In 2017, Saber Interactive brought out NBA Playgrounds. This game, inspired by arcade sports games of yesteryears, is a vibrant basketball experience. It’s playable across various players, be it Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, or PC. Designed with two-on-two encounters, it boasts an extensive selection – over 150! You’ll find current NBA stars as well as all-time greats like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. The game’s appeal lies in its energetic atmosphere. Player characters perform breathtaking dunks and impressive moves, that seem to defy the laws of physics!
In NBA Playgrounds, players have several ways to challenge themselves. They can play exhibition matches and tournaments. They can even play online! But there’s more. The game has a card-collection feature too. It lets players unlock new characters and boosts. This basketball game may not strive for realism. Yet, it promises fun no matter your skill level. Its arcade style and bright visuals bring joy to traditional sports game lovers. It’s also perfect for those wanting a cheerful spin on basketball.
A list of NBA Playgrounds games
NBA Playgrounds, the beloved basketball video game, won many fans since 2017. Don’t forget about its siblings NBA 2k Playgrounds 2 and NBA Playground 2! The game prides itself in its arcade-style graphics and a vast selection of over 150 NBA players, both old and new, in an exciting two-on-two matchup. Let’s delve into these games:
1. NBA Playgrounds
On May 9, 2017, the first-ever NBA Playgrounds video game hit the stores. This game, available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC, brought the excitement right into our homes. Can you believe it? Over 150 NBA stars were featured! You could play as legends such as Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant!
2. NBA Playgrounds 2

The launch of NBA Playground 2 happened on October 16, 2018. It’s there on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game boasts a grand roster of more than 200 NBA personalities. This includes newcomers and shining athletes of today plus those iconic masters from previous years. Upgrades can be seen in graphics and game animations. It also introduces fresh game modes and heaps more.
3. NBA 2K Playgrounds 2: All-Star Edition
The All-Star version of NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 hit the shelves on November 6, 2018. It became available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This edition packed in everything from the original NBA Playground 2. However, it added on new All-Star crew and players. Opportunities were also there to go head-to-head in online matches or tackle daily tasks.
4. NBA Playgrounds: Enhanced Edition

The upgraded NBA Playgrounds: Enhanced Edition hit the shelves on May 22, 2018. It was available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC players. You’ll find everything from the first game here but also new additions. Expect fresh players, more courts, and diverse tournaments. Besides, this game boasts better graphics and faster performance.
5. NBA 2K Playgrounds
The game, NBA 2K Playgrounds, hit mobile devices on October 28, 2021. This no-cost game is a whirlwind of two-on-two battles, boasting 500 plus NBA players to discover and boost. Everyday contests and tournaments keep the excitement high. Plus, the option to join forces with friends in team and cooperative gameplay adds another layer of fun.
NBA Playground hits the score with both basketball lovers and video game buffs, giving an entertaining twist on hoops. Several games, launched on different platforms, make it possible for players to enjoy the arcade-style play, earn and open access to beloved basketball stars, and have fun in many game ways. Be it on a console or mobile, the game provides a distinctive and amusing hoops adventure for every player, whatever their skill level may be.
NBA Playgrounds vs other playground games
What makes NBA Playgrounds unique? It’s emphasis on basketball and NBA players. While other play-area games offer different sports or actions, NBA Playground centers around duo basketball games with a list of over 150 NBA stars.
In contrast to other basketball games, NBA Playgrounds presents a fun, arcade-style cartoon display that attracts many. This game’s speedy, airborne action lets players do amazing dunks and showy tricks, creating a fun time. Other games, like those involving well-known characters, Mario or Sonic, have the same kind of arcade fun but don’t highlight basketball or NBA stars like NBA Playgrounds does.
In essence, NBA Playgrounds gives basketball and video game enthusiasts a delightful, distinct experience. This doesn’t make it just another playground-style game. Why? It’s the NBA focus and the exhilarating, arcade-type play that sets it apart.
Conclusion
Everyone’s talking about NBA Playgrounds! It’s a basketball video game, ideal for anyone, no matter their gaming skills. It’s catchy. Unlike other games in its category, it boasts a fun, light-hearted, arcade-like vibe along with over 150 NBA pros to choose from. Exciting! Whether you’re a console gamer or mobile player, it brings an electrifying bounce of non-stop, soaring basketball moves. It’s a thrill for fans of both hoops and games. Want more scoop? Go to Nowandlive.