This is particularly true for players

To this point 2K Games has been quite vague regarding what the next-gen version of the Standard Edition will actually bring to the table as exclusive features, the features used to warrant the higher cost point. Thus far we know NBA 2K21 MT Coins will obtain the loading display rate some enhanced gameplay modes that hardware will bring, and new gameplay features.

We don't have confirmation how many of these changes will likely be accessible for the current-gen version of the normal Edition, which will be playable on next-gen consoles through backward compatibility. Less than two months out from launch, this is a small puzzle that fans are having to fix. At minimum this is an inelegant situation compared to how other major sports developers are tackling these problems, like EA offering Double Entitlement for Madden 21 and FIFA 21 at no extra price.

For gamers that just can't wait the few months NBA 2K21 will probably be outside on current-gen consoles until its next-gen debut, the current-gen Standard Edition will probably be well worth it. If you think about this $60 at a time investment, and compare it to something such as the price of a movie theater trip (inadvisable during quarantine, mind you), you are likely able to average out the value to about $5 per amusement hour. For players who will play at least 12 hours NBA 2K21 prior to next-gen release, something we expect many players to do in their first sitting, this will be a worthy buy.

The issue for these sorts of players is whether the Mamba Forever Edition is subsequently worth the extra price to avoid needing to purchase the two versions of the Standard Edition, something which would cost $130 instead of their $100 for your Mamba Forever Edition. At the conclusion of the day, players who appreciate the extra couple months NBA 2K21 will probably be just playable on current-gen consoles and also expect to play NBA 2K21 longer than this time period will find the Mamba Forever Edition that the best value in the long term.

This is particularly true for players who invest more time on their MyTEAM than on MyPLAYER and MyLEAGUE, as MyTEAM is the only mode that will carry more than progress from current to Buy NBA 2K21 MT next-gen. This does not take into consideration the additional bonuses that come from the Mamba Forever Edition. For picking up either version of the Standard Edition is going to be the right option. Though the next-gen version will probably be preferable due to the enhanced exclusive capabilities.