Crossplay is one of the most requested features for NBA 2K24 and makes sense with sports games being a perfect contender for multiplayer gaming; of course, players would want to have the ability to play virtual basketball with their friends even if they are using different systems. Sports genre video games can benefit greatly by allowing as many people to together in games as possible. One of the biggest complaints regarding the last title, NBA 2K23, was its lack of any cross-platform multiplayer.
NBA 2K24 is currently available for preorder and is set to be released on September 8, 2023. The game will be available for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC on Steam, and the Nintendo Switch. With this many versions of the game across all the major gaming platforms, many have been wondering about the crossplay possibilities for multiplayer gaming, especially with the series' history of not providing cross-platform access.
NBA 2K24 Is Cross-Platform For PS5 & Xbox Series X/S
According to the NBA 2K24 website's FAQ page, cross-platform multiplayer for the game will be possible for anyone playing on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S consoles. This multiplayer access will work with all game modes, so friends can experience all the varieties the game has to offer together. An NBA 2K and online console subscriptions will be required, as is the case with most online play. This is the first time in NBA 2K's 25-year history that crossplay has been included as a feature after many years of fans in the community requesting its inclusion.
PC, Switch, & Older Gens Will Not Have Crossplay For NBA 2K24
Unfortunately, the official statement from the company says that cross-platform multiplayer will be limited to new-gen console systems, meaning PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Any players who purchase NBA 2K24 on Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, or Xbox One will not be able to play with anyone on other systems. Although it has not yet been confirmed for NBA 2K24, any progress made in NBA 2K23 on a PS4 or Xbox One system would transfer to the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S if a person upgrades their system, as long as the upgrade is within the same console family, and this will likely be the same for the new title as well.
Sports genre video games such as NBA 2K24 thrive on multiplayer gaming and although adding crossplay for the newer generation consoles is a step in the right direction, it is unfortunate to see that all other platforms are not going to receive this as well. The series is still one of the best-selling basketball simulations even despite it previously not having any cross-platform multiplayer. Seeing NBA 2K24 listening to community and taking the steps to include crossplay for at least the newest-generation consoles is a positive move for the series, and hopefully will move toward including all platforms in future entries.
Source: NBA 2K24, NBA 2K/YouTube
