NBA 2K12 is a legendary version of the 2K series with three different cover athletes and the last playable 2K game for PlayStation 2. NBA 2K12 is a giant step for the next generation of consoles, taking the graphics to new heights and revolutionizing AI scripts. The basketball simulation was released on Oct. 4, 2011, on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Microsoft Windows. Developed by Visual Concept and published by 2K Sports, the game introduced a myriad of game modes and, to everyone’s surprise, had an excellent selection of cheat codes.
Players discovered various codes that unlocked special abilities, hidden players, and exclusive content, adding an extra layer of fun and exploration to the game.
Overall, the response to NBA 2K12 was overwhelmingly positive. Fans and critics alike praised its improved gameplay, graphics, and legendary players’ inclusion.
NBA 2K12 Main Characters
As with any sport simulation game, you’re the main character. You can create your own player in My Player and rise to stardom, but 2K12 was a callback to the history of the NBA and included players from previous decades:
- Michael Jordan: Considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan is prominently featured in NBA 2K12. The game includes several iconic moments from Jordan’s career, allowing players to step into his shoes and relive his remarkable achievements.
- Magic Johnson: A legendary point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson is another prominent character in NBA 2K12. Players can control Johnson and showcase his exceptional playmaking abilities on the court.
- Larry Bird: A formidable forward for the Boston Celtics, Larry Bird is a featured character in NBA 2K12.
- Kobe Bryant: Known for his scoring ability and competitiveness, Kobe Bryant was one of the most recognizable players during the release of NBA 2K12.
- LeBron James: A dominant force in the NBA, LeBron James is another main character in NBA 2K12. Players can control James and utilize his versatile skills to lead their team to victory.
NBA 2K12 Playable Game Modes
2K12 had a wide selection of game modes that enticed fans and kept them entertained for months.
- Quick Game: This mode allows players to quickly jump into a single exhibition game, selecting teams and players of their choice for a fast and fun basketball experience.
- My Player: My Player is one of the most popular modes in any sports game. You can create a perfect NBA superstar and rise through the ranks from a first-round draft pick to the top of the NBA universe.
- Association: If you want to control a team from the front office, the Association game mode gives you that and more. You can manage player signings, trades, coach and player development, and take a small-market franchise to glory.
- Online Multiplayer: NBA 2K12 provides an online multiplayer mode where players can compete against others worldwide. They can participate in head-to-head matches, online leagues, or team up with friends for cooperative play.
- NBA’s Greatest: One of the best additions to the game, players could relive some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. Always wanted to play as Larry Bird in his prime? Now is your opportunity.
- Jordan Challenge: It’s all about Mike. Spend your time completing challenges based on Michael Jordan’s career and try to outdo the legend himself.
NBA 2K Games in the Series
Here is a list of NBA 2K games in the series with their respective release dates.
- NBA 2K – Nov. 10, 1999
- NBA 2K1 – Nov. 1, 2000
- NBA 2K2 – Oct. 24, 2001
- NBA 2K3 – Oct. 7, 2002
- ESPN NBA Basketball – Oct. 21, 2003
- ESPN NBA 2K5 – Sept. 28, 2004
- NBA 2K6 – Sept. 26, 2005
- NBA 2K7 – Sept. 25, 2006
- NBA 2K8 – Oct. 2, 2007
- NBA 2K9 – Oct. 7, 2008
- NBA 2K10 – Oct. 6, 2009
- NBA 2K11 – Oct. 5, 2010
- NBA 2K12 – Oct. 4, 2011
- NBA 2K13 – Oct. 2, 2012
- NBA 2K14 – Oct. 1, 2013
- NBA 2K15 – Oct. 7, 2014
- NBA 2K16 – Sept. 29, 2015
- NBA 2K17 – Sept. 20, 2016
- NBA 2K18 – Sept. 19, 2017
- NBA 2K19 – Sept. 11, 2018
- NBA 2K20 – Sept. 6, 2019
- NBA 2K21 – Sept. 4, 2020
- NBA 2K22 – Sept. 10, 2021
NBA 2K12 Cheat Codes
For a triple-A title, it’s surprising that NBA 2K12 had built-in cheats for players to use. Here is a list of known cheat codes for two more popular platforms. You’ll head to the “Features” section in the menu for both platforms, then select “Codes.” Enter the below prompts.
| Code | Cheat |
| payrespect | Unlock ABA Ball. |
| 2kchina | Unlock 2K China team. |
| 2ksports | Unlock 2K Sports team. |
| nba2k | Unlock NBA 2K development team. |
| Jordan | Unlock new haircuts. |
| 23 | Unlock retro Jordans. |
| vcteam | Unlock VC team. |
| ibyasmliancbhlald | Unlock Christmas uniforms. |
| ILLINOIS | Unlock every team jersey. |
| albkbinkcca | Unlock Heat Back in Black uniform. |
| liyrimta | Unlock Raptors Military Night uniform. |
| hcsilapadatu | Unlock secondary road uniforms. |
| payrespect | Unlock the ABA basketball |
| 23 | Unlock the Jordan Sneaker Collection |
| nba2k | Unlock the NBA 2K development team |
| 2kchina | Unlock the 2K China team |
| 2ksports | Unlock the 2K Sports team |
| vcteam | Unlock the VC team |
| Hcsilapadatu | Secondary road uniforms (76ers, Jazz, Kings, Mavericks |
| Ibyasmliancbhlald | Christmas uniforms (Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks) |
| Albkbinkcca | Heat (Back in Black) |
| Liyrimta | Raptors (Military Night) |
| Liyrimta | Raptors (Military Night) |
| Albkbinkcca | Heat (Back in Black) |
| Ibyasmliancbhlald | Christmas uniforms (Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks) |
| Hcsilapadatu | Secondary road uniforms (76ers, Jazz, Kings, Mavericks) |
| vcteam | Unlock the VC team |
| nba2k | Unlock the NBA 2K development team |
| 2kchina | Unlock the 2K China team |
| 2ksports | Unlock the 2K Sports team |
| payrespect | Unlock the ABA basketball |
| 23 | Unlock the Jordan Sneaker Collection |
NBA 2K12 Cheat Codes FAQ
How do you dunk in NBA 2K12 Xbox 360?
There are multiple dunks to choose from. The most common is the Signature Dunk of the player you’re using. Hold RT when you’re near the basket and point the right joystick toward the basket. The Reverse Dunk is the same concept, hold RT and point your joystick away from the basket. The 360 Dunk can only be used on a few different players, so it’s advised to try it out first in a shoot-around. But hold the RT button and drag your right joystick in a circular motion.
How do you call for a screen in NBA 2k12?
You can call for a screen by holding the LB button if you have the ball. Someone will come and set a screen, most likely your big man.
How do you dribble in 2k12?
Players used to 2K11 were surprised to find how tricky dribbling was in 2K12. Unlike the previous year, not everyone could do unique dribbles or skills. Just like the dunks, certain players have specific dribble skills. Almost everyone has the basic dribble package by holding down L2 or LT; players can then use the joystick to do a dribble package. But if you want to pull off something special, players need to test it out during a shoot-around. It can be frustrating at first, but once you understand the system, it’s easy to replicate.
Are there cheats for NBA 2k12 for the Wii?
Yes, there are! You can follow the instructions above to use specific cheat codes on the Wii.
How do you shoot better in NBA 2K12?
Practice makes perfect. If you want to improve at shooting, head to Presentation and put on Shot Quality and Shot Timing. Then head to a shoot-around and start practicing your timing. After hundreds of repetitions, you can turn off the meters and return to live matches. If your timing is correct, you should be set!