Best NBA Video Games

 

Are you trying to find the best nba video games on the market right now?

 

For avid basketball players, they just can’t get enough of the game.

 

Even after full days on the court and at practice, they still want to participate.

 

When the NBA is out of season, they can look to video games.

 

Today’s technology allows basketball players to experience the most realistic graphics and gameplay to let them feel like they are right in the middle of an NBA or NCAA experience.

 

There are a wide variety of games available, and many of them can be bought for multiple platforms, including the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

 

Each console comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all play these games with ease.

 

If you’ve been training hard day and night but still want to enjoy a game of basketball without the physical attention required, these video games can provide you all the entertainment that you need.

 

Keep in mind that some of these are geared towards older ages while others benefit younger players.

 

It is best to choose the game that suits your needs and allows you to have the most fun. After all, that’s what video games are all about!

 

Some games are more based on a realistic experience, building teams and coaching them in order to win the NBA championships.

 

Others focus on a cartoonish gameplay that’s there for laughs and overall fun, especially for those who might not understand the nuances of playing in the NBA.

 

If you’re interested in other games you can play in the comfort of your own home then make sure you check out this option which covers arcade games.

 

You’ll find a completely different catalog of entertainment that you can engage with in a solo or dual player mode.

 

As for this post, let’s get ready to check out the best NBA and NCAA games available for the sport you love.

 

Without further ado, these are the top 12 recommended basketball games.

 

Top 12 Basketball Video Games

 

1. NBA2K21

 

 

The newest game on the market today has it all! Available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch, this state-of-the-art video game has the best graphics and gameplay imaginable.

 

You’ll truly feel like you’re watching an actual basketball game as you play NBA2K21. With the ability to play in different cities and use the best young superstars, the fun never ends.

 

Not to mention the MyCareer mode, which allows you to create your own player and embark on a journey like never before!

 

NBA2K21 provides some of the hardest challenges you can find in video games, but also allows you tone it down for younger players.

 

This is an excellent holiday buy for those who take both gaming and basketball seriously. You can brush up on some of your reflexes while still winding down for the winter.

 

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2. NBA2K20

 

 

NBA2K20 is still one of the premier basketball video games, with the ability to build your own player and shoot hoops as any franchise.

 

Whether you are using a Playstation, XBOX, or Nintendo Switch, you can enjoy all the features that NBA2K20 has to offer.

 

With breathtaking graphics and simple but effective gameplay, you can shoot practice, play scrimmages, or win championships from the comfort of your couch.

 

This is the game you need if you can’t make it out onto the court and need some relief from the everyday grind.

 

NBA2k20 is an immersive experience that will give any basketball fanatic thrills for years.

 

If you’re looking for a game that continues to push the boundaries of graphics and technology, this is right up there with the best of them.

 

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Xbox One Option

 

PlayStation 4 Option

 

Nintendo Switch Option

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3. NBA2k19

 

 

This may not be the most updated version of the game, but it still has plenty of features that players are raving about!

 

As the 20^th version of the game, it is still revolutionizing the way that gamers can enjoy basketball with the most realistic experiences and stellar graphics.

 

There’s no doubt about it that NBA2k19 is still a premier product that brings plenty of joy to gamers worldwide, especially those who love sports such as basketball.

 

You can create your own player and unlock new moves that allow him to take over the basketball court just as you wish you could in any real live game.

 

With the My Team mode, you can take on the role of general manager and put together a real competitor on the court, checking how you stack up against other teams and managers.

 

Run the Neighborhood and start your career on the streets, working your way up to being one of the biggest superstars in the game. NBA2k19 really has everything that you can ask for.

 

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4. NBA2k18

 

 

For all your basketball video game needs, there’s NBA2k18. This may not have as many bells and whistles as the newest version, but it certainly holds up to the test of time.

 

The graphics, gameplay, and character control are simply phenomenal, and you can create your own teams and players to your heart’s content.

 

The game controls are easy to use, and it’s available across Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, and PC platforms, so no matter what you prefer, you can have fun hooping online with your friends, even in the dead of winter.

 

Build a team that is designed to win it all, or just try to make the best player in the league to rival LeBron and Steph Curry.

 

If you want realistic gameplay and amazing graphics without waiting for the newest version, NBA2k18 really gets the job done.

 

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Xbox 360 Option

 

PlayStation 4 Option

 

Nintendo Switch Option

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5. NBA2k16 – Early Tip off Edition

 

 

This is still one of the most highly rated basketball games on the market, with so many features to choose from and amazing graphics to boot.

 

The gameplay is simply fantastic, and no matter how much you want to play, you just can’t get enough.

 

The early tip off edition even features DJs that have helped the basketball scene gain in popularity.

 

The online play is still going strong, and provides some of the best gameplay that you can have in a video game.

 

As the original My Career curator, you get to play out a movie in real time based on Spike Lee narratives – truly one of the best parts about the gameplay.

