NLSC Podcast

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #645 of the NLSC Podcast!

It’s that time of the year again! The preview season is over, and NBA 2K27 is now available via Early Access for gamers who pre-ordered one of the special editions. We’re among those who have already played NBA 2K27 ahead of its full launch on September 4th, and to that end, this week we’re sharing our first hands-on impressions of the game. This includes an in-depth breakdown of all the positives and negatives about gameplay, rosters, and content that we’ve observed so far. Some of our listeners also pre-ordered NBA 2K27 in order to get their hands on it a bit earlier, and they weigh in with their thoughts on the game in this week’s community question.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:10:05 — 48.5MB)

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To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #644 of the NLSC Podcast!

The big NBA 2K27 infodump has come and gone, which means it’s essentially a wrap on what has been one of the shortest (and honestly, underwhelming) preview seasons for a Triple-A basketball video game. Nevertheless, we do have some details to discuss, as well as some more gameplay footage courtesy of a recent event for content creators. As such, this week we join the community in reacting to what we’ve seen and learned, while also sharing a few thoughts on influencer culture and a disappointing lack of accountability for content creators nowadays. We also share some thoughts on the impending shutdown of NBA Live Mobile, and seemingly the end of NBA Live as a brand.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:03:32 — 44.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #643 of the NLSC Podcast!

After an unexpected week off, we’re back to discuss skill gaps in basketball video games, specifically what that truly means. In response to Mike Wang’s post on X polling the community for feedback regarding shooting percentages when Badges are involved, we note the detrimental effects of such artificial boosts, and how they and other mechanics often run contrary to the idea of encouraging more skilful play. We also once again discuss how concepts designed around the online scene end up negatively impacting the sim gameplay for offline gamers. On a happier note, we also recap a couple of fun co-op sessions with NBA 2K14 and NBA Live 18, played using Parsec and the Xbox App.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:16:04 — 52.6MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #642 of the NLSC Podcast!

The NBA 2K27 Gameplay Trailer dropped last week, giving us our first glimpse of this year’s game in action. Unsurprisingly, that glimpse consisted of carefully curated highlights from cinematic angles! We also received a roadmap for the rest of the preview season – which is set to be rather different from previous years – along with a handful of early details about modes and gameplay. The news that’s caught everyone’s attention is the confirmation of a controversial change to dunking, namely that all dunks will require timing. As such, this week we’re joining the community in reacting to the trailer, the expanded use of a Dunk Meter, and everything else that we know about NBA 2K27 so far.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:02:50 — 43.5MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #641 of the NLSC Podcast!

The NBA 2K27 preview season is now officially underway following the reveal of the cover players for the Standard, Deluxe, and Ultra Editions of the game, as well as their pre-order bonuses and a handful of first-look screenshots. To that end, this week we join the community in reacting to our first glimpse of NBA 2K27, as well as the prices and pre-order bonuses for all three editions. We also draw some comparisons to the pre-order bonuses for NBA 2K17 ten years ago, discuss the drawbacks of digital-only premium editions, and touch on the controversy surrounding the cover art for the Standard Edition of NBA 2K27, which was seemingly taken from a proposed design on social media.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 49:30 — 34.4MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #640 of the NLSC Podcast!

Although we do tend to take our basketball gaming fairly seriously – especially when it comes to the sim titles – sometimes it’s fun to get a little silly on the virtual hardwood; or indeed, rather looney! To that end, this week we’re reviewing Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, which not only includes NBA Jam-style basketball, but also soccer, tennis, and golf. Despite being intended for a younger audience, we definitely had a good time with it! We also recap a co-op game of basketball in Tiny Toon Adventures: ACME All-Stars for the Sega Genesis, and join the community in discussing some other cartoon sports games that we’ve enjoyed over the years.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 51:48 — 35.9MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #639 of the NLSC Podcast!

Gaming in 2026 – basketball or otherwise – is certainly a mixed bag! There are definitely some things that we’re greatly enjoying about our hobby right now, but with that being said, there are also various issues that are really bugging us! To that end, this week we present Dee’s Dislikes and Andrew’s Delights! In these two segments, we get some criticisms off our chest from issues with NBA The Run to anti-consumer practices, while also celebrating what’s bringing us joy at the moment, such as retro gaming and exciting modding discoveries. In response to this week’s community question, our listeners also share some of their recent delights and dislikes, on the virtual hardwood and beyond.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:02:08 — 43.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #638 of the NLSC Podcast!

