NBA 2K24, the highly anticipated installment of the beloved basketball video game franchise, has made a significant choice for its cover athlete: the late Kobe Bryant. This marks the fourth time that Bryant has been selected as the poster boy for the NBA 2K series, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in both the world of basketball and gaming.

Bryant previously graced the covers of NBA 2K10‘s Mamba Forever Edition, NBA 2K17, and NBA 2K21. Now, his presence will once again captivate fans as he takes the spotlight on the cover of NBA 2K24. With each new edition, Bryant’s enduring legacy continues to be celebrated and revered.

Since its inception in 1999, the NBA 2K series has consistently delivered a realistic and immersive experience by faithfully adapting each NBA basketball season into video game form. While specific details about NBA 2K24 are still scarce, a recent announcement on the official NBA 2K Twitter account has provided fans with some exciting insights into what they can expect.

The upcoming game will be released in two editions: the Kobe Bryant Edition and the Black Mamba Edition. The cover art for both editions has also been unveiled, captivating fans with its captivating visuals. The Kobe Bryant Edition features a stunning image of Bryant executing a powerful dunk against a backdrop of vibrant kaleidoscopic colors. On the other hand, the Black Mamba Edition showcases a close-up profile of Bryant’s determined face, glistening with sweat. These striking covers not only pay homage to Bryant’s incredible basketball prowess but also highlight his unwavering determination and tenacity.

Releasing multiple editions has become a customary practice for the NBA 2K series, and this tradition continues with NBA 2K24. The announcement also revealed that pre-orders for the game will open on July 7th (check the pre-order details below), further heightening the anticipation among fans who are eager to get their hands on the latest installment.

The unveiling of Bryant as the cover athlete sparked an outpouring of enthusiastic reactions from fans on social media. Heart and snake emojis flooded the comments section, demonstrating the immense love and respect people have for the basketball legend. Even the official Xbox account expressed its approval, subtly hinting at the game’s availability on its consoles. This generated speculation among fans about which players might appear in other editions and ignited a desire for cross-play compatibility between different versions.

While the overwhelmingly positive response dominated the discourse, some fans voiced their disappointment over the absence of Bryant’s iconic number 24 jersey on the cover art. The revealed images showcased him wearing his number 8 jersey instead. Previous iterations of the game accurately depicted Bryant with his preferred number, making this deviation a point of contention among a subset of fans.

However, it is undeniable that Kobe Bryant’s unquestionable status as a legendary figure in professional basketball made him the ideal choice for the NBA 2K series. His untimely and tragic passing sent shockwaves around the world, transcending the basketball community and leaving an indelible impact on countless individuals. Honoring him within the game franchise serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy, and it has been done multiple times as a testament to his profound influence.

As NBA 2K24 makes its way to store shelves and online platforms, fans eagerly anticipate how the game will further pay homage to Bryant’s remarkable career and lasting impact. From the immersive gameplay to the meticulously crafted details, players expect NBA 2K24 to be a testament to Bryant’s greatness and an experience that captures the essence of his unparalleled contributions to the sport.

NBA 2K24 Pre-orders

• NBA 2K24 Kobe Bryant Edition ($59.99 – $69.99) — Xbox Store / GameStop (PC) / GameStop (Nintendo Switch) / GameStop (PS4) / GameStop (PS5) / GameStop (Xbox One) / GameStop (Xbox Series X|S)
  • 5,000 Virtual Currency
  • 5,000 MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (delivered one a week)
  • 5x Six MyCAREER Boost Types
  • 3x Three Gatorade Boost Types
  • 95 Rated Kobe Bryant MyTEAM Free Agent Card
• NBA 2K24 WNBA Edition ($69.99) — GameStop (PS5) / GameStop (Xbox Series X|S)
  • 5,000 Virtual Currency
  • 5,000 MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (delivered one a week)
  • 5x Six MyCAREER Boost Types
  • 3x Three Gatorade Boost Types
  • 95 Rated Kobe Bryant MyTEAM Free Agent Card
• NBA 2K24 Black Mamba Edition ($99.99) — Xbox Store / GameStop (PC) / GameStop (Nintendo Switch) / GameStop (PS4) / GameStop (PS5) / GameStop (Xbox Series X|S)
  • 100K VC
  • 15K MyTEAM Points
  • 2K24 Starting 5 Draft Box (3x Option Packs)
  • 10 Box MyTEAM Promo Packs
  • Cover Star Sapphire Card
  • 1 Diamond Shoe
  • 1 Ruby Coach
  • 2-hour Double XP Coin
  • 10x 6 types of MyCAREER Skill Boosts
  • 4 Cover Athlete T-shirts for your MyPLAYER
  • 2K24 Backpack
  • 2K24 Electric Skateboard
  • 2K24 Arm Sleeves
• NBA 2K24 25th Anniversary Edition ($149.99) — Xbox Store / PlayStation Store
  • 100K VC
  • 50K MyTEAM Points
  • 2K24 Starting 5 Draft Box (3x Option Packs)
  • 10 Box MyTEAM Promo Packs
  • Cover Star Sapphire Card
  • Cover Star Ruby Rookie Card
  • Ruby Kobe Bryant Rookie Card
  • 1 Diamond Shoe
  • 1 Ruby Coach
  • 2-hour Double XP Coin
  • 15x 6 types of MyCAREER Skill Boosts
  • 15x 3 types of Gatorade Boosts
  • 4 Cover Athlete T-shirts for your MyPLAYER
  • 2K24 Backpack
  • 2K24 Electric Skateboard
  • 2K24 Arm Sleeves
  • Black Mamba MyPLAYER Capsule with 4 different items
  • 12-Month NBA League Pass subscription