NBA Versus Available Now on Nex Playground with Motion-Based Basketball

The NBA has teamed up with Nex to bring NBA Versus to Nex Playground, a new motion-based basketball game that launched today alongside the start of the NBA season. The game focuses on fast-paced, 1-on-1 matchups where players use their own body movements instead of traditional controllers to take on opponents.

Players can dribble, cross over, drive to the basket, pump fake, shoot, steal and block using motion controls. The idea is to make basketball easy to pick up for younger players and families, but there’s still plenty to learn as opponents get tougher and the competition picks up.

There’s also a progression system featuring 12 ranks with players starting out as playground challengers and working their way toward basketball legend status. Along the way, they’ll unlock new courts, rewards and gear inspired by all 30 NBA teams, including jerseys, shorts and basketballs. Big plays and highlight-worthy finishes also get some extra attention with flashy, anime-inspired visuals.

The partnership between Nex and the NBA goes back several years. Nex originally got its start with HomeCourt, an AI-powered basketball training platform, before the NBA became a strategic partner and investor in 2019. This is their first NBA game for Nex Playground, taking that earlier focus on basketball training in a more casual, family-friendly direction.

FEATURES

• Go one-on-one: Every possession is a head-to-head battle where spacing, timing, and smart reads can create an opening to score or keep opponents from scoring.
• Get in the zone: Build up big plays to turn them into dramatic, anime-inspired visuals and more spectacular finishes at the basket.
• Become a Playground legend: Go from an unknown challenger to a recognized court legend. Players earn experience and raise their reputation as they advance through 12 ranks, from Rookie and Baller to All-Star, Champion, and, ultimately, Legend.
• Take on bigger courts and tougher competition: Players face off against computer-controlled opponents as they progress across three distinct courts with tougher competition, bigger crowds, and better rewards as they rise through the ranks.
• Create a signature style: Players can build their own character with customizable outfits, hairstyles, eyewear, shoes, basketballs, and more. Player stats – including Shooting, Layup, Ball Control, Steal, Block, and Speed – can also be developed and adjusted over time.
• Rep all 30 NBA teams: Bring the fandom onto the game with rewards inspired by all 30 NBA teams. Players can earn and unlock team jerseys, shorts, basketballs, and backboard decorations, giving fans more ways to represent the teams they love as they play.