Sony has announced that physical copies of PlayStation games will end production in 2028, with the console subsequently going digital-only. Despite their claims that the decision was made in response to consumer trends and preferences, gamers by and large haven’t exactly been thrilled with the announcement! This week, we join the community in reacting to the news, including a discussion of all the potential drawbacks, comparisons to PC gaming going digital-only, concerns about continued support for backwards compatibility, and whether Microsoft will follow suit. We also share some figures that call Sony’s claims into question, and note their radio silence in the wake of the announcement.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 54:29 — 37.8MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #637 of the NLSC Podcast!

The specifications of the Steam Machine have been confirmed along with the prices for both models, with and without a single controller. Suffice it to say that the announced details have generated a considerable amount of commentary and controversy! To that end, this week we’re breaking down everything that we know about the Steam Machine, from specs to potential to value for money. We also join the community in discussing whether we’ll be picking one up in light of the power and price. While the Steam Machine offers some intriguing possibilities – especially for advanced users – there are certainly questions as to whether the average gamer will get adequate bang for their buck.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 41:48 — 29.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #636 of the NLSC Podcast!

There have been a number of father-son duos in NBA history – perhaps more than a lot of people may realise – but when it comes to talent and success, it isn’t always a case of “like father, like son! To that end, this week we’re choosing our Top 5 father-son duos to compete in games of two-on-two. In addition to their overall skill level and all-time rankings, we’re also taking into account their size, complementary styles of play, and any matchup problems that they may encounter when squaring off with the other fathers and sons. As such, while there are some obvious choices when it comes to these multi-generational pairings, a couple of our picks might just surprise you!

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 30:30 — 21.3MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #635 of the NLSC Podcast!

NBA The Run was released last week, and so far it’s certainly drawn a mixed reception from basketball gamers. Having previously taken part in the playtesting sessions, this week we’re reviewing the full version of the new arcade streetball game from Play by Play Studios. This includes a detailed breakdown of the gameplay, a recap of our experiences playing in several tournaments, our views on the game’s depth (or lack thereof), concerns about the Shop, and predictions regarding its longevity and potential. We also read out some impressions that the community has shared with us, and touch once more on the toxicity that NBA The Run has unfortunately been cultivating.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:00:44 — 42.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #634 of the NLSC Podcast!

With the preview season and indeed the release of NBA 2K27 looming on the horizon, what are we hoping to see from this year’s sim basketball game from Visual Concepts? This week, we join the community in sharing some of our key Wishlist items, from our most-desired gameplay improvements to ideas for enhancing modes, features, and content. Needless to say, we’re hoping for more authenticity, accessibility, and quality! We also discuss a couple of details about NBA 2K27 that have already leaked, including the release date, Standard Edition cover player, and the end of support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. On a sad note, we also pay tribute to the late Stacey King, who passed away at the weekend.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 57:35 — 39.9MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #633 of the NLSC Podcast!

No matter the genre, online gaming undoubtedly has its ups and downs, depending on what you’re playing and who you’re playing with! To that point, this week we reflect on two very different online basketball gaming experiences. The first is the recent open beta for NBA The Run, while the second is our latest four and five-player Parsec sessions with NBA Live 96 for Super Nintendo and NBA Live 10 for PlayStation 3. We also have some further impressions of NBA The Run to share ahead of its release next week. We’ve still got our concerns about the game, but we’re keeping our minds open and fingers crossed for a successful launch, and are hoping for some fun times on the virtual blacktop.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 35:15 — 24.6MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #632 of the NLSC Podcast!

Although we’ve been playing basketball video games for decades now, the hobby is still capable of surprising us. To that end, what are some of the biggest surprises – both positive and negative – in basketball gaming in 2026? This week we’re sharing and discussing what amazes and astonishes us when it comes to the virtual hardwood, from the quality of the games and modern design philosophies, to the lack of competition and changes in community attitudes. That includes touching on the shift in modding culture, and the general discourse when it comes to basketball gaming issues. Our listeners also weigh in with what surprises them the most – for better or worse – with basketball video games today.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 58:50 — 40.8MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!

From courtside of the virtual hardwood, it’s Episode #631 of the NLSC Podcast!

The second closed beta for NBA The Run took place last weekend, and we both had a chance to participate! To that end, this week we’re providing more detailed hands-on impressions of the upcoming arcade streetball game from Play By Play Studios, as well as discussing whether or not it’s worth the newly-announced price tag. We also clear up some misconceptions about the game in regards to solo play, and react to some of the toxic positivity that’s sadly stifling constructive feedback. Our fellow basketball gamers also have some strong thoughts on NBA The Run coming out of the second closed beta, which they shared in response to this week’s community question.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:08:07 — 47.1MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

To get involved with the mailbag or to provide any feedback on the show, hit us up in the comments, reach out on social media, or post here in the NLSC Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. You can also find the show on our YouTube channel, along with the rest of our video content. As always, thanks for tuning in, and go get buckets!