.99 (Standard Edition))
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : 2K Sports
- Release date : September 5, 2024
- Genre : Sports
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : March 2, 2025
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