NBA 2K18 only available via the Nintendo eShop at launch, retail version coming at later date

Back in January, Take-Two announced that NBA 2K18 would be released on the Nintendo Switch. This was a pretty big deal when it was announced, because it’s the first time since NBA 2K13 (on Wii U) that the series is getting a release on Nintendo platforms. The best part? Unlike FIFA 18, it’s not a “custom” version, missing content: it’s pretty much the same game as on other current-gen platforms, as far as features go.

Unfortunately, it looks like there’s a catch: in its press release for the financial results for Fiscal First Quarter 2018, Take-Two reveals that NBA 2K18 will only be available via the Nintendo eShop at launch. There will be a retail release, but it will follow at a later date, sometime this Fall.

Unfortunately, Take-Two doesn’t explain why the retail version of NBA 2K18 will not be available at launch, but we can probably venture a guess. Maybe the game (or simply the Nintendo Switch version) will not be ready in time for cartridge manufacturing, and the publisher chose to delay only the retail release instead of the game itself, so that NBA 2K18 is available on Nintendo Switch on the same day as the other platforms.

And since you cannot get refunds on digital games on the Nintendo eShop, we highly recommend anyone not planning to get the game no matter to wait for reviews before buying…

Speaking of NBA 2K18, here’s the latest “screenshots”:

NBA 2K18 (Switch – eShop) will be released on September 15th in Europe, and September 19th in Japan and North America. The retail version will follow this Fall. The Upcoming Releases page has been updated!

Source: Take-Two