For next-gen, NBA 2K21 will feature drastically improved load speeds, visual fidelity on an unmatched level and an unrivaled breadth of content for basketball fans and players. Fans can expect new game features, game modes, brand partnerships, social events, in-game experiences and a brand new soundtrack that will set the record as the most definitive collection of music ever assembled in a video game.

While the next-generation version of NBA 2K21 is being built from the ground up for next-generation consoles, 2K is also introducing several initiatives to bridge the two versions of the game. NBA 2K21 will feature MyTEAM Cross-Progression and a Shared VC Wallet within the same console family (PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X).

MyTEAM Cross-Progression enables all MyTEAM Points, Tokens, cards and progress to be shared on both current and next-generation versions of NBA 2K21 in the same console family; similarly, the Shared VC Wallet means any earned or purchased VC is accessible across both current and next-generation versions of NBA 2K21 in the same console family. As shared earlier, players who are interested in picking up both versions of NBA 2K21 on either PlayStation or Xbox can check out the Mamba Forever Edition, which provides dual-access by providing purchasers with a copy of the standard edition of NBA 2K21 on the other generation at no additional cost, within the same console family.

2K announced that at 12:01 a.m. ET on November 12, 2020, NBA 2K21 on current- and next-gen consoles will premiere unreleased songs from Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist 2 Chainz’s upcoming album “So Help Me God,” out November 13. The in-game music experience provides first access to five new 2 Chainz tracks for 24 hours within the 2K Beats in-game playlist a day before the album drops, a groundbreaking milestone for the release of major label music in a video game. 

“I’m always looking at new ways to drop new music and connect with my fans. Premiering my music in NBA 2K21 is an incredible , exciting opportunity,” said Tauheed “2 Chainz” Epps. “Music and sports go hand in hand, rappers wanna be athletes and athletes want to be rappers. 2K has grown into a leading music platform and we wanted to bring the NBA 2K community these hits to ball out to in The City or at the 2K Beach.”

“Music fills every area of our lives, so it is imperative to meet listeners where they are. Gaming is a cutting-edge industry, and within the industry 2K is a tremendous platform for music curation and discovery,” said Rodney Shealey, executive vice president Def Jam. “We’re proud to partner with them as they innovate music experiences within the gaming industry, including this first of its kind music debut” 

NBA 2K21 on next-gen consoles represents one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of music ever assembled for a sports video game. And now NBA 2K21 is not just amassing an impressive collection, but it is bringing access to new music like never before. The NBA 2K21 industry-leading soundtrack is also getting an upgrade, with the next-gen version receiving 150 new tracks, for over 350 tracks available to players throughout the life of the game - an expansive addition only possible on the next-gen hardware. The 350 songs are broken up into two distinct listening environments, 2K Beats, and The City Soundtrack, each offering unique listening and discovery experiences.  

NBA 2K21 players can experience new 2 Chainz hits for 24 hours in-game from 12:01 a.m. ET - 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 12. Be sure to check out his songs on NBA 2K21 for 24 hours before 2 Chainz’s forthcoming sixth album “So Help Me God” drops on November 13. The full NBA 2K21 soundtrack can be found on Spotify. 

The path to basketball superstardom is a dream for many and achieved by few in real life, but in NBA 2K21 you’ll have that opportunity as you carve your own path in MyCAREER, a new storyline that takes your player from high school through college - incorporating ten officially-licensed college programs - and eventually the NBA! Always a highlight for millions of players around the world each year, MyCAREER offers a personal, cinematic basketball experience where you’ll build your custom MyPLAYER and take them to the heights of their career on and off the court.

In NBA 2K21, this year’s narrative, The Long Shadow, tells the story of Junior – the son of a beloved baller who faces the challenges of trying to make it to the NBA, balancing legacy while carving his own path through high school to college. Making this journey more authentic to real life, NBA 2K21 will feature 10 officially licensed college programs to choose from in the story: Michigan State, UConn, Florida, Gonzaga, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, UCLA, Villanova University and West Virginia.

Of course, just making it to the draft doesn't mean the end of the journey - it's just the beginning! You'll have to choose the right representation, manage team interviews, perform well at the NBA Combine and improve your Draft stock to land yourself in the best position for success.

Also, it wouldn’t be MyCAREER without some familiar famous faces. In NBA 2K21, you’ll see Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy), Michael K. Williams (The Wire, Boardwalk Empire), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond, Guardians of the Galaxy), Mireille Enos (The Killing, World War Z) and cover athletes Damian Lillard and Zion Williamson and more bring Junior’s story to life in a dramatic and cinematic way. 

Currently available for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Google Stadia, NBA 2K21 will be available on Xbox SerieS X|S starting Nov. 10, 2020 and on PS5 starting Nov. 12, 2020 (Nov. 19 in Europe).