NBA Live 2000 vs NBA Live 2005
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NBA Live 2000 brings the excitement of the NBA to your screen with authentic player models and the innovative Legend All-Stars Teams, featuring stars from the 1950s through the 1990s. Unlock these historic rosters to trade, play, and compete against modern NBA squads. The game offers both single‑player and split‑screen multiplayer modes, delivering a true basketball simulation experience that earned an ESRB E rating for all ages.
NBA Live 2005 brings the 2004 NBA season to life with realistic graphics and authentic player rosters, featuring Carmelo Anthony on the cover. Developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts, the game offers both single-player and split-screen multiplayer modes across PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Windows platforms.
- Authentic NBA simulation
- Legend All-Stars add historic depth
- Split-screen multiplayer support
- Robust season and career modes
- Authentic 2004 NBA rosters
- Split-screen multiplayer
- Robust season management
- Detailed player customization
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
- Roster updates require unlocking
- No online multiplayer support
- Graphics dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NBA Live 2000
View all →Alternatives to NBA Live 2005
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNBA Live 2005 offers newer rosters, player customization, and online leaderboards, while NBA Live 2000 adds historic Legend All‑Stars but lacks those modern features.
Key differences
- •Roster era: 2000 uses unlockable historic Legend All‑Stars; 2005 uses accurate 2004 season rosters.
- •Customization: 2005 includes a Create‑a‑Player tool and custom courts; 2000 has no such editor.
- •Online features: 2005 provides online leaderboards (no multiplayer); 2000 has no online components.
- •Release date: 2000 released in 1999, 2005 released in 2004, meaning newer engine and physics in 2005.
- •Developer: 2000 by EA Sports; 2005 by EA Canada, indicating a shift in development team.
Pricing & value
Both cost $49.99 one‑time, offering comparable price points.
Gameplay & fun factor
2005 adds player creation, custom courts, and dynamic AI, expanding gameplay variety.
Platform availability
Neither lists specific platforms; both note limited availability.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support split‑screen; 2000 has no online, 2005 also lacks online multiplayer, so equal.
Content & replayability
2000’s unlockable Legend All‑Stars across five decades add historic depth not present in 2005.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both rated ESRB E and have similar season/career modes; no data on difficulty differences.
Graphics & performance
Both described as dated, but 2005 is five years newer, likely marginally better graphics.
Choose NBA Live 2000 if…
Fans who love historic NBA stars and want a classic simulation experience.
Choose NBA Live 2005 if…
Players seeking newer rosters, customization tools, and online leaderboards.
Common questions
Do either of the games support online multiplayer?
No. Both only support split‑screen local multiplayer; 2005 adds online leaderboards but no online play.
Which game has more player customization options?
NBA Live 2005 includes a Create‑a‑Player editor and custom courts; NBA Live 2000 has none.
Is there any difference in price?
Both are priced at $49.99 as a one‑time purchase.