 

This might date back to 2016 but it still holds up as one of the best basketball games of all time, and it’s available on a variety of platforms.

 

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6. NBA2k15

 

 

This version of the most popular basketball game of all time has been one of the best-selling, and there’s a reason for that.

 

It introduced groundbreaking graphics and incredible gameplay to make playing basketball from your living room incredibly simple and enjoyable.

 

You get to create your own characters and watch them grow as you progress and create new teams and arenas for them.

 

You can even play on outdoor courts and build your team from the ground up. Legends like Shaq and Ernie Johnsons announce the games and bring your character to life at every moment in the game.

 

This may not be the newest version of the game, but it is part of a series that always been ahead of its time, so don’t sleep on it.

 

You can get some of the best gameplay you’ll ever experience out of NBA2k15.

 

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7. NBA2k14 – Xbox

 

 

Featuring a soundtrack curated by NBA legened Lebron James, NBA2k14 is truly a gem in the video gaming world.

 

You can shoot, jump, pivot, and dunk with ease thanks to the game’s wonderful controls and gameplay.

 

You can also play against other players online, and even set up your own teams for 5 on 5 real time gameplay.

 

It’s a wonderful game that allows you to take to the courts as you were meant to do.

 

It still connects to the internet and updates player stats and attributes, allowing you to keep up with even the newest games despite this one being from 2014.

 

The reaction times in this game are out of this world and you’ll be truly impressed by just how easy it is to handle each and every individual player.

 

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8. NBA Jam – Nintendo Wii

 

 

The classic 2 on 2 basketball game is back! NBA Jam has always been a cult favorite and it’s back on the Nintendo Wii.

 

This is a game that is more simple to play than some of the other “professional” offerings but provides hours upon hours of entertainment no matter how old you are!

 

While the classic game has been out since the 90s, this is an updated version that has new players and features, allowing you to go up against some of your most hated enemies and play as some of your favorite legends.

 

You can play by yourself, with a friend, or online as this game really has everything to offer.

 

NBA Jam may not have the name recognition of the NBA2k line these days, but it’s still a highly respected product that provides you with a lot of fun.

 

This isn’t for building a dynasty, but more for a fun arcade style of game with plenty of laughs.

 

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9. NBA 2k Playgrounds 2

 

 

If you’re a fan of streetball and want one of the original games that brought it back, this is it.

 

With amazing graphics and gameplay, NBA 2k Playgrounds 2 brings the street right to your house and allows you to control all of your favorite players.

 

Whether you want to play 2 on 2 matches, full games, or skill contexts you can do it with this game.

 

It’s available across a wide variety of gaming systems and gives you hours upon hours of fun thanks to its fast-paced gameplay and multiple options for games.

 

You’ll see some of your favorite stars in a comical light, because this is not an NBA game. Instead, you’re just supposed to have fun when you load this one up.

 

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10. NCAA Basketball 10

 

 

Some of the older games for Xbox 360 still happen to dazzle, and this is one of them.

 

Whether you want to go back in time to see your favorite NBA stars in college or if you want to play as a particular college team, NCAA Basketball 10 has it all.

 

This is a game that was way ahead of its time, with stunning graphics and revolutionary gameplay.

 

You’ll be able to coach and play as some of your favorite college teams, and you won’t even notice that this game is 10 years old!

 

It was really one of the first games that put together such a complete package for players that wanted a realistic experience while still maintaining a certain level of fun that has been lost by many new video games.

 

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11. NCAA Basketball 9

 

 

The predecessor to NCAA Basketball 10, NCAA Basketball 9 is almost as impressive, despite being a year older.

 

You can play as any of your favorite stars from the era, and coach them to victories and championships even if they didn’t win when you were attending school.

 

The graphics are some of the best of the time period and it’s hard to even tell that they are from 2009.

 

This is a great gift for a sentimental gamer who wants to bring back the glory days of the college years and experience the days of the past.

 

It still holds up as one of the better games on the market and can make for hours upon hours of fun.

 

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12. NCAA March Madness 2008

 

 

It doesn’t matter how far back you go, March Madness is truly something to behold. 2008 was a classic year with many rising stars, and you won’t regret keeping up with this game.

 

The graphics and gameplay are simply outstanding, especially considering the time that they came out.

 

This was one of the first games to provide total control over players movement and positioning, and there’s a reason it’s still one of the top selling basketball games out there.

 

It truly feels like you’re out on a real basketball court with the crowd yelling when you turn the game on and start playing.

 

You can even pick your own arenas and use classic college teams to bring back some great nostalgia.

 

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Conclusion

 

There is seemingly a basketball video game out there for everyone.

 

Whether you are looking to build a team and play out an entire season to determine the victor or just trying to shoot some hoops for laughs, you can find a video game.

 

This list of video games includes some older ones and some of the newest, so you can choose for yourself which one works best for you.