Gaming's reigning cross-platform baseball franchise plays through the 2009 pro season in the streamlined Major League Baseball 2K9. Overall, 2K9 is designed to be more accessible and easier to control than recent 2K baseball games. Compared to the previous year's game, pitching controls rely more on the accuracy of the thumbstick than on the timing of the release. Timing is no longer everything in the hitting mechanics, either, as players can simply hold the thumbstick back until they are ready to swing in 2K9, with no need for a preliminary backswing step. Fielding and base-running controls are more accessible as well. Along with high-definition graphics, the PlayStation 3 and xbox 360 editions of MLB 2K9 offer a number of enhancements for Internet-connected players. Building on an updated edition of the dense statistics system that drives the series' Major League realism, the game's "Living Rosters" feature can automatically trade and players in the video game to match the roster changes made by actual teams, throughout the 2009 season. Players can edit together highlight reels from their own games, adding graphics and sound effects for a true TV-style presentation, and then upload them to the 2K Sports website. A slew of in-game accomplishments are acknowledged as Xbox Achievements and PS3 Trophies2K9 also aims to provide a realistic ballpark experience, for gamers on any platform. Leading off the line-up of aesthetic enhancements is an "living world" presentation that allows players to move seamlessly from the dugout to the batter's box, as umpires, coaches, players, and other personnel perform their own actions naturally in the background. The in-game Topps brand trading card system returns with updates as well. In the broadcast booth, the team of Gary Thorne calling the action and Steve Phillips providing color commentary is new to the series in 2K9