NBA 2K11 going 3D on the PS3

by: Dan - posted: 11/2/2010 10:22:00 AM

NBA 2K11 is going 3D, but there are a few caveats to look out for. First of all, only the PlayStation 3 retail copy of the game (sold exclusive at Best Buy) will be 3D starting on November 16th. No other platform and no other retailer will have the 3D version at that time. Unfortunately, there is no mention of how long the exclusivity agreement will last until other retailers or the Xbox 360 will have access to the 3D version (if ever due to the nature of yearly sports titles.)

For those that already purchased NBA 2K11 for the PS3, you aren’t completely SOL, but you will have to wait until sometime in January 2011 (I imagine after the 2011 CES kicks off on January 5th) to get access to a free upgrade via PlayStation Network. The other option is to head to your local Best Buy and pony up for a new copy of the game.

I am kind of torn on this roll-out, as NBA 2K11 has been out now for about a month and the “newness” factor is probably starting to wear off. I understand wanting to get a Grade A sports title out there as the PS3 update for 3D goes live, but this seems a bit forced and punishes those that bought the game on day one.

2K Sports Announces NBA® 2K11 to be Available in 3D on PlayStation®3 System

Offered exclusively at Best Buy® on November 16th; free downloadable upgrade for current game owners over PlayStation®Network in January

New York, NY – November 2, 2010 – 2K Sports today announced that NBA® 2K11, the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise*, will be available in 3D on the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. This immersive NBA 2K11 3D experience will be available exclusively for the PlayStation 3 system at Best Buy starting November 16, 2010. The 3D version of the game will play normally on any television set; however, a 3D HD television with compatible 3D active glasses will be needed to enjoy the game in three dimensions.** All current owners of NBA 2K11 for thePlayStation 3 system will be able to download an upgrade to enable their game to play in 3D for free from the PlayStation®Store for the PlayStation 3 system starting in January 2011.

“The authentic broadcast presentation of NBA 2K11 is something we’re really proud of,” said Greg Thomas, president of product development for 2K Sports. “The new 3D capabilities literally add a new dimension to the experience and provide a level of immersion that has never been experienced in a basketball video game.”

Now presented in 3D, NBA 2K11 offers an extra layer of depth to what many critics are already hailing as the deepest, most immersive, and best sports game of this generation. In NBA 2K11, players can become Michael Jordan for the first time and relive his greatest moments with the Jordan Challenge. With realistic physics, lifelike player models, broadcast-quality presentations and feature-rich simulation, NBA 2K11 is the most complete experience ever available in a sports game. NBA 2K11 also supports the PlayStation®Move motion controller on the PlayStation 3 system.

NBA 2K11 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and is available now on PlayStation®3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com/nba2k11.

*According to 2008 - 2010 Gamerankings.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through August 2010.

** PS3™ system software v3.30 (or later), 3D display with compatible 3D active glasses and high-speed HDMI cable (all sold separately) required for 3D features. Visit www.us.playstation.com/support/3Dfor details.

2K Sports is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).