In case you missed the headlines, NBA 2K18 is finally out for Android and not just for iOS devices, introducing NBA 2K fans to a fresh iteration of the popular video-game franchise.
(Update, December 19: We installed the game on different smartphones. See the result in NBA 2K18 for Android and iOS: Can your phone run it?)
SEE ALSO: NBA 2K18 for Mobile review: You may want to sit this one out
And while not necessarily a slam dunk of a mobile game — certainly not if you already own last year’s version — NBA 2K18 delivers the most authentic basketball experience on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Unsurprisingly, it is among the most popular titles, in sports or otherwise, for mobile today.
It’s also a game we get asked about a lot. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the time to respond immediately, and there are questions we don’t have answers to at the moment.
READ ALSO: NBA 2K17 for Android and iOS review: Worthy of the name
It’s easy to be confused about some aspects of the game — that’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help make things less complicated. Dig in, and do share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know if we’ve covered all the questions you want answered.
How much is NBA 2K18 for mobile?
The game costs around P400 (approximately $8) for Google Play and Apple App Store accounts based in the Philippines. Currently, it is priced at P399 on the App Store and P405 on Google Play. In the U.S., it costs $7.99.
What are the minimum requirements or specs required to play the game?
Android users will need a phone or tablet running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and with at least 2GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the game should work on the iPhone 5S and later; the newer iPads (iPad mini 2 and up, iPad 5th generation and up, and iPad Pro and up); and the 6th-generation iPod touch — those that run iOS 9.
Storage requirements vary depending on the device, but you’ll need to free up around 2.5GB of space just to be on the safe side.
Can my [insert model name] play NBA 2K18?
Unless we have that particular model on hand, we honestly can’t say for sure. But as a general rule, the game should run fine if NBA 2K18 is listed on your device’s app store. Similarly, if you’ve managed to successfully install and run NBA 2K17 on that phone or tablet, it’s likely that NBA 2K18 will run without problems.
Wait for our story where we compare the game’s performance on different devices.
What graphics settings do you recommend for [insert model name]?
Again, we can’t be certain until we’ve used the device for ourselves. Ideally, you should start at the lowest visual settings and work your way up. We also recommend that you turn off the Clothing Simulation option (under Video Settings) for better frame rates on non-flagship devices.
Tweaking the graphics to achieve the best possible frame rates on a particular device is tedious work, which requires a lot of testing, but thankfully, you only have to do it once.
Help! I can’t install the game after purchasing it.
Before anything else, make sure you have enough storage space and that its software is up to date. Restart your device, and then download the game again. Connect to a fast and stable wireless network to download the game files this time if you haven’t yet. Try several times before raising the white flag.
If, for some reason, the game won’t install, or it constantly freezes, try to get a refund from the publisher through the Google Play or Apple App Store.
So what’s new?
Nothing groundbreaking in particular. There are a bunch of new player models, apparel, Nike-branded jerseys, team logos and court designs, as well as a smattering of fresh animations that make the gameplay feel novel and more authentic. The AI gets a slight improvement, and the touch controls are tighter, too.
Can I use a physical controller to play the game?
Yes and no. The iOS version supports controllers approved under Apple’s MFi [made for iPhone/iPad] program, while the game is limited to touch controls on Android devices. Bummer.
Why isn’t the roster updated to reflect recent trades and signings?
The roster is accurate as of July 20, 2017. Obviously, that won’t cut it for fans and those who follow the league. Fortunately for them, NBA 2K18 allows players to make changes to the base roster as they see fit. The Manage Roster option appears under the Options tab.
Does NBA 2K18 offer multiple game modes, like on PC and console?
Yes. Besides the straightforward Quick Game (read: quick play) mode, the game includes the MyCareer, Association, and Blacktop modes found in its counterparts. They are very identical to last year’s offerings, though, and bring nothing distinctly new to the table.
There’s no multiplayer of any sort. None of the ballyhooed features on PC and current-gen consoles, such as The Neighborhood (aka MyPark) mode, make the mobile version.
I already own NBA 2K17, should I purchase NBA 2K18?
At its core, the game is an iterative upgrade over its predecessor, so it really depends on how much stock you put on realism and authenticity. Casual gamers and those who did not thoroughly enjoy the previous title will be better off sitting this one out.
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